Who can get off to a flying start and make the first step towards the Aviva Premiership Trophy?
The start of the 2011/12 Aviva Premiership is finally here, after months of pre-season training, players are raring to go and the fans are excited to cheer their teams on once again. There is a double-header at Twickenham which should be a great showpiece of Premiership rugby and there will be some key matches for teams that will be looking to avoid relegation.
London Irish vs. Harlequins
This is a very tough match to call; both teams will be looking for a top six position this season if not better. London Irish have introduced Adrian Jarvis at fly-half and Dan Bowden at inside-centre. These players will be will be looking to make their mark in the London Irish shirt and will be causing the Harlequins defensive issues. It will be interesting this year to see how Irish cope without Steffon Armitage who has moved to Toulon and the World Cup players including Delon Armitage and new signing Shontayne Hape. Chris Robshaw, the Harlequin s captain will look to make Martin Johnson look foolish for not picking him for his World Cup squad in New Zealand. Nicky Evans is one of the most ambitious fly-halves in the Premiership and he has an excellent running and kicking game. Home advantage will be key in this clash and the Irish will be looking to set their standard for the rest of the Premiership.
Prediction: London Irish by 7 points
Leicester vs. Exeter
Matthew Tait is given his first run out in a Leicester shirt at Welford Road, he will be looking for a big performance to win over the demanding Leicester public. The Tigers will miss several key players over the World Cup period so it will be key to get off to a good start against Exeter. The young George Ford starts at fly-half for Leicester; he will be a vital part of the team this season with Toby Flood away with England. Exeter had a fantastic season last year and finished in a promising 8th position. The Chiefs will be hoping to avoid the dreaded ‘second season syndrome’ that Leeds suffered from, however, they are given a difficult opening weekend against last year’s runners up. Tom Johnson was one of the best players for the Premiership new boys last year, he will be hoping for another great season and also, he will be looking to stay on Martin Johnson’s radar for the Six Nations. Luke Arscott starts at full-back, the former Bristol player is an impressive defensive full-back but, he can add pace and flair in attack.
Prediction: Leicester by 10 points
Newcastle vs. Bath
The Newcastle Falcons were average at best last season; they just about hung on for survival as Leeds Tykes were relegated just below them. The Falcons have added Greg Goosen at full-back and will look to integrate a new centre-partnership to the side. There is considerable bulk in the centres with Jamie Helleur and Luke Eves combining to give Newcastle physicality and a strong defensive line. Falcons talisman Jimmy Goppeth has another tough task ahead of him in order to given Newcastle another season in rugby’s top flight competition. Falcons relied far too heavily on Goppeth’s boot last year; hopefully they will add some attacking flair to their skill set this year. Bath line-up with the highly experienced half-back combination of Michael Claassens and Sam Vesty. Dan Hipkiss will be one to watch in the centre, he caught the eye of the England set-up a few years ago, but he has not returned to that same form yet. Bath are another team that will miss their World Cup contingent dearly, without Matt Banahan on the wing Bath will lack some physicality in the backs.
Prediction: Bath by 14 points
Saracens vs. Wasps
Last season Saracens won their first Premiership title after an excellent season, where they showed they had the best defence in the league and could also score some excellent tries from deep. Wasps on the other hand struggled and finished a disappointing 9th, a long way from their best and out of Heineken Cup qualification. Both teams have signed useful fly-halves with Saracens snapping up Charlie Hodgson and Wasps acquiring the services of Nicky Robinson from Gloucester. Robinson makes his first appearance for the London Wasps however; Saracens go with the young Owen Farrell who had such an excellent breakthrough season for the club. The Saracens pack is one of the best in the Premiership and it is hard to see Wasps competing with the speed and strength at the breakdown from the likes of Ernst Joubert and Andy Saul. The fast hooker Schalk Brits was once again ignored by the South African coaches, but their loss is definitely Saracens’ gain, his power at the set piece and play in the loose will make him a tough player to handle. Tom Varndell returns to the Wasps side after a serious leg injury sustained against Gloucester last season. His pace will be vital to Wasps’ success, Saracens will have to be on their best defensive form to keep Varndell from crossing the whitewash.
Prediction: Saracens by 10
Worcester vs. Sale
Newly returning Worcester face their first challenge against Sale at Sixways. This is already being dubbed as a relegation fight between the two. Worcester have some excellent strength throughout their side with Andy Goode leading the backs in the No.10 shirt and fliers Miles Benjamin and Marcel Garvey adding some attacking danger outside him. Sale look weak compared to sides we have seen in the Premiership in the past. Surprisingly, Sale has a large number of absentees due to International duty in the World Cup even though they had a poor season last year. Dwayne Peel will be looking to silence critics in the scrum-half position. Peel had an excellent start to his career however; it has stalled in recent years. Peel was snubbed by Warren Gatland but he will be a key leader and playmaker for the Sharks this year. Former Premiership top try scorer for the season a few years ago Andrew Higgins comes in to add some vital attacking experience to the Sale back-line. This will be a physical contest and there will probably be defensive frailties in this early stage of the season so it could be a try-fest.
Prediction: Worcester by 7
Northampton vs. Gloucester
Both sides are missing several players to the World Cup effort for various International teams. Gloucester did the double over the Saints last year so Jim Mallinder will be hoping to avoid history repeating itself. Northampton fields a side containing former Gloucester players Paul Doran-Jones and Ryan Lamb on the bench. The Saints’ strength in depth will be seriously tested without the likes of Ben Foden, Chris Ashton and Dylan Hartley. However, the Saints have been clever in the Transfer market and Tom May gets his first start for Northampton in the centre. Other players to look out for in the Northampton side are Noah Cato, who is an excellent try scorer and Phil Dowson who will be a vital defensive player and will be looking to win quick ball for the midlands side. Gloucester will be putting their faith in youth this season with Charlie Sharples looking to add to last season’s excellent try-scoring form. The quickest member in the squad Jonny May gets a run out for the Cherry and Whites, he will be looking to be in support of the battering ram Lesley Vainikolo who gets a start at inside centre. The Saints will have to be weary of the balance of strength and speed in the Gloucester back-line. Dario Chistolini makes his first start for Gloucester and will be looking to add to his excellent reputation in the scrum. Finally Olly Morgan returns to the side after recovering from an injury sustained against Leicester last season, Morgan is imperious under the high-ball and will be looking for space to counter-attack after fielding kicks early on in the match.
Prediction: Gloucester by 6 points
Have you got any thoughts or comments? Who do you think will get off to a flying start and who do you think will be slow out of the blocks? Message/follow me on twitter @tommyd91 and follow my posts for regular updates on the World Cup in New Zealand and the Aviva Premiership.
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