Eddie Jones' England - What Will It Look Like?

It was clear from the moment that he took the role as England's head coach that this will be ‘Eddie Jones’ England’. England Rugby in 2016, and beyond, will be a team of players and management that beats to the sound of his drum and one that answers to him, and him alone. 

This is something that we are sure of, however in terms of any of the other particulars - his captain, his squad and his playing philosophy we are all in still largely the dark. What we do know is that Eddie wants to ensure that England go back to their heartland of a rock solid set piece and ferocious defence. However in terms of the key area of scrutiny and focus, attack, Eddie has simply said that he will shape a game plan around the players that he has at his available to him. Of course this makes total sense however, until he and indeed we, know who those players are then we cannot begin to dive into the detail of what England’s attacking philosophy might be. That said, if it has the ambition and flair that England showed in the last RBS 6 Nations, in particular during that thrilling finale against France, then I for one will be pleased.

As for the talent that may be housed in his first EPS squad, again that is an area that we can only speculate on. For the past few years we have all known the names that have been shoe-ins, individuals that unless they are injured were certain to make any England squad. However as the new man in charge Eddie has the opportunity to select whomever he wants from the Aviva Premiership, regardless of experience, track record or anything else surrounding an player. There are no shoe-ins and with this comes excitement as well as the unpredictability that I spoke about earlier. Now, in January 2016 no English qualified player in the Aviva Premiership is off the table, bar those that are injured, and it is an extremely talented pool to select from. 

Eddie’s role is one of the most exciting, and yet daunting, in World Rugby. He has every resource that he could need at his disposal, expect perhaps those players that are foreign based, however the one luxury that he does not have is time. The run into the RBS 6 Nations is always brief, historically England have a week in camp together before the first match and then endeavour to build form during the competition. This year's opening opponents will be more settled as although Scotland's World Cup ended in heartbreak, it was deemed to be a huge success while we all know what England's was deemed to be. 

Right now Eddie should be getting down to the nitty gritty of his squad for over the past month he should have seen enough to formulate his 'ideal XV' and squad. The question that we don't know is how much he'll select purely on current form versus what players have done in the jersey before? If form, in the purest sense, is the be all and end all, then we could see a very different England back line and conceivably one that runs from 9 to 15 a little like; Danny Care, Owen Farrell, Jack Nowell, Brad Barritt, Elliot Daly, Chris Ashton and Mike Brown. However what of Bath's players... they are currently part of a side that is struggling to find its feet however you cannot discount the talent and proven credit that Jonathan Joseph, Anthony Watson and George Ford have in an England jersey. Then we look to the forwards; who is Eddie’s out and out seven, for although he admitted to being ‘a bit naughty’ when he wrote about Chris Robshaw as a pundit back in September his views were strong and I doubt will have changed. The words were;

‘He is a six-and-a-half at best. He’s not hard over the ball and he’s not quick. He’s a useful player but he’s definitely not an out-and-out openside.’

Needless to say I don’t expect to see Chris wearing 7 in the RBS 6 Nations however for his outstanding work rate and contribution that he can give to any back-row I would like to see him in Eddie’s squad. Up front the rumour mill expects the return of Dylan Hartley at Hooker but is he to be captain as well? Then what of the second row and rest of the pack? 

The long and the short of it is that Eddie Jones has some serious thinking to do and pressure on his shoulders to nail it first time. He is expected to announce his EPS squad in just a week’s time and today, on the 6th January, there are just 31 days until the BT Murrayfield Stadium awaits Jones and his side for their first International encounter. For Jones time is of the essence and for the rest of us we must exercise a spot of patience ahead of a most intriguing few weeks and months. 

Aviva Premiership Round 8 Reflections

Round 8 of the Aviva Premiership may have been the lowest scoring round, thanks largely to the less than idea playing conditions, however it still delivered all of the little anecdotes and intriguing titbits that we love to analyse for the duration of the week leading into the next round. 

On Saturday afternoon Saracens raised the benchmark again with a second-half performance that blew the Leicester Tigers off the park. When it comes to forward play Richard Cockerill’s side are a proud bunch, a solid scrummage is their heartland, however they were taken to the cleaners. Saracens’ front three were mighty, particularly Petrus Du Plessis' scrummaging against Marcos Ayerza - the individual largely recognised as one of the most proficient loose-heads in the game. Saracens’ game-plan, and the way that they approach winning matches, may not be every individual’s cup of tea however they don’t care one jot. Why should they when they’ve won 8 out of 8 domestic matches and are closing in on a Premiership record for the most consecutive wins? It goes without saying that with every game played all of their England qualified players are improving their chances of making Eddie Jones’ squad and with individuals like Schalk Burger joining the mix next season life is pretty sweet at Saracens HQ right now. 

On New Year’s Day the Exeter Chiefs arrived at Franklin’s Gardens however appeared to have left their form back at Sandy Park. Of course the conditions weren’t conductive to the type of attacking rugby that we have been enjoying from Rob Baxter’s side however all around they just looked a little off colour. What was pleasing to see was Rob Baxter’s approach to this afterwards, there was no panic and no hysteria. Instead he was candid and honest saying that even he couldn’t quite put his finger on why his side didn’t click. Sometimes in sport it just doesn't click and there isn't rhyme or reason as to why... one sub standard performance from the Exeter Chiefs doesn’t make them a bad team and I believe that they’ll be back firing again at home against Gloucester Rugby in Round 9. 

The final observation that I have is the fact that Eddie Jones has a veritable sweet shop of talent to play with. In spite of a few cruel injuries to individuals like Henry Slade, Dave Attwood and Ed Slater, the calibre of individual available to the Australian is high. If you look across the park, a few positions excluded, there are an abundance individuals that could take the jersey and run with it. At this point in time players are waiting to see if Eddie and his management deem them to be ‘the right sort’, the sort that will fit the Jones philosophy. Danny Cipriani’s Round 8 Man Of The Match performance again sparked discussion about the merits that he could bring to an England jersey, then what of Owen Farrell's form, George Ford's ability and more? James Haskell was very clear about his England intentions when he re-signed at Wasps, Elliot Daly, Joe Simpson, Matt Kvesic and others will all feel that they have merit a shot at it and then what of those individuals that wore the shirts in the Rugby World Cup?

The selection decisions that Eddie has in front of him are numerous and vital; how does he find balance in his back-row? Who does he give the 10 jersey to and who joins that man at 9? What of the much discussed centres? Is Dylan Hartley his hooker and Captain? Needless to say there are questions galore and players still have a chance to influence his decision making with big Premiership and European matches this weekend... I like everyone else will be watching this space with very great interest.  

Aviva Premiership Round 8 Review - New Year's Resolutions?

Once again the Great British weather did its best to thwart our Aviva Premiership weekend. In spite of the conditions the rugby, for the most part, defied the odds and we had an enjoyable weekend of action. Notably Saracens' pack annihilated the Leicester Tigers at Allianz Park, the Newcastle Falcons gained their first victory over Bath Rugby at Kingston Park since October 2003 and both Gloucester Rugby and the Worcester Warriors achieved handsome comebacks - with only one ending victorious. With that short and sweet overview let's dive into the detail of Round 8 of the Aviva Premiership. 

The rugby stated bright and breezy on New Year's Day where Northampton Saints headed into the game with all of the pressure on their shoulders after a Boxing Day loss to London Irish. Conversely the Exeter Chiefs were the form team of the competition having dropped only two points in the last six domestic rounds. However on a wet New Year’s Day the form book went out the window as the home side put in a strong defensive effort that nullified the Chiefs and gained their fourth domestic victory. It wasn’t a beautiful game, far from it, in attack the Saints still didn’t have the answers however their pack did the business and they’ve set a winning platform to work on. Exeter weren’t themselves, Rob Baxter admitted that he ‘couldn't put his finger on why’ afterwards however sometimes that happens in sport - they are still in a great position and will regroup before heading back to Sandy Park. Standout performances from Mikey Haywood and Tom Collins were the highlights on an otherwise fairly forgettable Premiership affair. 

In a Kingsholm mud fest that any festival would be proud of Gloucester Rugby hosted London Irish. The visitors were the quicker of the two sides to start; Ciaran Hearn crossed for his first try in Exiles' colours and then Alex Lewington brilliantly took a sweetly struck cross field kick from Chris Noakes. Irish were looking good however in the second-half Gloucester's pack took hold and the home side showed the confidence and endeavour of one that are more secure in their own skin. Overall tries from Matt Kvesic and Billy Burns added to 17-points from James Hook's boot to secure the victory. The Welsh International yet had another eye catching performance to add to his one at Big Game 8 and with every game played it is clicking a little more for the Cherry and Whites.

At Kingston Park the Newcastle Falcons welcomed Bath Rugby to town and recorded their first-ever victory over the visitors at home since October 2003. This is yet another indication that in this competition anything can happen and certainly mixes things up at the foot of the table. Bath Rugby will be frustrated and annoyed with themselves, their discipline still continues to plague them as do the personal errors that they just can't shake off. Conversely although the Falcons missed points their Director of Rugby thought that 'they came up with the goods and deserved it'. If there was ever going to be a time to record a big win then this was it ahead of their stand off with Irish. For Bath Rugby the questions will now come in thick and fast, just what isn't working? How can it be fixed? They'll need to find some answers as they have a Champions Cup meeting with Toulon to contend with next and the three time European Champions aren't a forgiving bunch. 

The match at the AJ Bell Stadium between the Sale Sharks and Wasps was another that was played in conditions that you can only be described as 'less than ideal'. The visitors have a backline that can thrill however in the wind and rain weren't able to do so. In contrast the Manchester based home side are a little more used to the elements and had the back bone to nudge out the fixture. Danny Cipriani's boot was the source of all Sale's 15-points and his Man of the Match reward was thoroughly deserved. Both sides had try-scoring opportunities in the opening half however neither Sam Tuitupou nor Rob Miller both could finish the job. It wasn't always a free flowing game of rugby however that won't trouble Steve Diamond in the slightest however for Wasps their winless Premiership run continues and that will be of slight concern to Dai Young. 

At Allianz Park Saracens produced an almighty second-half performance to send the Leicester Tigers back up the M1 with nothing in their pockets. The performance of Mark McCall's pack was one of the strongest that we've seen from any Premiership side as they took the Leicester pack to the cleaners. The net result was a five-pointer from Jamie George and three penalty tries in total; the home side played the conditions well and like they've done many times before inflicted a strangle hold on their opponents. Losing both Tom Croft and Ed Slater to injuries didn't help the visitors at all, as they are key experienced men, however overall the Tigers lacked the bite required. Richard Cockerill was philosophical after the match and said that it would be an 'uncomfortable week for all at the Club' ahead of their Derby Day but you sense that they had one eye on that match anyway with their selection.

The final match of the weekend, indeed the only Sunday fixture, was at Sixways where the Worcester Warriors welcomed Harlequins to town. This was a thriller that included 5 tries in total and the home side coming back from 3-24 down to the final score of 20-24. Harlequins started the better of the two sides with Charlie Walker showcasing his electric feet, twice, and Luke Wallace finishing a driving maul score however Dean Ryan's side weren't done. Ryan Mills' kicking out of hand was putting them in all of the right areas; Marco Mama started the try-scoring, followed by a penalty try and another of from Phil Dowson - had Mills' conversion landed for the final Dowson try we could have been in for a box office drop-goal finish however it never reached the target and Harlequins held on for a very hard-earned victory on the road. 

Aviva Premiership Round 8 Preview - Start As You Mean To Go On

While some will be nursing the mother of all hangovers on New Year’s Day and wishing that they'd taken it a little bit easier the night before I, smugly, will not be one!! Instead I'll be winging my way to Franklin's Gardens for the start of Round 8 of the Aviva Premiership and all our domestic teams will be endeavouring to start their year as they mean to go on, victorious. 

Due to later start to the season we are not yet half-way through the competition and in 2016 the presence of the RBS 6 Nations has the potential to be quite a major curveball. This year there are 7 domestic rounds during the course of the competition and who knows which players Eddie Jones will be calling up to his squad. However, before we get too carried away let’s take it back to the here and now and focus on the next set of six matches and Round 8 of the competition. 

The Northampton Saints have the honour of kicking of 2016 by hosting the Exeter Chiefs at Franklin’s Gardens. The home side’s season hasn’t been close to where they would like it and I think that it is fair to say they're frustrated. Conversely the Exeter Chiefs are the best team in the competition over the last six rounds, having dropped only two possible league points in that period. Rob Baxter is dealing with a suite of injuries of which Damian Welch is the latest, joining Henry Slade, Luke Cowan-Dickie and Dave Ewers on the sidelines however their squad depth is holding well. This match will be a test of every facet of Saints’ game, Exeter have a pack to match their hosts and we all know what the visitors’ backs can do with ball in hand. We all know what Saints can do if they put their whole game on the park however the form book points at Exeter Chiefs prevailing away from home. 

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David Humprehys’ Gloucester Rugby played their part in a thrilling Round 7 fixture at Twickenham Stadium and back on home soil they'll be looking to go one better and gain the victory. London Irish gained their first four-points in the competition against the Northampton Saints and this weekend we’ll see just how much of an impact that has had on their confidence. Both sides have powerful back rows that I’m looking forward to seeing go against each other, whichever iterations their respective Directors of Rugby choose to select, and out the back we’ll see the wheels fly. For the Exiles Sean Maitland impressed me at full-back against Saints and centre Johnny Williams is growing with every game, this one will be a test for the 19-year old against far more experienced opposition however he handling Saints handsomely. Back on home soil the Shed will roar their side on and I hope that we see the best of both sides in order to make it a wholly competitive affair that contains wealth of positive rugby. 

At Kingston Park the Newcastle Falcons will host Bath Rugby. Last weekend the Falcons struggled with their patience against the Leicester Tigers and will want to rectify this on home soil. Bath Rugby recorded a well needed victory against the Worcester Warriors however haven’t yet won back-to-back domestic matches this term. If I was Mike Ford I would continue with the side that delivered their Round 7 victory and use the weekend to rest others given their outrageously large January calendar that includes Toulon twice, Leinster and Saracens. If he wants, Dean Richards has a new fly-half to field, and I expect that Andy Goode will be part of the match day squad. Whether Andy starts or not will depend on how up to speed he is after just a week however a man of his experience can only add value. Bath have won on their last 10 visits to Kingston Park since their last defeat there in October 2003 and if they play to their potential should delivered number 11 but the Falcons will be gunning of a point at the very last, perhaps more. 

Down at Allianz Park Saracens will welcome the Leicester Tigers to town. The approach that Saracens take to winning games may not be loved by everybody however the fact of the matter is that they are unbeaten after seven rounds of domestic rugby. This season the Leicester Tigers are a side reborn, although their Round 7 outing wasn’t their most beautiful of the season, they are strides ahead of this time last year. There are plenty of individual match ups and England potentials to watch out for in this one; Mako Vunipola v Dan Cole, Jamie George v Tom Youngs and Richard Wigglesworth v Ben Youngs to name but a few. Needless to say I expect Eddie Jones to be in attendance, or at least watching very closely, and this to be a niggly affair because neither are terribly fond of the other!

DC - always one to watch 

Both teams at the AJ Bell Stadium will be looking to bounce back from their respective Round 7 losses as the Sale Sharks face Wasps. Last weekend Steve Diamond’s side were in it for 60 minutes but just lost a touch of focus and the Exeter Chiefs capitalised. The same can be said for Wasps as they let slip two tries in four second-half minutes against Saracens. As always is the case when these two sides meet my eyes will be transfixed on two elements; the breakdown battle between the two back-rows and the form of Danny Cipriani. My hope is that both sides choose to play rugby and let their back lines loose for if they do we will be in for an entertaining game. 

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The final game of the weekend, and indeed the only Sunday fixture, will be between the Worcester Warriors hosing Harlequins. Dean Ryan’s side were physically imposing last weekend against Bath Rugby however struggled at the set piece and against Harlequins’ forward pack may do so again. Harlequins were guilty of playing a spot too much against Gloucester Rugby at Twickenham Stadium however there is no denying the power within their ranks. Will Conor O’Shea mix his selection up slightly? Potentially if individuals are bumped and bruised following their 39-39 encounter however he’ll be preparing his side thoroughly for their trip to Sixways. Dean Ryan is continuing to impress on his side the importance of picking up points from every single outing, he is well aware of the importance of every single table point be it from a victory, try scoring bonus or a losing bonus and this weekend the objective will be to come away with a minimum of one from their home outing. 

Full Fixture List

Fri 2 Jan - Northampton Saints v Exeter Chiefs (Franklin’s Gardens, 3pm)

Sat 2 Jan - Gloucester Rugby v London Irish (Kingsholm, 3pm) 

Sat 2 Jan - Newcastle Falcons v Bath Rugby (Kingston Park, 3pm) BT Sport

Sat 2 Jan - Saracens v Leicester Tigers (Allianz Park, 3.15pm) 

Sat 2 Jan - Sale Sharks v Wasps (AJ Bell Stadium 5.30pm) BT Sport

Sun 3 Jan - Worcester Warriors v Harlequins (Sixways, 3pm) BT Sport

Aviva Premiership Round 7 - A Very Big Game & Vital Victories

The domestic calendar year signed off in style as Round 7 contained a very Big Game at Twickenham Stadium, vital victories for London Irish and Bath Rugby and at the Ricoh Arena Saracens maintained their unbeaten record. 

Across the country individuals continued to put their hands up for International recognition and no doubt England's new forwards coach Steve Borthwick was given ample food for thought at Sandy Park. My understanding is that Eddie Jones is set to name his EPS squad on the 13th January and as that date draws ever closer the stakes increase for those in contention. For now let's park the International intrigue and instead focus on what was an enthralling round of Aviva Premiership rugby. 

It had been 3 years, 2 months and 20 days since London Irish had beaten the Northampton Saints in any competition and what a time to do it! The Exiles’ start of the year has been one of the toughest of all however on Saturday afternoon, over the balance of the full eighty minutes,  they thoroughly deserved their opening points of the season. The first-half was all about the home side, they played sensible rugby dominating the territory and physically abating Saints. Just prior to, and after half-time, the Saints started to launch their counter and the result was three consecutive tries however Irish weren’t ready to give up on this one. Tom Coventry’s men rode out a period with Aseli Tikoirotuma in the sin bin and then launched their final charge and when Jamie Gibson was given yellow the Saints chose to go into their final scrummage a man short. The result was a penalty try that not only took the match but also lifted the Exiles off the bottom of the table. For the Northampton Saints further soul searching is required as they still don’t look like the Saints of old. Key Men: Chris Noakes for steering London Irish into the right areas of the field & a notable mention for the entire pack delivering that last penalty try. 

Dean Richards' Newcastle Falcons started strongly against the Leicester Tigers at Welford Road however couldn't maintain their early form. The visitors were wholly competitive early on however as their Director of Rugby said they lost their patience and their ill discipline again proved to be a challenge for their endeavour. The match was riddled with groundings/non-groundings; Freddie Burns' pinpoint crossfield kick to Telusa Veainu was spilled over the line however Veainu atoned and scored off the next play. Matthew Tait was also deemed to drop the ball over the line and at half-time the scoreboard read 10-10.  However in the second half Peter Betham found his way through and Laurence Pearce added a second for the home side. Leicester's day was dominated by missed opportunities and they could have had a bonus point with the last play of the game however they misfired and settled for the victory instead. Key Man: Freddie Burns' performance at 10 will please both the fly-half and his head coach as he settles back into domestic life after injury and his crossfield kick was Ruan Pienaar esque.

Once again both the Exeter Chiefs and Sale Sharks were greeted by testing conditions at Sandy Park with the wind howling a gale. By all accounts the elements didn't spoil what was a captivating affair as both sides were evenly matched for sixty of the eighty minutes. Of the seven tries in total the pick of the bunch were Josh Beaumont stretching his rangy legs from just beyond half-way, Will Chudley sniping away for a double and James Short's 68th minute score that swung the balance of the game. The Sharks suffered from a spot of late imprecision that took the result away from them however Steve Diamond knows that his young side will learn from this game while Exeter brushed off their French woes well and head into Round 8 in second-place in the table. Key Man: Scrum-half Will Chudley had a blinder of a day, delivering lightning quick service from the base of rucks and sniping with great effect

At the start of the season four points for Bath Rugby against the Worcester Warriors was considered to be a given however after the start to the year that they’d had Sunday’s Premiership victory was a significant one. Mike Ford had held firm and rotated his squad giving Rhys Priestland his first club debut at 10 and changing 9 of his starting XV to the one that played against Wasps in the Champions Cup. The Warriors were wholly competitive throughout, we expect nothing less of them now, however certain areas let them down - their scrummage in particular. The match itself was far from a vintage affair, instead penalties were the order of the day expect for Horacio Agulla's first-class finish in the far left-hand corner of The Rec.  Across both sides individuals stepped up, Chis Cook had a belting day at the office from nine delivering Priestland with the quick service needed and for the visitors Phil Dowson gave the game everything he had and more. Overall Bath's cohesion going forwards remains far from where it was however for them Sunday's match was all about the victory. Key Man: His work may not be seen on the scoreboard however the ball carrying of David Denton was impressive and vital in Bath's back-row

At the Ricoh Arena the Saracens' juggernaut continued to press on as Mark McCall's side made Wasps pay with a potent second-half spell. The opening half was dominated by both sides kicking the leather off the ball in a bid to force the mistake and gain the territory. Saracens dominated the set piece, gaining multiple penalties and Maro Itoje was disrupting Wasps' usual rock solid lineout. At 9-9 the game was precariously poised however Saracens then produced two quick tries; the first from Duncan Taylor who stormed through a gap off first phase possession. The second was an opportunist score off a loose Wasps' ball, this time Duncan Taylor did the honours to put Owen Farrell in for the try. The double blow was ultimately too much for Wasps to come back from, Frank Halai gained a consolation score, however Saracens used their experience to see the game out and remain unbeaten in seven domestic rounds. Key Man: Saracens' Maro Itoje was awarded the MOTM award for a reason, his ability to disrupt Wasps' lineout and overall physicality will turn heads, not for the first time.  

The final match of the weekend was in front of 70,718 people at Twickenham Stadium  where Harlequins hosted Gloucester Rugby and it more than lived up to its 'Big Game' title. Just where do you start with a game that contained 10 tries in total and finished 39-39? Well it would be remiss of me not to mention Rob Cook's sensational solo try on 67 minutes - one of the best individual scores that we've seen this season however his score was just one of six in the second-half. Credit must go to the home side for what Conor O'Shea called their 'mental durability' to get themselves back and draw the match from eight-points down with a little over ten minutes to go. Gloucester Rugby's day was bitter sweet, the positives being the tries that they scored however seeing Henry Trinder gain another injury and both John Afoa and Jonny May leave the field will concern. If you've got a free 80 minutes then I suggest that you view this one in full for there is so much to take in; Matt Kvesic's individual performance will turn heads, James Hook delivered his best eighty of some time and for Harlequins Danny Care had a captain's day at the office leading by example. Key Man: Matt Kvesic will have impressed many especially given a certain member of his opposing back row and Jamie Roberts' impact was evident throughout as he punched holes galore, a strong Premiership debut from the Welsh International. 

#ThrowbackThursday - A Big Game & More

In this week’s festive Throwback Thursday we take at look back at a couple of the corresponding fixtures from previous seasons including a Big Game at Twickenham Stadium and Wasps hosting Saracens at the Ricoh Arena. 

Harlequins' Big Game has been an annual fixture in the Premiership Rugby calendar since 2008 and this year Conor O’Shea’s side will take on Gloucester Rugby. The home side’s current victory tally at Big Games is an even one; they’ve won three, drawn one and lost three. Last year the Northampton Saints were victorious by 30-25 however the year prior the home side delivered a strong display, 22-6, against the Exeter Chiefs and that is the match that we are going to reflect back on.

Prior to Big Game 6 there was just one point separating fourth-placed Quins from the  Exeter Chiefs in fifth however on the day there was really just one team in it as Harlequins excelled at the Big Stoop. Nick Evans’ early try set the tone of the match and it is fair to say that Harlequins could have had many more points on the board had they converted their early chances. That said the home team continued to pressurise the Chiefs' defensive line and eventually the tries arrived with Charlie Walker the next to dot down and Mike Brown delivering the third. 

In the second-half an early Gareth Steenson penalty abated things slightly however Harlequins turned the screw, particularly, at the set-piece and went on the charge again. Those that were there that day will remember that it was a purposeful performance by Harlequins and given their much stronger start to this domestic season I'm expecting big things from Conor O'Shea's side this Christmas time too. 

The last time that Wasps and Saracens met it was Round 17 of the 2014-15 Aviva Premiership Season and Wasps were endeavouring to keep their unbeaten home record in tact. It was a match in which Alex Goode stepped into the fly-half role and, not for the first time, excelled by scoring 16 of Saracens’ 20 points. 

Wasps had the early upper hand having romped to a 17-3 lead after just 15 minutes. Christian Wade delivered one of the finishes of the season down the right-hand win, a finish that still defies belief and certainly deserves another look (here). Elliot Daly then showed the Ricoh Arena crowd what he could do by slicing Saracens’ defence to pieces from inside his own half and it was looking very rosy for the men in black and gold. However Saracens weren't chasing the semi-finals for nothing and their reaction was as emphatic and impressed as Wasps’ opening tries. 

Mark McCall’s side went onto score 23 unanswered points in what was described in their own match report as ‘a phenomenal display of controlled, physical and tactically astute rugby’ and to be honest I have to agree having been there at the time. Needless to say this match was an indication of Saracens’ ability to remain totally calm under pressure and force opponents to make mistakes and play into their hands. 

With Wasps’ significant European victory over Bath Rugby still fresh in all of our minds and Saracens’ remaining unbeaten this competitive season the stage is set for another gripping encounter. Wasps must hold their nerve in the face of a side that are brimming with confidence knowing that, to date, no-one in Europe has been able to break them down and Saracens will want to finish the calendar year with another head-turning victory. 

Out On The Full Vlog 3 - Festive Fun

It is Vlog time!! This week's is a slightly festive edition complete with a few fair lights in the background and the occasional turkey reference! The heart of the Vlog looks at the European weekend just gone and then dives into the Aviva Premiership action that is en route this festive season. As always let me know your thoughts by commenting or dropping me a tweet;

Back Rows & Worcester Warriors - Leroy Houston

Over the past few seasons the importance of the back rows has been highlighted more than ever. It seems that, in England especially, we are forever talking about the 'balance of a back row' and debating what that entails. 

With the Aviva Premiership Round 7 fast approaching I took the opportunity to speak to a man that knows all about a back row, Bath Rugby's Leroy Houston and dive a little into the details. Of course there is the small matter of a domestic crunch match coming up for his side and we also spoke about the task ahead for the side that find themselves in an unfamiliar table position and that have just a touch of pressure on their shoulders. Enjoy the audio below;

Aviva Premiership Round 7 - Tis The Season To Be Jolly

Season’s Greetings! After two weeks of European action our old friend the Aviva Premiership returns to guide us merrily through the festive period. It is fair to say that the European Champions and Challenge Cups delivered a mixed bag of results for our Premiership sides and right now every team knows just how important this final round of the calendar year is. 

On Boxing Day the Madjeski Stadium will be the first to open its doors as London Irish welcome the Northampton Saints. London Irish should be feeling slightly better than they did after the end of Round 6 after Europe delivered their first win of the year and an encouraging performance on the road last weekend. The Northampton Saints struggled in Paris and although they were much more competitive on home soil Jim Mallinder’s side still need to up their game particularly in attack. Yes, I know that on this point I sound like a broken record, however when you have the likes of George North, the Pisi brothers and Ben Foden in your backline I expect more. The sensible prediction is that the visitors will prevail however what a Christmas boost it would be if Irish could gain their first Premiership win of the season. 

The question prior to the Leicester Tigers’ European back-to-backs was whether or not they’d be able to step it up another gear and manage the intense atmosphere of Thomond Park? Needless to say they did and look in fine fettle heading back in the domestic competition. This weekend just gone the Newcastle Falcons enjoyed what Dean Richards described as their ‘best victory of the season’ against Connacht Rugby and it was a match that included 24 unanswered second-half points. That said you cannot look past the home side; this season Leicester are everything that we wanted them to be last and Aaron Mauger still believes that they have much more to give. 

The third and final Boxing Day match is at Sandy Park where the Exeter Chiefs will host the Sale Sharks. Rob Baxter’s men must show great bounce-back ability after their punishing outing at the Stade Marcel-Michelin and endeavour not to suffer from a European hangover. In contrast the Sale Sharks should be a happy bunch as their squad delivered the double over Castres and did so through giving squad members game time meaning that their preferred XV will be fresh and ready. Exeter have lost just once at home since September 2014 and the last time that these two met their the Chiefs ran out comfortable 44-16 victors. However, the question is how much damage will that pummelling in France have done to them both mentally and physically?

On Sunday the rugby starts at the Ricoh Arena where Wasps will host Saracens in what should be one of the matches of the weekend. Saracens have won their last eight fixtures with Wasps in all competitions however after the performance that Dai Young’s side delivered at The Recreation Ground they have the potential to ruffle a few feathers. This match will certainly be one for Eddie Jones to enjoy and will provide another opportunity for a number of in form players to remind him of their potential. Elliot Daly, Alex Goode, James Haskell, Owen Farrell and both Vunipola brothers in particular will want to show their worth and if Wasps deliver to their capabilities then this will be one of the sternest tests of Saracens' unbeaten record that they’ve had this competitive season. 

At 2.30pm referee Tom Foley will blow his whistle to commence the game at The Recreation Ground between Bath Rugby and the Worcester Warriors. Prior to the start of the season this match would have been a simple result to call however now there is a touch of pressure on the home side and Worcester will smell apprehension. The Warriors’ two European losses isn’t an indication of their form, Dean Ryan has been open in saying that his squad isn’t large enough to compete full bore on both fronts so they rested their first choice individuals over the past few weeks. For Bath Rugby this week has been one of ‘delving into the detail' after they were humbled on home soil against Wasps.  The home side must win the physical battle and play with a confidence that they may not truly feel but embody the philosophy 'fake it till you make it'. Needless to say the pressure is on the home side having won just one of their last four home games. Leroy Houston and Mike Ford afforded me with some clarity regrading their preparations this week watch out for the Out On The Full article coming shortly. 

At Twickenham Stadium Harlequins will host their annual Big Game fixture and this year their opponents are Gloucester Rugby. There is a buzz around Harlequins at the moment after productive start to the season in all competitions. Gloucester Rugby used their European Challenge Cup fixtures to find a spot of continuity and will be better for their two consecutive victories. Grieg Laidlaw continues to excel and from a selfish perspective I hope he will be selected to clash with Danny Care. Jamie Roberts marked his Quins debut with a try and if selected (!) will hope that this time he lasts the full eighty on the Twickenham turf, unlike the varsity match. Personally I believe that home advantage will assist Harlequins to their fourth Big Game victory since the match’s inception and at Wednesday's media day I’ll be speaking with Chris Robshaw about the forthcoming fixture. 

Round 7 Match Facts & Stats

• Harlequins Tim Visser is currently Premiership Rugby's top finisher with 5 tries in 4 appearances
• The Top 5 Premiership Rugby kickers all have percentages of 82% plus with Newcastle Falcons' Mike Delany leading the way with a cool 93% - 13 from 14. 
• Charlie Hodgson continues to extend his lead at the top of the Premiership's All Time Leading Points Scorers with 2,525.
• Welford Road will host its first Boxing Day clash since Bedford Blues were the visitors in Premiership Rugby in 1998

Out On The Full - Champions Cup Feature Match

Often European victories on the road are few and far between however, this year, Wasps are making a habit of going away and spoiling parties. Dai Young's side's victory was as emphatic as they come and puts their European destiny in their own hands. For Bath Rugby it was a sobering day and one that made last weekend's win seem a world away. 

All of the things that Dai Young was unhappy about at the Ricoh Arena were rectified by his side and they did so with gusto. Instead of playing too much rugby in their own half they worked the territory with ease, courtesy of the superb kicking game of Jimmy Gopperth. Last weekend they didn't show their hand in attack, this time they did from the opening kick-off when Elliot Daly marauded up field with a run that screamed 'Hi Eddie Jones, I'm Elliot, nice to meet you!!' Wasps kept their discipline well and in the first-half were dominant at the scrummage - all of the elements that you need to produce a comfortable and impressive lead. 

Conversely Bath Rugby weren't allowed into their stride such was the defensive work rate and line speed of Wasps. The men in white had all of the answers to Bath's attacking play and the very slow ball from Niko Matawalu hindered any true progress, needless to say Peter Stringer is being greatly missed. When Stringer was around the service  to George Ford was crisp, clean and lightning quick and that allowed Bath to set up early and always be on the front foot. Now the ball is much slower while Niko decides what to do, or tells those around him what he wants them to do, and that means that opponents are ready and waiting. 

I asked Mike Ford after the game what he thought was missing from his side and his answer was honest and clear; 

"I just think belief really, we are a bit fragile aren’t we? Although we won last week, to go from 7-0 up to 7-23 down is not great. Our scrum was a big problem but there were others things as well. So, a bit of belief there and a bit of leadership lacking as well. 

He shared that they are going to have a season review on Monday morning and ask 'all of the questions that need to be asked' but was very clear that he trusts his players 100% and the talent that they have. There is no question that this is difficult, and frustrating, period for the club but it is one that they need to get through. 

The mood at Farleigh House will be a stark contrast to the one at Wasps' Twyford Avenue Training Ground. In his own quiet way Dai Young was a happy man after his side's victory, and why wouldn't he be? His squad will be bouncing into the festive period and looking forward to testing themselves against the current Aviva Premiership leaders after Christmas.

In this match Elliot Daly, Joe Simpson and James Haskell all put their hands up in front of Eddie Jones and overall their squad looks strong and well composed. James' physicality was high and his combination with Nathan Hughes and George Smith goes from strength to strength. Joe Simpson was back to his sparky best and unlike Niko Matawalu delivered superb service for Jimmy Gopperth and finally Elliot Daly was the stand out player on the field. According to his Head Coach Daly is growing as a player and now 'doing the simple stuff well' alongside adding the 'stardust' and should be a shoe-in to Eddie Jones' England squad. 

It was yet another brilliant European day at the office for Wasps and a difficult one to watch for all concerned at Bath Rugby. Pool 5 remains delicately poised, both sides have to face Toulon and Leinster and although Bath have a game in hand the Coventry based outfit will have all of the confidence and swagger of a side that knows they are playing well regardless of where they are in the world. 

Out On The Full - Champions Cup Feature Match

So here we are again, ready for another all Premiership European clash between Bath Rugby and Wasps. My expectation is that this match will surpass the last and of course the result is intrinsic to the composition of Pool 5, the pool that prior to the competition many thought Toulon would dominate, in spite of it being packed with previous winners. 

Of course the context to this game is last weekend’s match, this week the analysis will have been a touch easier as the match review will have become a side's preview. Neither team has changed their composition greatly therefore this second outing will be a test of both's tactical nous as well as nerve and physicality. 

Bath Rugby will be entering this match feeling better than they have done in a while and I expect that this week's training has been eminently more enjoyable than some they've had in recent weeks. On Sunday night things finally started to click for Mike Ford's side and gaining the result in the manner in which they did should have boosted their confidence no end. 

Wasps, well they are arriving at the Recreation Ground with a point to prove to themselves. Dai Young's men started Europe in empathic fashion and showed us exactly what they are capable of however since haven't reached the same standards. Last weekend their Director of Rugby wasn't totally content with his squad's performance and I expect the team to notch their levels up gear today. 

So the question is how and where will this game be won? With the weather being seasonably mild and no rain scheduled for the time of kick-off I expect both sides to press for points. We all know that this is the Bath way and it is also the ambition of Wasps especially when they are fielding a backline that includes Frank Halai on one wing and Charles Piutau in the other. Neither wingers are afraid to come and look for work, Charles especially, and both will be lethal off turnover ball. George Ford and Niko Matawalu will have plenty to think about with their respective kicking games, I don’t expect it to be a problem for Ford, however Matawalu has to be considered with his exits and box kicking.

Diving back into both backlines, personally, I want to see the ‘flair’ players really open up and express themselves. Of course today's game is yet another shop window for Eddie Jones to take notice and I'm sure he'll be watching with interest. As you’d expect from someone of his calibre Jonathan Joseph has slotted in seamlessly after his injury time out and I believe that he has another gear to go into which we hopefully will see today. For Wasps Joe Simpson was relatively quite last weekend, he must step up for I believe the scrum-half is the type that Eddie Jones would want playing for England and likewise Elliot Daly. Both sides need to ensure that when they press forwards and enter the opposition's 22 they take points from it, ideally five or more, for both have been guilty of wasting opportunities in recent matches. 

The physical nature of the game at the Ricoh will be replicated, especially with the movement of Matt Garvey into the second row and Leroy Houston playing on the blindside. As a trio James Haskell, George Smith and Nathan Hughes worked superbly well together last weekend and should replicate, or perhaps surpass this, today. Of course the set piece will be fascinating as ever, Romain Poite is an experience referee and Bath especially know how important it is to read him correctly and get on his good side! Personnel wise Matt Mullan will want to get stuck into David Wilson from an England perspective and Nick Auterac will have Italian Lorenzo Cittadini to contend with. 

The long and the short of this match is that we are going to see two fired up sides ready to show the crowd at the Recreation Ground, and those watching at home, what they are made of. Bath must be smart with their possession and ensure they are clinical with their finishing and Wasps must play slightly less rugby than they did last weekend and instead gain better territory and work from there. As always it will be a fascinating clash between two Premiership sides that are getting to know each other very well, matches between them in any competition are some of the most enjoyable that I watch, and the result will go a long way towards determining the make-up of Pool 5. 

Opta Match Facts

• Bath Rugby have won 6 of their lsat 7 Champions Cup fixtures and have won their last 3 at home
• Wasps have won 3 of their last 4 matches away from home in the Champions Cup and by a margin of 15+ points on each occasion
• Matt Mullan has made more tackles, without missing one, than any other player in the competition so far - 36. 
• George Ford has already notched up 24 points in the competition however the fly-half on Wasps’ bench Ruaridh Jackson has 39. 

Bath Rugby: 15 Anthony Watson 14 Semesa Rokoduguni13 Jonathan Joseph 12 Kyle Eastmond 11 Matt Banahan 10 George Ford  9 Niko Matawalu 1 Nick Auterac 2 Ross Batty 3 David Wilson 4 Matt Garvey 5 Dave Attwood 6 Leroy Houston 7 Francois Louw (C) 8 David Denton Replacements: 16 Rob Webber 17 Max Lahiff 18 Henry Thomas 19 Charlie Ewels 20 Guy Mercer 21 Chris Cook 22 Rhys Priestland 23 Tom Homer

Wasps: 15 Rob Miller 14 Frank Halai 13 Elliot Daly 12 Ben Jacobs 11 Charles Piutau 10 Jimmy Gopperth 9 Joe Simpson 1 Matt Mullan 2 Ashley Johnson 3 Lorenzo Cittadini 4 Joe Launchbury 5 Bradley Davies 6 James Haskell (C) 7 George Smith 8 Nathan Hughes Replacements: 16 Edd Shervington 17 Simon McIntyre 18 Phil Swainston 19 James Gaskell 20 Sam Jones 21 Dan Robson 22 Ruaridh Jackson 23 Alapati Leiua