Nicky Evans has been in outstanding form this season for Harlequins and is currently the 2nd highest points scorer
Who has shone in the Aviva Premiership whilst the World Cup Superstars have been away at the Rugby World Cup? And who are the Premiership coaches looking to welcome into the starting XV as soon as possible?
During the past six weeks or so, the Aviva Premiership has had several key players missing on International duty in New Zealand. This has meant teams have had to rely on their strength in depth and blood youth into their squads. Leicester Tigers have struggled in the first phases of the season without their Internationals; their strength in depth has been pushed to the limit and been found wanting, currently, they lie in 11th place. On the other side of the table, Harlequins are in the top spot having won all 6 of their matches so far, two of which with impressive bonus point victories. The London side has not been affected too badly from World Cup call-ups and they have profited in the first six matches. Throughout the league, some players have really impressed as they have stepped up to the plate in order to counteract the significance absent players.
Nicky Evans – Harlequins
The former All-Black has been outstanding in the first seven matches for Harlequins, he has lead a dangerous back-line with authority and he has kicked his goals with impressive accuracy. Evans is currently the 2nd highest point scorer with 100 points to his name which have been a fantastic contribution to his side. New Zealand suffered several injuries during the World Cup to their fly-halves, how many more would have had to have injured themselves before he would have been flown to the other side of the World. Evans is highly likely to finish as one of the top point scorers this season and he will be hoping to guide his side to a top-four finish to help Harlequins qualify for the play-offs.
Christian Wade – Wasps
Wade has had a season for Wasps and currently sits top of the try-scoring table. His blistering pace and strength has helped him become a fans’ favourite in a short space of time. Wade has the ability to finish of tries from counter-attacking ball and links up well with Tom Varndell on the other wing. It will be interesting to see how Wade gets on in the Aviva Premiership with all the World Cup stars back in the teams, his defensive skills will be put to the test and he will have to be even more clinical in attack.
Charlie Sharples – Gloucester
Charlie Sharples had a fine try-scoring record last season for Gloucester as he scored an impressive 7 tries. This season, Sharples had made the line twice; however, he has looked dangerous every time he had possession. His kick chasing and counter attacking is fantastic and he picks excellent running lines. The Gloucester winger managed to earn a place in Martin Johnson’s World Cup training squad and he impressed the 2003 World Cup winning Captain earning the right to be called the fastest member of the squad. The future looks very positive for Sharples and Gloucester fans were delighted to hear that he has committed himself to stay at Kingsholm for the next two years. Hopefully, Sharples will be given a chance on the International stage in the not too distant future.
Owen Farrell – Saracens
After leading Saracens to their first Aviva Premiership title last season, Farrell has improved even more this season and is enjoying an effective partnership playing outside the highly experienced Charlie Hodgson. Having Farrell at 12 allows Saracens to play a wider game than last season as his long passes can unlock space for David Strettle and Noah Cato. Playing inside Hodgson will be a useful learning experience for the young utility back as he will learn the complex skills of game management and how to improve his tactical kicking. Having the former Sale man at fly-half takes the pressure off Farrell; the partnership will be one of the best in the league this season. Hopefully after the disappointing nature England’s World Cup performance, the English selectors will look to rebuild England’s squad and will give Farrell a chance in the November Internationals.
Nick MacLeod – Sale
Some questioned how Sale would cope with the departure of Charlie Hodgson over the summer; however, Macleod has coped admirably this season as he has filled Hodgson’s boots in the goal kicking department and in terms of his leadership of his back-line. MacLeod is the third highest points scorer in the Premiership with 72 points and Sale currently lie in third place in the table. In order for Sale to qualify for the Heineken Cup this season, MacLeod will have to keep fit and continue his fine form with the boot. Sale will look to finish in the top-six this season, now the World Cup players are back, the league will become even more competitive.
Who will coaches welcome back with open arms?
Toby Flood – Leicester
Toby Flood was not really given a chance in this year’s World Cup, his dip in form following the loss of the Grand Slam against Ireland in the Six Nations cost him his place to Jonny Wilkinson. Flood’s performances for Leicester are usually fairly consistent, he was given a chance to play in Leicester’s LV=Cup match against Gloucester last week and he pulled the strings in a demolition of the current cup champions. He led the Tigers to a 40-14 lead which will bring some much needed confidence to the side. After beating Sale in a fantastic second-half comeback, the Tigers are currently 9th, however, before the Sale game they were in 11th. The Tigers need a drastic turnaround, if anyone can make a difference to Leicester’s season and push them back up to the top-four it is Toby Flood.
Chris Ashton – Northampton
The rugby-league convert had an outstanding season last year; he scored 10 tries for the Saints and guided them to the play-offs. Internationally he looked dangerous with every opportunity and he has scored 15 tries in 18 appearances for England. Ashton is such a dangerous player because he can pick ingenious running lines and he can score length of the field tries with ease. The best example of this was the try of the season for England against Australia last November in the 35-18 win over the Wallabies. Northampton have struggled without their World Cup superstars, one criticism of the Saints’ squad is that it lacks strength in depth, however, Northampton will bounce back with the return of their players. With the likes of Ashton, Ben Foden and Vasily Artemyev in the back-three, Northampton has some serious pace in attack that will threaten any team’s defence. The Saints should shoot back up the table with the return of their key players and will look to push for a top-four finish again.
Eliota Fuimaono-Sapolu – Gloucester
The Samoan centre has been making the headlines for the wrong reasons recently, Fuimaono-Sapolu twitter account has caused controversy and provoked IRB sanctions. However, Bryan Redpath has said that the matter is between Eliota and the IRB and was selected to face Saracens at Kingsholm. The Gloucester centre has outstanding handling skills and can create a gap out of nothing; his creativity is refreshing in a league where defensive strengths are often prioritised over attacking finesse. If Fuimaono-Sapolu can focus on his rugby this season, he will be a key member of the squad as he will be able to help influence the young contingent of players at Kingsholm. Fuimaono-Sapolu is a key catalyst in the Gloucester squad and creates fantastic team tries, on his day he is the best inside-centre in the league, and his contribution to Gloucester this season will be vital in their endeavour to repeat last year’s top-four success.
John-Smit – Saracens
John Smit is not being welcomed back as such, but he is being welcome into the club. As a World Cup winner in 2007, Smit will bring outstanding leadership to the Saracens squad. He will also provide a break for Shalk Brits at hooker. Shalk Brits is such an aggressive attacking player, that he will need some rest at times in the season. Also, Smit can cover as a prop which gives Saracens more options in the front-row. Saracens have recruited remarkably well over the past few seasons and they will hope that Smit settles in quickly to his new club. Saracens have so many top class players at the moment which has led some people to beg the question, are Saracens spending within the salary cap?
Have you got any thoughts or comments? Please leave a comment below or post/follow me on twitter @tommyd91. This is also published on www.talkingrugbyunion.co.uk
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