Premiership Semi-Final - Exeter Chiefs vs. Wasps

In the second semi-final Exeter Chiefs are heading into uncharted waters but are happily doing so on home soil. Wasps’ recent domestic play-off experience isn’t much greater as they’re back into the Premiership play-off for the first time since 2008.

As I’m sure everyone remembers in Round 22 the Chiefs absolutely thumped Harlequins and scored 10-tries in the process but regardless Rob Baxter has chosen to freshen up his side. Ben Moon and Luke Cowan-Dickie come into the front-row; Geoff Parling replaces the injured Damian Welch while Don Armand has recovered from an elbow injury and is preferred at No 8 to Thomas Waldrom. In the backs Ian Whitten is given the nod at centre ahead of Sam Hill, while Olly Woodburn is selected ahead of James Short.

In my mind Rob choosing to mix up selection is a positive sign, for a couple of reasons. First, it shows the strength in depth that he has at his disposal because those starting this week are just as strong as those that ran out at The Stoop. Second, it provides a pool of players that will be itching to come off the bench and make an impact and third he’s set out his stall for a mobile and quick start and in a home play-off that’s vital for momentum. 

Wasps’ last outing was against London Irish therefore their personnel changes were expected. Earlier in the week it was a great shame to hear about Thomas Young’s injuries, hamstring and shoulder. After a stellar seaso, he deserved to take his place in this Premiership play-off and his mobility and athleticism in the loose would have been vital for Wasps. Jake Cooper-Woolley returns from injury in their front row and as you’d expect the back line remains in all of its glory; Robson, Gopperth, Halai, Piuatu, Daly, Wade, Piutau. 

(C) Paler Images 
Henry Slade will have a big role to play 
on home soil

With three previous meetings between the two they know each other well and we know just how exciting this Premiership play-off is going to be. Exeter’s form is the stronger of the two and with such an imperious home record, having lost just one at home since January 2015, they are favourites. Rob Baxter said to me at the beginning of the season that he wanted to get his players to May still playing rugby with a smile on their face and ready to take things to another level and he’s achieved that. 

Today Exeter have to channel the experience that they gained during the big games this season. In the back line as captain, and fly-half, Gareth Steenson must lead the game with distinction and Henry Slade has another opportunity to show Eddie Jones his worth and deliver those moments of brilliance that he makes look easy. In the forward pack it's a big opportunity for a fairly young front row to excel, Geoff Parling must provide a cool and experienced head the lineout and the back row need to endeavour to keep George Smith quiet. 

(C) Paler Images
Elliot Daly needs to raise his game
at Sandy Park

Wasps have played some of the most dynamic rugby of all this season, but recently dropped off slightly. In the final few rounds of the Premiership it looked like they were in need of a break and the hope will be that their two-week lead into this game has provided them with that time to freshen up. It’s vital that Wasps fire some early shots and get their attacking game moving, the magic that the likes of Halai, Wade and Piutau (either) can produce has to arrive. Last time that these two met we saw Wasps pacify Exeter’s driving maul, the weapon that pull them apart at the Ricoh, and they’ll need to continue to do this from the word go. As ever the influence of their back row will be king; George Smith knows a thing or two about knockout rugby, as does James Haskell and Nathan Hughes needs to get back to his sublime best at Sandy Park. It's the role of Wasps' ball carriers to get the front foot ball that their game plan craves and if they do then we'll see magic unfold out the back because that's what it will take to get around Chiefs' defence. 

At this point in the season there's no room for nerves or self doubt. It's a tough ask for Wasps to head to Sandy Park, especially after what happened the last time that they were there, but they have to arrive with a touch of swagger knowing how good they can be and show that. Exeter are in their groove right now and they have the comfort of being on home soil with fans that will be going absolutely nuts for them! The long and the short of it is that this should be a cracking semi-final because we've two sides that love to play positive attacking rugby combined with experienced and powerful packs.

Exeter Chiefs: 15 Phil Dollman 14 Jack Nowell 13 Henry Slade 12 Ian Whitten 11 Olly Woodburn 10 Gareth Steenson (C) 9 Will Chudley 1 Ben Moon 2 Luke Cowan-Dickie 3 Harry Williams 4 Mitch Lees 5 Geoff Parling 6 Dave Ewers 7 Julian Salvi 8 Don Armand Replacements: 16 Jack Yeandle 17 Alec Hepburn 18 Tomas Francis 19 Ollie Atkins 20 Thomas Waldrom 21 Dave Lewis 22 Sam Hill 23 James Short

Wasps: 15 Charles Piutau 14 Christian Wade 13 Elliot Daly 12 Siale Piutau 11 Frank Halai 10 Jimmy Gopperth 9 Dan Robson 1 Matt Mullan 2 Carlo Festuccia 3 Jake Cooper-Woolley 4 Joe Launchbury 5 Bradley Davies 6 James Haskell (C) 7 George Smith 8 Nathan Hughes Replacements: 16 Ashley Johnson 17 Simon McIntyre 18 Lorenzo Cittadini 19 Will Rowlands  20 Sam Jones 21 Joe Simpson 22 Ruaridh Jackson 23 Rob Miller

Premiership Semi-Final - Saracens vs. Leicester Tigers

Saracens return home to Allianz Park as European Champions and now have their sights firmly focused on doing the domestic and European double. A side that are veterans of the Premiership play-offs, Leicester Tigers, stand in their way and it’s fair to say it will take something remarkable from the Tigers to prevail at Allianz Park.  

Mark McCall has named the same starting XV that won last weekend's European Champions Cup, why wouldn’t you given the option!? Saracens outing against Racing 92 was a hugely physical game and it’s great to see that all are fit to take to the field again and ready to ride the wave of momentum that winning an European Final should provide. There’s only one change on the bench where Neil de Kock comes back after missing the final due to injury and he takes the place of Ben Spencer. 

Leicester’s elongated build up to the final, in comparison to their opponents, has given time for some key individuals to recover from injuries. Manu Tuilagi, Mike Fitzgerald and Brendon O’Connor all return to the starting line-up and each should have a significant impact on proceedings. Elsewhere Ben Youngs and Owen Williams continue their strong partnership at half-back and the industrous Dom Barrow and Graham Kitchener will have their hands full contending with Maro Itoje and George Kruis in the second-row. 

Without doubt Saracens are strong favourites for this semi-final, they’re packed with confidence, full of energy and whether you like their style or not they’re playing winning rugby and are the best side in Europe. Within the game there are a good number of individual duels to watch out for. First and foremost the contest at the scrummage between Dan Cole and Mako Vunipola will be fascinating because they know each other extremely well and each will be looking to out fox the other. Next I’m intrigued to see which of the two sevens will cause the most disruption at the breakdown because both Will Fraser and Brendon O’Connor like to scavenge and hunt for the ball. Obviously Will has the benefit of more recent game time but Brendon has the potential to bounce back with ease from injury and flourish. Richard Wigglesworth was masterful against Racing 92 and his direct match up with England's Ben Youngs will be another area to watch and take note of. 

(C) Paler Images
 Telusa Veainu has scored 8 tries this 
Premiership season

Leicester have lost all three of their previous visits to Allianz Park and have only scored one try at the venue back in 2013 by Graham Kitchener. The fact that they have Manu Tuilagi back in their side is a huge, huge bonus. Everyone knows that rugby is a team game but when you’ve a presence and an influence like Manu available to you it's provides and huge lift and greater options. Without doubt Manu needs to be as sharp as possible and use his power to punch holes in a defence that at times seems impenetrable. Saracens don't give their oppoents much time on the ball, or room to play with, so having another ball carrier in the backs will be essential. Telusa Veainu, Peter Betham and Vereniki Goneva all have to use their electric handling and footwork to try and out smart Saracens and if they do that alongside Leicester's pack really stepping up then Richard Cockerill's side will put their best foot forward.  

Leicester don't take play-off rugby lightly, they'll know that they are underdogs and that no-one is giving them a chance but they have to believe that they're the ones to topple Saracens. Leicester must exploit any hint of fatigue that Saracens may have and take their game to a higher level than we've seen in recent weeks. All of that said this game is Saracens to lose, Mark McCall's side contain some of the best individuals in the business right now and more importantly have a collective understanding and output that’s greater than any other European side. 

Saracens: 15 Alex Goode 14 Chris Ashton 13 Duncan Taylor 12 Brad Barritt (C) 11 Chris Wyles 10 Owen Farrell 9 Richard Wigglesworth 1 Mako Vunipola 2 Schalk Brits 3 Petrus Du Plessis 4 Maro Itoje 5 George Kruis 6 Michael Rhodes 7 Will Fraser 8 Billy Vunipola Replacements: 16 Jamie George 17 Richard Barrington 18 Juan Figallo 19 Jim Hamilton 20 Jackson Wray 21 Neil De Kock 22 Charlie Hodgson 23 Marcelo Bosch

Leicester Tigers: 15 Mathew Tait (C) 14 Telusa Veainu 13 Peter Betham 12 Manu Tuilagi 11 Vereniki Goneva 10 Owen Williams 9 Ben Youngs 1 Marcos Ayerza 2 Harry Thacker 3 Dan Cole 4 Dom Barrow 5 Graham Kitchener 6 Mike Fitzgerald 7 Brendon O'Connor 8 Lachlan McCaffrey Replacements: 16 Leonardo Ghiraldini 17 Ellis Genge 18 Logovi'i Mulipola 19 Ed Slater 20 Will Evans 21 Jono Kitto 22 Tommy Bell 23 Adam Thompstone

England Rugby Training Squad

On Tuesday a 26-man England Rugby training squad assembled in Brighton for a three-day camp. Even though only there are many familiar faces missing due to their Premiership semi-final commitments this opening camp marks the start of England’s preparations to head Down Under. 

There’s no doubt that the RBS 6 Nations Grand Slam was a triumph however every single player, and member of England’s management, are under no illusions regarding the magnitude of the task ahead of them. First, England will face a full strength Wales side without a whole host of their first choice players and then the intensity will rise again with the prospect of facing Michael Cheika's Wallabies in their own back yard. 

England's last meeting with
Australia didn't exactly go to plan!

Eddie is right when he says that in the summer England will be facing a ‘higher pace’ and ‘higher intensity’ and while he knows that they cannot make huge physical gains in four weeks he wants the side to make mental changes. He is adamant that his England side will not make excuses and focus on the fact that it’s been a long and tough season because if they do then they’ve talked themselves out of a victory before they’ve even got on the plane. Instead he wants players that ‘are desperate to change the history of English rugby’ and players that want to ‘get in the face of the Australians and make them feel uncomfortable’. 

Those already assembled in camp need to quickly switch back into England mode and for some of the individuals that are training in Brighton they are fighting for a few boarder line spots on the plane that are up currently for grabs. Eddie ruled out the prospect of Sam Underhill touring, saying that he had a good discussion with the young flanker and that given the number of injuries he's had this season having a full pre-season would be best for his development. The hope with Sam is that he will be ready to be selected in November. The reports of a phone call with Steffon Armitage seem to be unfounded and negotiations regarding ensuring that Ben Te’o’s contract at Worcester starts in time appear to be ongoing but not complete yet. 

Eddie shared openly his perspective on a number of players that are currently in Brighton. Clearly the start of this week can’t have been easy for George Ford however Eddie praised the fly-half’s output on day one;

“Well he is playing for England now, he doesn’t have to worry about his club. All that he has to worry about is playing well for England. Given the circumstances I had a quick chat with him yesterday and said ‘if you want to have a couple of days off?’ He said, ‘No I want to train’. He’s here, he trained well today and is fully committed to be the best player that he can be.”

Cipriani's last
England outing v Barbarians

Danny Cipriani is another that’s in camp and it’s fair to say that Eddie’s assessment wasn't the most positive regarding Sale Sharks’ ten;

“He’s been ok [at Sale]. He has been good enough to get into the squad here. He has done a good job at Sale. He has got to understand that at 28-29 he has got to evolve into a different sort of player and that’s the process he is going through now. Whether he can make himself into a worthwhile international player is his challenge.” 

Another discussed was captain Dylan Hartley. The Northampton Saint is fit and training and Eddie commented that he trained ‘very well’ on Tuesday and praised his attitude and application in wanting to go out and take to it Australia. All indications are that Dylan will continue to hold onto the captaincy, even though it was initially provided only on a ‘tournament basis’ for the RBS 6 Nations. 

The final point that England’s head coach addressed was regarding the future steps between now and the draw for the 2019 Rugby World Cup. It has been announced that this draw will take place in May 2017 and he was very clear about where they needed to be at that point in time;

“We have to target getting into that top three in those 13 Tests [between now and the draw] and that means you have to beat the sides ahead of you. When you get to fourth in the world, you have to beat the sides at one, two and three. We play the sides at one and two, so they’re massive opportunities for us.”

The short session at the start of England’s summer journey cemented in my mind the ambition that burns inside Eddie Jones. He’s a man that knows what he wants and is absolutely unrelenting in his pursuit of it. On Sunday morning he’ll announce his Australia tour & Old Mutual Wealth Cup squad and in all honestly we shouldn’t expect too many, if any, surprises. Instead the aim is to take the existing group of players up another level and  to continue to strive for success. 

Season Review - Worcester Warriors

Worcester Warriors’ opening round victory 13-12 over Northampton Saints took the competition by storm and sent the earliest of signals that Dean Ryan and his side were up for the challenge of staying in the Aviva Premiership. 18 rounds later they confirmed their spot in next year's competition and finished the season in tenth position. 

After the initial elation of their opening victory further positive results took a little while to arrive as the Warriors went through the process of developing belief and learning how to win the tight games. On paper winning sounds easy but, as most of the sides that have been promoted from the Championship will tell you, it takes time to learn how to do this in the Premiership. Promoted squads need to develop their mindset and belief that they have the ability to topple much more established sides and after that, as long as their base level of physicality and performance is strong, the victories will arrive. 

(C) @Francoishougi

Worcester’s ability to stay up has been down to two vital factors. First the fact that they have had Dean Ryan at the helm steering and guiding them through the Premiership maze. Dean is an brilliant operator - he doesn’t shy away from what needs to be said, to his players or to the media, and knows the ins and outs of the competition like the back of his hand. Second, the introduction of Francois Hougaard on 15th February was critical. Dean Ryan’s perspective on the introduction of Hougaard was that ‘it was one of the highlights of the season’ and he’s on the money with that assessment. When the South African scrum-half arrived he was a breath of fresh air for the side. He motivated and galvanised their belief and on the field added first-class game management, pristine service out to Tom Heathcote and increased the tempo of their output significantly. Hougaard was the catalyst and the spark that Worcester required to raise their performance and close out the close games and the fact that they’ve secured his services for next season is sensational. 

Dean Ryan openly talks about the transition that the club has been on over his tenure and it is one that is continuing. Worcester's academy is fully functional again and producing fruit and importantly there’s a collective want and desire to move the Warriors forward. Dean has now ensured that Sixways is a place that players want to go to in order improve themselves and compete in the top competition. Sixways is no longer is a place for players that are at the end of their careers to gain and pay check or two from, the ambition is tangible and that's vital.  

For the Warriors this season was always going to be about learning and reestablishing themselves back into the swing of Premiership life because, let's face it, it's a very different beast to the Championship. Worcester now have the luxury of a larger recruitment window and a full preseason, two things that they weren’t able to have last year due to timings of the playoffs. In terms of their recruitment to date Ben Te’o is their standout addition and the fact that Eddie Jones wants to try and fast track him straight into his squad for Australia says everything that you need to know about the centre. Worcester already have potent attacking threats, with Chris Pennell, Cooper Vuna and Bryce Heem and now with the ball carrying ability and distribution of Te’o we should expect a lot more from the Warriors in the 2016/17 season. 

Champions Cup Final

The Champions Cup Final is the pinnacle of European rugby and with Toulon’s departure to the hands one of our finalists we know that come tonight there will be a new name engraved on the trophy. 

Racing 92 and Saracens are deserved finalists, the former has spent their euro wisely and the latter has developed as a squad together over the last few years. Both feel that their time is now and both know the magnitude of the challenge that lies ahead of them at the Grand Stade de Lyon.  

When it gets to this point in any competition you always hope that along the way there haven’t been too many shock results so that you’ll be watching the best of the best take to the stage for one final time. Ahead of this Champions Cup final we can safely say that this is the case and when you look down the lineups and remember their respective journeys to this point the excitement levels raise up a notch. 

Now, it's fair to say that Saracens aren’t everyone’s cup of tea but they have an outstanding knowledge of their own game plan and how they win matches. ‘Boring, boring Saracens’ is the charge that is put towards them yet statistically they are the top performing attacking side in the tournament having made the highest number of average points per game [34.1]. Of course they did have Oyonnax in their group which will have skewed this data slightly but in attack they are much more inventive and creative than they are ever given credit for. 

Alex Goode is the form full back in England and his sublime footballing skills ensure that those around him are always in the game and he creates opportunities for himself in the blink of an eye. Chris Ashton’s support lines are some of the best in the business and he’s currently scoring tries for fun. Then you’ve got the flourishing form of Owen Farrell who, over the course of the season, has opened his box of tricks as well as maintaining a steely consistency. In short Saracens have threats galore but boy will they need them. 

Racing 92 have the tournament’s best defence having conceded the fewest points per game [12.8] and a whole host of physical athletes in their ranks, in particular Chris Masoe. We saw their defence in all of its glory during their semi-final against Leicester in which they forced the Tigers to make more handling errors in one game than we’d seen from them all season. Then at the heart of their attacking output are two exceptional half-backs, Dan Carter and Maxime Machenaud. Of course Carter is the man that is grabbing all of the headlines and because he can still control a game effortlessly to the highest of standards then every single one is justified. But, Maxime Machenaud will be just as much of a handful for Saracens’ defensive system and he will be as influential on Racing’s contorl of the game as Carter will be. 

This match should be a spellbinding watch for several of reasons. First, the number of outstanding individuals that we will have on the field all taking their individual outputs to the highest level in order to try and win the silverware. Second, the physical intensity at which the game should be played at given the two sets of protagonists. In Europe Saracens haven’t failed to force a team to succumb to their wishes however we’ve seen Racing 92 do the same their opponents and on the Lyon turf only one can prevail. Third, witnessing the set piece arm wrestle. Mark McCall said to me this week that Racing have a ‘monster pack’ and he is right but his side’s isn’t bad either! Which will prevail at the scrummage? Which will adapt to Nigel Owens’ wishes best? And, which will rule the skies? Will it be the outstanding Luke Charteris and his partner in crime Francois van der Merwe or Maro Itoje and George Kruis? 

All of the above facets will be vital in deciding the outcome of the 2016 Champions Cup final alongside moments of individual brilliance but there's one other vital area - the top two inches. Which side will handle the pressure of a European Cup Final the best? Finals footy does funny things to players and can cause inexplicable moments and reactions. Saracens have been in this position before and failed, but admitted they’ve learned greatly from that. And, although Racing 92 are maiden finalists they have individuals across their pack that have won on the big stage before and shouldn’t be fazed. 

In short this has all the makings of being a tense, tight and physical European Champions Cup Final. There is little to choose between the two sides, as their last Champions Cup meeting highlighted and since then both have taken their games forwards. It feels like it could be the unstoppable force meeting the immovable object and to prevail both sides will need to embrace the largest European stage of them all. 

Racing 92: 15. Brice Dulin; 14. Joe Rokocoko, 13. Johannes Goosen, 12. Alexandre Dumoulin, 11. Juan Imhoff; 10. Dan Carter, 9. Maxime Machenaud; 1. Eddy Ben Arous, 2. Dimitri Szarzewski, 3. Ben Tameifuna, 4. Luke Charteris, 5. Francois van der Merwe, 6. Wenceslas Lauret, 7. Bernard Le Roux, 8. Chris Masoe  Replacements: 16. Virgile Lacombe, 17. Khatchik Vartanov, 18. Luc Ducalcon, 19. Manuel Carizza, 20. Antonie Claassen, 21. Mike Phillips, 22. Remi Tales, 23. Henry Chavancey

Saracens: 15. Alex Goode; 14. Chris Ashton, 13. Duncan Taylor, 12. Brad Barritt, 11. Chris Wyles; 10. Owen Farrell, 9. Richard Wigglesworth; 1. Mako Vunipola, 2. Schalk Brits, 3. Petrus du Plessis, 4. Maro Itoje, 5. George Kruis, 6. Michael Rhodes, 7. Will Fraser, 8. Billy Vunipola Replacements: 16. Jamie George, 17. Richard Barrington, 18. Juan Figallo, 19. Jim Hamilton, 20. Jackson Wray, 21. Ben Spencer, 22. Charlie Hodgson, 23. Marcelo Bosch

England Rugby Training Squad - Brighton Camp

On Sunday afternoon Eddie Jones announced a 26-man training squad for a three-day training camp at Brighton College from 17-19 May. With Saracens’, Exeter Chiefs’, Wasps’ and Leicester Tigers’ players all out of contention due to their respective Premiership semi-finals it gives others a chance for some quality airtime with England’s head coach and management team and us a further insight into Eddie Jones’ thinking. 

The training squad contains eight uncapped players; Charlie Ewels, Teimana Harrison, Kyle Sinckler, Tommy Taylor, Ollie Devoto, Mike Haley, Alex Lewington and Michael Young. Alongside those players are some more familiar names, the likes of Chris Robshaw, Joe Marler, George Ford and England captain Dylan Hartley.  Eddie Jones was very clearn on what he wants from the 26 when he spoke with England Rugby TV;

‘We know that we are going to have to increase the intensity of our efforts. Test matches against Wales and Australia have higher running intensity, higher collision rates and we need to prepare for that. Then there are guys who are going to be competing for the last few spots on tour so it’s an important camp for them.’

Three days isn’t a long time but it’s long enough for players to make their mark and impress England’s management. All will know that quality time spent training in front of the men at the helm of our International side is vital at any point of the year and this camp represents a great opportunity. Of the 26 some will be making first impressions while others will be looking to show that they are ready for the level of intensity that Eddie Jones, and the forthcoming international schedule, is asking for from them.  

Personally, when I read through the list I feel a huge amount of positivity and excitement regarding English rugby and the depth of talent that we house. From day one Eddie Jones has been very clear that it’s the talent within this country that meant that he jumped to take the head coach role and this training squad shows that. 

Let’s take the second-row as an example of the strength in depth shall we? While George Kruis, Maro Itoje and Joe Launchbury are all still in domestic action England have a wealth of talent within this training squad. First, the ever abrasive and physical Dave Attwood who has bounced back quickly from an unfortunately timed injury spell. Next, a man that puts the fear of god into opposition's fly-halves because he can hit people for six and in the past has been England’s first-choice, Courtney Lawes. Finally the former England U20s captain Charlie Ewels has taken his opportunities well this season and had a productive twenty two rounds. The depth of talent is clear and the second-row is not the exception to the rule, it’s like this across the park.

The Old Mutual Wealth Cup between England and Wales may not be a formal Summer Test but it will be far from a 'friendly' encounter. Warren Gatland is naming a squad at 11am on Tuesday [10th] and Wales will have the bit between their teeth after their defeat in the RBS 6 Nations. The England players selected know that they’ve got places on the plane to Australia to hold onto, or to take from others, because under Eddie Jones no-one is guaranteed a spot. 

The long and the short of this squad announcement is that it showcases, once again, that England are in a good place. The 26 players named have a great opportunity to impress Eddie Jones, Steve Borthwick, Neal Hatley and Paul Gustard while others are still hard at work for their domestic clubs. 

England Rugby Training Squad - Brighton Camp [17-19 May]

Forwards: Dave Attwood (Bath Rugby) Kieran Brookes (Northampton Saints) Jack Clifford (Harlequins) Charlie Ewels (Bath Rugby) Dylan Hartley (Northampton Saints) Teimana Harrison (Northampton Saints) Paul Hill (Northampton Saints) Matt Kvesic (Gloucester Rugby) Courtney Lawes (Northampton Saints) Joe Marler (Harlequins) Chris Robshaw (Harlequins) Kyle Sinckler (Harlequins) Tommy Taylor (Sale Sharks)

Backs: Mike Brown (Harlequins) Luther Burrell (Northampton Saints) Danny Care (Harlequins)  Danny Cipriani (Sale Sharks) Ollie Devoto (Bath Rugby) George Ford (Bath Rugby)  Jonathan Joseph (Bath Rugby) Mike Haley (Sale Sharks) Alex Lewington (London Irish) Semesa Rokoduguni (Bath Rugby) Anthony Watson (Bath Rugby) Marland Yarde (Harlequins) Micky Young (Newcastle Falcons) 

Aviva Premiership Round 22 - Review

So that's it, Round 22 is completed. With 47 tries and 347 points scored it's fair to say that the regular season signed off with a bang and as a result of the six matches more pieces of the final Premiership puzzle fitted into place. 

Northampton Saints and Sale Sharks booked Champions Cup rugby for next season and Exeter Chiefs emphatically secured the second home semi-final. Of course we’ve a short break now for the European Finals but once they are concluded we’ll be ready for Premiership's 'Knockout Saturday' with Saracens against Leicester and Exeter versus Wasps. 

(C) @Steve_Parrett - This is rugby

At The Twickenham Stoop both sides had plenty to play for but in the end there was just one team in it. Rob Baxter’s Exeter Chiefs made a very capable Harlequins outfit look ordinary. Exeter were sharper, quicker, slicker and showed us how clinical they can be. Henry Slade has been tasked by Eddie Jones to ‘play some rugby’ and he did just that distributing gloriously. Jack Nowell hadn’t trained all week and was ‘on one and a half legs’ according to Baxter but it didn’t stop him being as sharp as a pin alongside James Short. Exeter’s pack weren’t to be outdone by their backs as they delivered their work with ease, in short it was the perfect stepping stone towards a home semi-final. For Harlequins it was a nightmare, they lost out on qualification to the Champions Cup, felt utterly humiliated in the process and now have to go to Lyon knowing that it is all or nothing. Full Time Harlequins 24 Exeter Chiefs 62

(C) @twickerschick27's away coach
selfie challenge

At the Ricoh Arena Wasps may have notched up six tries against London Irish but it’s fair to say that they didn’t fully find their straps on home soil. Dai Young’s side know that they’ll need to significantly up their game against Exeter and as a collective look like they need the short break coming in order to freshen up physically and mentally. Ashley Johnson produced one of his trademark performances filled with barn-storming runs and it’s that type of performance that all in black and gold need to replicate in two weeks time. London Irish were committed, and to their credit spent much more time on the front foot than many would have predicted, but once again discipline and missed opportunities hurt them. Full Time Wasps 38 London Irish 12

@SaintsRugby - Saluting a few
key men

For the second week in a row Jim Mallinder’s Northampton Saints delivered an impressive comeback to ensure that they gained the victory and secured Champions Cup rugby next season. Tom Wood had another mesmeric day but revealed after that he’s booked in for surgery next week so won’t be considered for England duties. Harry Mallinder was another Saint that shone at Kingsholm, his emergence this season has been a huge positive and the great thing is that he has so much development still to come. Gloucester’s game will have vexed them, in the same manner that their season has, for after a positive opening on the scoreboard they let a 20-8 lead slip. The home side became frustrated and once Saints saw a victory was in touching distance their experienced bench, including Victor Matfield and a returning Dylan Hartley, did the rest. Full Time Gloucester Rugby 20 Northampton Saints 28

(C)  ‏@ianmorganWN - Sixways in 
sunshine

At Sixways two of Saracens’ form backs excelled; Chris Ashton and Alex Goode. The former crossed for a hat-trick and the latter cut Worcester apart for the 42-minutes that he was on the field of play. Worcester had started well but Saracens, as we’ve seen them do so many times, flicked the switch and punished their hosts. Jamie George enjoyed his return to action and the only concern for Mark McCall will be the severity of the hamstring injury that Neil de Kock picked up. For Worcester the final result of the season wasn’t a positive one, but their season has been and Dean Ryan can now fully focus on planning for next. Meanwhile Saracens will continue to press on in the Premiership but first have the small matter of a Champions Cup Final to deal with. Full Time Worcester Warriors 19 Saracens 43

(C) @DannyCipriani87 - Happy 
dressing room

Any side will tell you that if you have a victory to gain and you are on your way to Kingston Park then it isn’t going to be a straightforward affair. Sale’s outing wasn’t their best of the year and it won’t be placed in the vintage box but it was filled with the character and determination that we’ve come to associate with the side. The Falcons were rugged opponents and it was fitting that the man that’s been at the heart of their season, Nili Latu, scored a hat-trick. The home side had their chances but couldn’t convert them all and Joe Ford’s on target boot sealed the victory and Champions Cup rugby for the Manchester based outfit. Full Time Newcastle Falcons 15 Sale Sharks 21

(C) @BathRugby's tremendous
tribute to Stuart Hooper

At The Recreation Ground Bath finished their disappointing season with a victory albeit against a Leicester side that had chosen to rest a large proportion of their key men ahead of their semi-final. Of course the win didn’t change their ninth place finish but it was important for their pride as much as anything else. George Ford nailed every kick at goal put in front of him and Semesa Rokoduguni delivered a brace of tries as he continued his hot streak, 10 tries in 8 Premiership matches. Overall we saw much better execution in attack from the home side and Leicester also played their part in an enjoyable Premiership game. Ellis Genge lived up to his description by Richard Cockerill as ‘a bit of a handful’ and fellow prop Frasier Balmain had a stormer. In the visitors' backline Peter Betham was the man of the moment as he caused issues all over the park and overall the match was a good opportunity for Richard Cockerill to squad members vital Premiership experience. Full Time Bath Rugby 38 Leicester Tigers 27

Aviva Premiership Round 22 - Preview

So here we are, previewing the round that for most clubs will be their last outing before their summer breaks. The 2015/16 season has been one of the most brutal in terms of its back-to-back nature and it’s a credit to all of our Premiership sides that the standard of the competition has remained incredibly high throughout. 

As always when it comes to Round 22 all of the matches will kick-off at the same time, 3.30pm, and roughly eighty minutes later we’ll know the final make-up of the two semi-finals and which sides will compete in next year’s Champions Cup. 

Leicester will be hoping to turn the tables on what happened this time last year when they head to the Recreation Ground. Bath's position is a very different one to 12 months ago but I expect motivation will be extremely high to salvage a spot of pride on home soil. In Round 21 Leicester were pushed hard by Worcester and after the game Aaron Mauger said that they’d be ‘taking stock’ of their squad ahead of this fixture. The question lingering from that is whether he makes rotating players or not? The last four encounters between the two clubs have all been won by the home side on the day but confidence, and table positions, dictate that Leicester go into the game with an advantage over their hosts. 

Jim Mallinder’s side know that only a victory will suffice in order to try and ensure Champions Cup rugby for next season. On home soil Saints fought back hard against Bath and have to show the same level of resolve and character in the intimidating atmosphere that is Kingsholm. Gloucester’s away win against Sale Sharks was everything that we’d hope to see from them and if they can add another victory to their last two then they’ll have finally found their illusive consistency. Personally I’m looking forward to seeing the individual performances of Matt Kvesic and Teimana Harrison both of which should be on England’s radar in one form or another and of course we’ll all wait to see if Dylan Hartley is fit to take to the field. The form book favours Gloucester as Northampton’s only away win since early February was on 5th March while the Cherry and Whites have lost just one of their last five Premiership fixtures at Kingsholm.

At the Twickenham Stoop both Harlequins and Rob Baxter’s Exeter Chiefs have plenty to play for and it should make for a scintillating match up. Harlequins want to have Champions Cup rugby in the bag before they head out to Lyon for their Challenge Cup Final but would need a bonus-point to guarantee it. On the flip side Exeter want to ensure that their first semi-final appearance occurs on home soil. The Chiefs’ performance last weekend was highly impressive, Wasps cancelled out their weapon of the driving maul but Rob Baxter’s side patiently developed their scores and defended brilliantly. At the Madejski Harlequins took the opportunity to rest a number of individuals and as a result will be ready to fire on all four cylinders this weekend. Harlequins will need to be at their inventive best in order to fox Exeter’s defence and in South West London we should see two sides performing at their peak with everything to play for.

The Newcastle Falcons and Sale Sharks would have experienced vastly contrasting emotions at the end of Round 21’s. Falcons secured their place at the Premiership table next year and would have finally beeen satsified while the Sale Sharks would have been desolate at letting their unbeaten home record slip. A victory could see Sale Sharks finish as high as fifth in table, if both Northampton and Harlequins lose, and they’ve won their last four Premiership Rugby encounters with Newcastle. Newcastle don’t have anything discernible to play for but they will want to give their home fans a positive finale to the season. In order to secure a home victory Newcastle will need to be at their very best for the full eighty and stifle the significant threats housed in Sale’s back line. 

At the Ricoh Arena Wasps have the opportunity to rub salt into a very open London Irish shaped wound. After their relegation last weekend this week will be a huge test for Tom Coventry and his side, for the last thing that they’ll want to be doing is heading to face a side that have the capability to put them to the sword. Wasps were flat in attack last weekend and know that they need to reignite their spark this weekend in order to head into their semi-final confident and on song. Potentially Dai Young will rest a few weary bodies, and if he does then you can’t blame him for it’s been a long season. Wasps have recorded a try-scoring bonus-point on their last three meetings with Irish and it’s a safe bet to assume that they will do so again in Round 22 

The final game to preview will be held at Sixways where Dean Ryan’s Worcester Warriors will be hosting Saracens. Saracens’ reward for a highly productive 21 rounds of rugby is knowing that they’ve already secured a home semi-final. This knowledge means that Mark McCall has the luxury of being able to rest his big guns ahead of their European Champions Cup Final and the Premiership semi-final beyond that. Worcester’s outing at Welford Road impressed me, they put behind them their porous defensive display against Wasps and were physical and on point. In all honesty the result is immaterial to Saracens and I expect a competitive match to occur in which the home side put their best foot forward and Saracens’ showcase their squad depth. 

Round 22 - Schedule

All fixtures 3.30pm kick-offs

Bath v Leicester Tigers - The Recreation Ground

Gloucester Rugby v Northampton Saints - Kingsholm (BT Sport 1)

Harlequins v Exeter Chiefs - The Stoop (BT Sport 2)

Newcastle Falcons v Sale Sharks - Kingston Park

Wasps v London Irish - Ricoh Arena

Worcester Warriors v Saracens - Sixways