Week 4 Aviva Premiership

This week was the last week before the European competition kick off. For some teams that will be a much need time off from the domestic leagues. It will give teams a chance to take stock of the league and bring some much needed momentum from the European matches into the domestic games. Other teams will see it as a possible hindrance because they want to continue there good starts to the season. Once the European break is over we may see things change around in the table.

Harlequins 16-14 Sale Sharks

Harlequins every improving game this season must have decided to have a week off. They were very lucky to scrape through with a win here. There was 20 minutes of good play in the 2nd half, other than that they were at the mercy of Cipriani. He controlled the first half with some pin point kicking however it was Cipriani that lost them the game. He missed two penalties and last play drop goal, any of which would have got them a big away win at the Stoop. After the European break, Quins go to Chiefs and Sale have the Northern derby (haha) with Falcons coming to visit.

London Irish 14-45 Bath Rugby

For me there is one stand out moment in this game and that was Mckibbin’s first half red card. Mckibbin stamped on Thomas head and this was so bad and completely unnecessary that I think a many month ban is the minimum that should be given. It was a disgrace. It also cost Irish a try as they had just scored a penalty try. The scores would have been 10-7 and Irish would have been in the game, a game I thought they had an outside chance of winning. Instead they got destroyed. Bath did what any team should in that situation and exploited the extra man and space. They scored 6 tries with Priestland looking like he is fitting to his new team quite well. This win has moved Bath back up into the playoff fight, while Irish are now 8 points adrift of 10th and will be in a 2 horse race with Falcons, They are in real danger of going down already. Next up they host Wasps and Bath go for a big trip to Tigers.

Worcester Warriors 28 – 20 Newcastle Falcons

This was a great encounter for the neutrals. Worcester went flying out of the blocks and had the bonus point try by half time. However the Falcons were giving them a good game as they were playing the lovely rugby we know they can and scored a couple of tries themselves. This meant that there was a whooping 45 points scored in the first half. Even though there was only 3 points scored in the second half it felt like the Warriors were having to hold on to their lead. Falcons pushed them all the way and were chasing the losing bonus point till the end. The way the Falcons are playing you would have thought they would have enough to stay up. It is now a two team fight at the bottom so they will need to start finding some points. Worcester have pretty much secured another season in the top flight already. They are up to sixth and must be loveling life at the minute. Next week they could come crashing down to ground as they go to Allianz Park while Falcons go to the Sharks.

Northampton Saints 6 – 12 Saracens

Saints were lucky to have come away with a bonus point here. Saracens were all over them and should have scored a couple of tries. While the last minute penalty got Saints that important losing bonus point. Fellow England teammates Wood and Farrell clashed early on after a late tackle from Wood caused Farrell to react badly. This up’d the tempo of the game and that caused the tension. This was a tight affair with only Saracens really having a go throwing the ball around in the backs. It is a big win for them away at their main title rivals, a win that suggests they are on the path to that title. Saints are all at sea with this loss putting them unbelievably down into 10th place. They have a couple of weeks off the domestic league with the European games, this will be needed to get their season up and running. Next up is Gloucester at home with Saracens welcoming newsboys Worcester to Allianz Park.

Exeter Chiefs v Leicester Tigers 071115

Exeter Chiefs 19 – 6 Leicester Tigers

Exeter were the better team here and were dominate in the forwards, driving Leicester back on several occasions which is not something that you can’t normally say about Leicester. Exeter are looking like a team on the up still. They have got better year on year and don’t seemed to be slowing down. They struggled to keep up in Europe last time they were in the top competition due to lack of the depth in their squad so the next two weeks are going to be key to see if this time they have enough that it won’t affect their domestic season. Leicester will not be panicking but they will know that they have another big fight for the playoffs again this year. They need to sort out their discipline because it put them on the back foot here, that they never came back from. It doesn’t get any easier for either team next time with Chiefs hosting Quins and Leicester having Bath come to Welford road.

Wasps 23 – 3 Gloucester Rugby

Gloucester were already having a torrid time at the breakdown in this game before Halaifonua got his matching orders for a dangerous high tackle. Elliot Daly was providing some breath taking long penalties to build a Wasps lead which included a try for Wade. This is when Gloucester’s dreadful disciplinary record got in their way with the high tackle. They probably have the worst red card record especially over the last few years. They need to sort this to be able to progress in the table. Wasps did even up the playing numbers when Cittadini threw punches at Twelvetrees who was fighting Cittadini’s case for him not to get sent off. Wasps are looking unbreakable at home and Gloucester need to get their away form sorted starting with just getting into the opponents 22. Next up Wasps gave Irish away and Gloucester are visiting the Saints.

Week 3 Aviva Premiership

Now that we are into week 3 you can already see the Premiership table taking shape. Yes there are a couple of teams out of place but generally it doesn’t look to different from what is possible at the end of the season.

Saracens 24 – 14 London Irish

Saracens continue to storm the table but this performance was not convincing. They did enough to get the win but Irish did show them up enough that other teams, will be licking their lips at the gaps that were appearing. Ellery has replaced Strettle on the wing better than they could have imaged, as he is looking like a real live wire. It could have been a different game if Tikoirutuma hadn’t been sin binned in the 2nd half. A sin bin that Saracens took advantage of before then turned the screw. They will need to be better against the better teams headed their way in particualar next week. Where as Irish will be encourged as it looks like they will have team that is up for the regulation fight, however they still came away with nothing to show from this positive showing. Next up Saracens visit the Saints in probably the biggest game of the season so far. While Irish will think that have a chance when hosting Bath.

Bath Rugby 28 – 38 Harlequins

Quins are continuing to look very impressive this year. They have taken a massive scalp here and with 6 minutes to go the result was looking like a whipping, Bath then got a couple of tries to make the score look more respectable for them but still will not like the loss to a team they should beat at home if they are to challenge at the top. Quins were impressive and the biggest difference was in the forwards with this them taking hold of the Bath forwards. Bath gave away to many penalties in their own half, especially when Evans is on the kicking form that he is at the moment. A perfect 10 from 10 kicks means he is now the leading points scorer in the league. Things are looking good for them whereas Bath need to get their season up and running before the top 4 slips further away. They will get that chance when they visit Irish next week. Quins however invite Sale to the Stoop under the Friday night lights.

Gloucester Rugby 24 – 22 Worcester Warriors

This was an eventful game in the first half with the half way scores being 19-17 but in the second half it didn’t have as much to offer. Worcester in their first West Country derby back in the top flight pushed Gloucester all the way and were even in front for a period. Both teams will be reasonably please with result. Gloucester don’t have Laidlaw back yet but they don’t need his boot with Twelvetrees doing such a sterling job. They are doing what they do ever year and play some great to watch rugby. The Warriors are going to be the underdogs every game, which meant you won’t be able to help yourself cheering for them and when they are entertaining us like they are so far they are warranted a cheer. There fight this year is going to be great to watch. Gloucester are away at Wasps next while Warriors have a massive regulation battle when they have the Falcons come and visit.

Newcastle Falcons 3 – 41 Exeter Chiefs

Alarm bells must be ringing here for the Falcons. They have gone backwards from last week and got destroyed by the Chiefs at home. They shouldn’t be on the receiving end of 6 tries when they play anyone especially at home. This is one game where you shouldn’t look at the stats. If you did it would have seemed a reasonable close encounter but when you watch the game or even the highlights all you can see is a whipping. Chiefs are storming up the table with a real test next week as they host the team that in all likelihood they are going to taking the fourth spot from, Leicester. Falcons go to Worcester in desperate need of something big because a loss there could put Worcester 10 points clear after only 4 games. Meaning it will be a two horse race for survival.

Sale Shark 20 – 14 Northampton Saints

Sale look like they could make the AJ stadium a fortress again this year. Saints were always playing catch up in this game, they were only just keeping Sharks in reach and that were due to missed kicks from Cipriani. Kicks that if he got would have put Sharks further ahead. Saints will however need to go back to the training ground again because their set piece and discipline is not where they should be if Saints are to challenge at the top. Sale are up and running with back to back wins and will want to push on. Next they have a trip down to Quins needing to improve their away form while Saints have a supposed table topping clash with Saracens at Franklins gardens.

Leicester Tigers 24 – 16 Wasp

There is a lot rivalry between these two teams so it is often a game that form has not affect on. However over recent years Tigers have controlled Wasps  at Welford road and this result was exactly what the form book said. Wasps haven’t won at Tigers in 8 years and have a dreadful away recorded. Tigers were always ahead and even though Wasps were always in range it changed when Gopperth got sin binned for a tackled in the air. Tigers jumped on the 14 men to increase their lead which Wasp couldn’t pull back even with a late try of their own. Tigers go to the south cost to face Chiefs next which is turning into an important game, while Wasps have Gloucester visiting the Rioch.

Aviva Premiership Matchday 2

This weekend the Premiership continued with teams either trying to counter or continue their opening weekend results. The interesting games are just going to keep coming. There were another couple of big games this weekend that kept us on our toes and I’m not even talking about the games that happened at Twickenham.

Gloucester 15 Saracens 17

Saracens will be pleased with this win. They did what needed to be done to win. Ellery looks like a great livewire to replace Strettle. He is showing that Saracens are playing good rugby. This week there opponents Gloucester fought back and they fought through the boot of Twelvetrees again. This game was about the kickers as 27 of the 32 points were off the tee. Saracens are top of the table and will be happy with that and could be there for a while to come. Gloucester will also be encourage as there start has been a lot more positive than first thought. Next up Gloucester host a West Country derby against Worcester and Saracens host Irish.

Sale Sharks 27 Worcester Warriors 13

This was an expected result but not an expected performance as Sale were definitely the better team. There were signs of the team that threatened the top six last year and Cipriani was pulled the strings again now that he had the ball to do so. Sale looked so much better than they did last week and will be relieved because they needed to step it up even though it was only game two. Warriors shouldn’t be to dis-hearted because AJ Bell stadium is know as a tough place to go and they did make sure they were counted even if they never really threaten the end result. However O’Callaghan is already proving his weight in gold and will be vital if they are to survive. Next week Sale have Saints coming to town while Warrior are back to their first West Country derby at Kingsholm against Gloucester.

Northampton Saints 42 Newcastle Falcons 16

The Saints needed a reaction after last week and they got it. They flew out of the blocks and even though the Falcons kept in touch for the first half the Saints powered to a bonus point win. The forwards seem to be the difference and turned the screw in the second half. Foden and Day’s brace’s as well Burrell getting a try, showed that there are good English players that didn’t get to the World Cup but making sure they are still on England’s radar. Falcons have a lot of work to do but they are still playing with ball and showing some impressive moments, this won’t however change that they are winless from the first 2 games. Next Saints go to Sale and Falcons already needing a win to steady them, host Chiefs

Wasps 16 Bath 9

Wasps have been pretty formidable at their new home and this game hasn’t changed that. Wasps were not necessarily in control until Matawalu held back Hughes and got sin binned as well as giving away a penalty try which changed the outcome. They played the most exciting rugby and looked like they was close to scoring on a couple of occasions. There home form is going to be very important this year as the Rioch is seeming like a fortress for them with their away form being so up and down for a few years now. Bath will look at this game as a missed opportunity and an opportunity they should have taken, especially if they are to challenge for the title. It is not doom and gloom for them yet as this is only the second game but to win the title you need to beat mid table teams and no offence to Wasps that is what they are. Next up for Wasps is a monster of a game as they go to Welford Road and for Bath a home game at the ever improving Harlequins.

Exeter Chiefs 38 London Irish 11

If you look at the stats of this game you would think that Exeter lost this match. This will be very worrying for Irish fans as they were taken apart but a fantastic Chiefs team. The Chiefs are looking very impressive and these 6 tries only add to that, Norwell getting two of them. This performance is only providing that they could be a very seriously be a top four team. Irish are already in danger at the foot of the table. This is not good and they need to kick the troubles straight away, unfortunately this is not going to happen next week as they face Saracens away. The Chiefs have a long trip up to the Falcons.

Leicester Tigers 22 Harlequins 19

Harlequins will be very disappointed to come away with only a bonus point loss. They were in this fight till the end and were even 4 points ahead with 25 minutes to go before Pearce went over to win it for the Tigers. Quins look like a much improved team and this is going to continue. They still have some of their England contingent to come back but in the meantime future England players like Clifford are taking advantage of their game time. Tigers are not seeming like the great team that they have been over the last decade or so, but then we rarely see their greatness before the run in to the playoffs. However they will still be pleased with the new signing of South Africa legend of Jean De Villiers who will only bolster their team. De Villiers and Tuilagi as a centre partnership will definitely be worth a watch. Next up Tigers host long time rivals Wasps and Quins go West to Bath.

Aviva Premiership underway Matchday 1

The Aviva Premiership is underway. The opening weekend brought about some big matches, big shocks, and big wins. With England out of the World Cup all the English players were back at their clubs. Not all of them feature for their clubs but other were thrown straight back into domestic action.

Worcester Warriors 13 – Northampton’s Saints 12

Worcester’s first match of their return to the top flight could be the biggest upset of the season come May. Heathcote on his debut will already go down in folk law and be a hero for the Warriors supporters with his 80th minute drop goal to win the match despite missing three earlier penalties . Especially as it was only 2 minutes after Myler looked like he had settle the tie in the Saints favour. The game wasn’t of great quality and their was a huge 29 turnovers in the game but Worcester were the better team. Heathcote is going to have to improve his kicking percentage if Warriors are to stay up this year because they only had a 20% success rate compared to Myler’s 100%. Saints have a lot of work to do if they want to top the table again this year. They had a strong team out with only a few international players missing so they need to just put this down to a bit of rust and get up and running next week. Next up for Warriors away Sale and Saints are home to Falcons.

Harlequins 26 – Wasps 21

This was the Nick Evans show. He scored one, set another up and kicked 16 points. Evans is proof that age and size is irrelevant as the 35 years and small in comparison, the Kiwi is controlling and dominating games. Quins are team in transition with the quality players that have come in to back up the England contingent as well as the great youth system they have. This game was between two teams that like to play and with it being the first game of the season you might understand the 50 missed tackle that the match accumulated. Wasps just can’t win on the opening day of the season while Quins will be very pleased to get the win after Wasp destroyed them the last time these teams meet at the Stoop. Quins have a massive game going to Welford road and Wasps host Bath.

Newcastle Falcons 27 Gloucester Rugby 39

I have to say I thought that Falcons would get this done and was surprised to see Gloucester win this. The boot of Twelvetrees kicking them to win with a whooping 29 points. Recent history shows this was going to be a high scoring affair. The Falcons will be worried now as this would have been a game they would have look at when the fixtures came out as a game they should win. The problem is they were very poor and were the cause of this defeat. They were over 24 points down at half time and gave away way to many penalties away in their half and also lost 2/3 of their own scrums. There discipline needs to be fixed immediately because with Worcester showing they can win against big teams, the Falcons could well be for a hell of a dog fight at the bottom of the table. However they are playing ball and that is encouraging. Gloucester will be please with this win and should use this as a platform to push on earlier on but will be need to be careful because they leaked 27 points to a relegation contender. Next up for Falcons is Saints away and for Gloucester they welcome Saracens under the Friday night lights.

Image provided by Taking Pictures (Sport) Ltd.

Bath Rugby 19 Exeter Chiefs 17

Bath will breath a big sigh relief. Both teams were at good strength and with Exeter smashing Bath in a friendly last week and being ahead on several occasions in this game Bath will take the win no matter how small and tight it was. Ford back from a failed time with England kicked the winning points with 3 minutes left to go. Exeter are a team that look like they are going to threaten the playoff spots this year will be disappointed with this result. They did not mange to take advantage of Bath going down to 14 men on two occasions while Banahan and then Burgess get sinned binned. Exeter will need to be better moving forward because Bath were they for the taking and Exeter kept missing opportunities. Bath visit Wasps next and Exeter have Irish coming to town.

Saracens 41 Sale Sharks 3

So which one is it. Is it that Saracens were mightily impressive or is it that Sale were dreadful. For me it was that Saracens were impressive. Sale did conceded 20 turnovers with 15 penalties but otherwise the stats don’t look to bad for Sale especially not a 38 point loss bad. Saracens were just very good in open play and this was down to Hodgson. Just like Evans at Quins the old men are providing the quality that lights up the Premiership. Hodgson exploited the Sharks defence and was also perfect from the tee. Before this game I thought Sale were going to struggle this year and after this game I think the struggle could be worse than I thought. They have to get themselves sorted or this could be a seriously bad year for them. Next up Saracens go west to Gloucester and Sale host the Warriors which could already prove to be a vital game for them.

London Irish 16 – Leicester Tigers 28

Leicester will be pleased with this solid win that was never really in doubt. Tigers came out of the blocks with all cylinders firing and laid down power play earlier on. There were a lot of turnovers in this game and it was not a game that with have everyone talking but is a game that shows us that Irish still need a lot more money invested to get this team moving up the table rather than down which is looking likely. Tigers are going to be in a fight all season for the playoffs and will be pleased with start. Next up for Irish is a trip to Sandy Park and Tigers are hosting Quins.

Aviva Premiership 2015-16 Predictions

With the Rugby World Cup onto the knock out stages the domestic season can get under way. England were dissappointing but its time to forget about that and knuckle down to the wonderful world of club rugby.

The 12 teams will all be playing their first matches this weekend. We kick off on Friday night with three games. Newboys Worcester Warriors hosting last years table topping Northampton Saints and then there is a massive game already at the Stoop with Quins taking on arch rival’s Wasps. Lastly Gloucester are in the North East facing the Falcons. After a big opening night there’s no stopping with the Chiefs at Bath and Sarcens hosting Sale on Saturday before Irish welcome the Tigers on Sunday.

So how do I see each team doing this year.

Bath Rugby 2nd

Bath fell at the final hurdle last year and that stage will be the minium again this year. They have a back line that is full of flair and with a couple of good purchases in Priestland and Matawalu that will only strengthen that line. There ageing pack is only getting older and with that they have lost some experience up front so will have to be careful about having the ball cut off before it gets to the backs. However another strong season but I don’t think they will challenge for the title as well as getting knocked out in the Semi’s.

Exeter Chiefs 4th

This is the year that I think they could take anothe huge step for the small SouthWest club that just seem to push on year on year. There must be something in the water done there because what they are doing is phenomenal. The mix they have of experience and youth is working a treat. The backs have some great emerging talent that have another year and for some, England experience under their belt. Losing Munm is a big loss even though Parling should fill that gap nicely. With Salvi also joining the back row will be beneficial. They seem to be turning into a team that take all the experience Tigers players which is going to be very interesting because it is Tigers that they are going to replace in the top 4.

Gloucester Rugby 9th

To me nothing is going to change for Gloucester this year. They haven’t brought any real quality in and will have another nothing year. They may be threaten with relegation even though they will survive with ease in the end. One thing you know is that we are going to have some amazing tries because that’s want the speed demon May is capable of. But this season will be classed as another year of rebuilding but will no moves forward.

Harlequins 6th

Well my beloved Quins. They have had the best summer of transfers of almost any team in years. They have bought in serious proven quality in Horwill, Jones, Roberts, Visser as well at Stanley and Luamanu. I was really please to see Swiel bought on a perment bases because I see him as the long term replacement to Evans. We may have lost some good players as well with the legend that is UUUUUUUGGGGGOOO retiring being sad to see. I will miss screaming that at the Stoop. However I am really excited to see Quins play this year and think that we will be climbing back up the table causing some big stirs on the way. Even though this is suppose to be the transition year the stirs will start with Wasps.

Leicester Tigers 5th

Well Tigers always seem to end up in the top 4 no matter what. They pushed it last year with a dodgy 6 months but that didn’t stop them pushing everyone out the way to get into the top 4. However for me this is going to be the year that they will fall short.  I think this is the year that they are going to be pipped and loss out on that play off spot which could also signal the end of Cockralls managerial reign at the club. They have lost some big players in Allan, Salvi, Parling and Thorn without really replacing them.

London Irish 10th

How the hell Irish manage to scope Ben Franks is beyond me. What must he be being paid. Whatever it is, it is the purchase of the summer. Signing Maitland, McKibbin, Tikoirotuma will also give them some much needed experience to help the load of young players they are now coming through. This Irish team will not be pushovers this years and will show so great sparks while pushing forward and starting to show some of that investment that has come in. There is a lot of work to be done but it looks like things could be heading in the right direction.

Newcastle Falcons 11th

Newcastle seem to be ever improving without actually improving their position. I like the fact that they have a go at teams regardless who it is and Richards has given them belief they can threaten the big boys. However they are still going to struggle with results. They have lost some big players with Blair, Clegg and in particular Brookes all moving on. They have brought in a few fringe players of which some of them could force their way into the first team. Venditti and Botha are both good acquisitions that should help fill the void of the out going players. They will struggle again this year with the teams at the bottom get better and better as well as closer and closer but I will enjoy watching them as always and they will just about have enough to stay up.

Northampton Saints 3rd

The Saints grasp on the Premiership is going to slip this year. They are not going to be the same force they have been over the last couple of years. They should easily be in the playoffs and with a game spare. I also see them in the final but I just don’t think they are going to be the league runaways this year and they will have to fight hard for that 3rd. Brookes, Matfield have been brought in to replace the out going Ma’afu, Manoa and Dowson with future Irish star JJ Hanrahan coming in replace the out going Hooley. They look good on paper but I just feel that there’s something missing, like they have lost an edge they had over everyone else. However that edge could just be the vacating Manoa.

Sale Sharks 8th

Sale have lost some big names this year and that is going to affect them. I think they will only slip one place but are going to along way behind in turns of the standard to the teams above. There is going to be a divide in the Premiership with Sale be the leader team on the bottom set of teams. Cueto, Hines, Di Marchi and Mclean have nearly 250 caps between them so that is ridiculous loss of experience in one go. They brought very few in, other than Stringer and they will feel this. This could be a turbulent year for them and they will have to rely on their forwards to get them from looking over their shoulder.

Saracens 1st

I think they are going to top the table and win the playoffs. They are a team with incredible quality through out and a huge amount in depth as well. They will miss Strettle but he has had enough waiting for England to come calling and has now gone for his pay day in France. They haven’t really dabbled into the transfer market both for incoming and for letting players go which shows that McCall is happy with his squad and after their play off win last year they will know that they can do it again. They are the only team to have made the knock out stages of the Champions Cup for the last four years with two Semi’s and one final in that and their is a reason for that.

Wasps 7th

Wasps had a good surprising year last year and even though I don’t think that year was a one off I do think that they won’t be able to reach the heights of the Champion Cup again. They have changed quite a lot of the squad, losing some experience in Goode, Bell and Varndell. They having a nightmare Champions Cup group so will not have enough to fight at the top level on both domestic and European fronts and that will cause them to slip this year.

Worcester Warriors 12th

Worcester are going to make sure they are counted this year. They are not going to be a London Welsh. This club has a big history in the Premiership and will be kicking and screaming all year. They will pick up some wins and cause the teams just above them to think twice, however they have a tough run in at the end which will bring to a stop the points they will need to stay up at a time it matters. They will be great to watch because you can see them catching teams by surprise with their play and with the ever amazing Pennell leading their back line they have a very dangerous weapon. They have been incredibly busy in the summer getting lots of players in and out. I think this could disrupt them a bit too much because like Welsh last year those new players were not settle in by the time things got rolling. The one benefit there though, is that with the season starting late they have longer to gel together.

February Rugby preview

 

This February the Rugby season continues as normal for most of the English teams as they try and get the best out of the domestic matches as they start to come towards the last leg of the season. There is no European Rugby for a couple of months. We do however have the 2012 6 Nations starting this month. So what’s on in February.

 

6 Nations

Right from the start of February the 2012 6 Nations starts. Each team will be playing 3 times this month. England start away at Scotland before a visit to Italy and then a home match against Wales at the end of the month.

For a detail preview of England’s 6 Nations go to

https://sweetengland.wordpress.com/2012/02/04/6-nations-preview/

 

Aviva Premiership

Even though the 6 Nations has started that doesn’t mean that the Aviva Premiership stops. The teams might have lost some of their stars player to their country teams but they will still be pushing for all the points they can get. There are 3 League matches being played this month. There are some good matches to look forward to. On the 11^th of Feb there is the West London Derby between league leaders Harlequins and London Irish. Newcastle Falcons come down south for an important regulation match against Bath. For Newcastle it is a must win match if they are to stay up. Leicester Tigers go to Sandy Park to see if they can get revenge against an Exeter Chiefs team that beat them at Welford road early in the season.

The next week on Saturday we have the West England derby when Bath host Gloucester. The following day we have 2 mite’s of English rugby facing up. Saracens will look to take out a potential title challenger when the Tigers come to Town. If Tigers lose they will be all but out of the race for 1^st.

In the last big match of the month Northampton Saints come to London to face London Irish with both team fighting for the playoffs and with Northampton still hoping they can have a go at the top spot.

 

The LV Cup

The English and Welsh teams will be playing their last games of the Pools to see who makes it through to the Semi’s. The last Pool Matches are being played on the 4^th and 5^th of February. If Bath beat Exeter they are defiantly through. They also have a good chance of going through even if they loss. This is because Saracens need to beat Newport Dragons by a bonus point to just draw level with Bath. Then it will be down to tries scored and that could be close. If Exeter do win and they might, due to the home advantage. Then they will be hoping that Northampton are stopped by Wasps which is unlikely. Exeter will probably need the help of a bonus point win.

If Leicester Tigers beat Newcastle Falcons, which they should then they will be in the semi’s. If they don’t then London Irish will have a chance of taking that spot but they will have to beat Gloucester and Gloucester are fighting for qualification themselves. They will be looking to beat Irish and try and overhaul a flying Scarlets. They will need to do so with a bonus point win. Sale are the team facing the Scarlets and they will just be playing for pride because they have no chance to qualify. Harlequins have a very outside chance of qualifying and will need to beat Cardiff blues away. Cardiff are already out and will not be fielding a strong team. With Harlequins being such outsiders for the semi’s there is a chance they may rest players and give the young and inexperienced players a go so that they can keep their big boys fit for the Premiership battle they are going to have over the next couple of months.

What are you looking forward to this month?

December Rugby Review

2011 has come to a close and December rounded off the year in fine form. All of the teams trying to finish the year on a high. Lets see what happened in December.

 

Aviva Premiership

At the start of the month Newcastle just hung on to get a massively important win against Gloucester 26-25. Harlequins continued their unbeaten run by beating Wasps 22-16 away. With Saracens keeping the pressure on Quins at the top with a 15-11 home win against Irish.

The big game of the 1^st weekend in December was Tigers versus Saints. Both teams fighting to finish in the playoffs after dreadful starts to the season. These 2 powerhouse’s of English and European rugby fought it out. This was a fantastic match. Tigers made a good lead before Saints came back and took the lead before a late try for Tigers won them the game 30-25.

The next Aviva premiership matches were at the end of the month. Northampton Saints got back to winning ways with a home win against Bath 22-13. Gloucester also going back to winning ways convincing beating Wasps 39-10 in front of there home crowd. But the big game was Harlequins hosting Saracens. The top 2 meeting for a title affecting match. Saracens came out with all guns firing and notched up all of their 19 points in the 1^st 25 minutes. Saracens went in 19-3 up at half time. Harlequins managed to get back into the game in the 2^nd half but never really threated to catch Saracens. So Saracens beat their title rivals away and caused Harlequins 1^st league defeat of the season. The title race is now tightening up between these 2 and it looks like it’s going to be a tough call. Saracens have the bragging rights and are reigning champions but Harlequins are currently top.

 

Heineken Cup

The Pool stages were in full swing in December. With all teams playing 2 games. Northampton Saints had a bad defeat away at Castres Olympique 41-22 before Saints returned the favour and destroyed Castres in the return match. 45-0. Saints now need a miracle to qualify. Irish had a big 34-17 away win against Racing Metro. However they couldn’t capitalize on that win and lost the home match against Metro 19-25. Irish are basically out of the competition as well.

Bath made the reigning champions Leinester work hard for their win. Bath losing 13-18 before being convincing beating in Ireland 52-27. Bath are now going to struggle not to finished last. The Tigers swapped wins with Clermont Auvergne. Clermont winning the1st match 30-12 at home and Tigers home win was 23-19. Tigers need to finish strong to qualify which they can do.

Saracens managed to beat Ospreys both ways to give themselves a great chance of qualifying for the quarters. They won 31-26 at home and 16-13 away. Harlequins lost their home match to Toulouse 10-21 before getting a must win game in the return match away at Toulouse 31-24. In the same Pool Gloucester beat Connacht both times. 14-10 away and 23-19 home. Harlequins still have a chance of qualifying but realistically might have to make do with the Amlin Challenge Cup. Gloucester will just be making sure they don’t finish last.

 

The Amlin Challenge Cup

In Pool 1 Worcester beat Bucharest in both matches. The 1^st 24-13 away and 57-13 at home. This Pool is likely to be decided on the day of the Pool stage when Worcester go to big boys Stade Francais Paris. Newcastle beat Toulon in a tight home game 6-3 before losing 36-10 in the away match. Newcastle have still got an outside chance of qualifying but they will need bonus points wins and hope Toulon can slip up somewhere.

London Wasps lost their 1^st game away against Bayonne 19-11 and winning the home fixture 25-11 to put Wasps in the driving seat to win Pool 3 and qualify.

Exeter Chiefs beat Newport 18-6 at home before completing the double against them winning 19-23 away. Exeter are in a great position to qualify it will all come down to the their last Pool game against the highly ranked Perpignan at home.

Finally in Pool 5 Sale sharks beat Agen twice 29-14 away and 41-21 at home. Sale also will have a Pool deciding match at home to Brive on the last day.

 

What did you enjoy most in Rugby in December?

January 2012 Rugby Preview

 

2011 has finish and 2012 is starting and the Rugby is going to be coming thick and fast. There is no time to breath as we get straight into it. So what going to be on in January.

 

The Domestic league seasons continue as normal. However there is only 1 league match weekend this month. There is one very big match over that weekend. On the 6^th of January. League leaders Harlequins visit the powerhouses of Northampton Saints who are on good form having won 6 of the last 7. Then there is a good mid table clash of London Irish hosting Sale.

 

Rugby in the month of January is going to be dominated by the last group matches of the 2 European cups. In the Heineken Cup Northampton have to win there last 2 games against Scarlets and Munster with bonus points and hope Munster lose both of their games without bonus points to stand any chance of qualifying. They may be able to sneak into the Amlin Challenge Cup but it looks doubtful. London Irish have got Cardiff Blues at home and then Edinburgh away and have to win both with bonus points and hope Racing Metro can do some damage in their matches. Realistically though they are going out.

Bath have an even slimmer chance of qualifying and will have to beat Montpellier to avoid finishing bottom of Pool 3 if they do then they will face Glasgow Warriors for 2^nd place but it will be unlikely to get them into the Amlin Challenge Cup. Pool 4 is still so close and undecided with 3 teams still having a good chance to go through. Leicester Tigers are one of them and their next match is away at Ulster and will be the group decider. If Leicester win then they would have almost certainly have qualified for the quarters assuming they beat Aironi in their last game. If they lose then they will need Ulster to beat Clermont Auvergne to make the Amlin Challenge Cup.

Saracens are in pole position in Pool 5 and if they beat Biarrtiz Olympique in their next match then they will have qualified for the quarters and be able to rest players for their last game away at Benetton Treviso. Harlequins face Gloucester in the next Pool 6 match with the winner being likely to make it into the Amlin Challenge Cup unless Toulouse drop points against either Connacht or Gloucester. Harlequins last match is against Connacht who gave them a run for their money last time round. Harlequins have still got a chance of the quarters if bonus points can help them.

 

The Amlin Challenge Cup is at the same stage with a couple of games left for each team. Worcester Warriors have given it a good go and with Stade Francais Paris who are ranked 8^th it was always going to be tough. Worcester will probably beat Banca Monte Crociati and that means they will have to beat Stade Francais Paris away and then hope that the bonus points are in their favour. If they do beat Stade Francais Paris then they have will well and truly deserve a place in the quarters. Realistically though it could be just too much for them. Newcastle are in need of a favour if they are to qualify. They will probably beat Petrarca Padova and hope Lyon can beat Toulon away. Then Newcastle will have to go on and beat Lyon themselves. However Lyon beating Toulon away and Newcastle beating Lyon away both are very tough asks. But you never know.

London Wasps are in the driving seat and with their toughest Pool games behind them they are looking good for the quarters. If they can avoid defeat against Bordeaux Begles on the last day then they should be find because they are likely to beat Femi CZ VEA Rovigo with a bonus point. The Exeter Chiefs should beat I Cavalieri Prato and them move on to the crunch game against Perpignan. The winner takes all and if it the Chiefs win then what an achievement it would be to take the place of the 9^th ranked team in the quarters. Finally Sale will beat Rugby Club La Vila before they moved onto a must win home game against Brive.

So after January we will have our quarter finalists in the Heineken Cup and Amlin Challenge Cup and I think that English will have 2 clubs in the Heineken Cup and 3 in the Amlin Challenge Cup.

 

At the end of January the LV Cup continues with all the teams trying to either continue their great start or to pick up their poor starts. It will be tough though with only 1 team going through to the semis from each group. They will all be going for it because at the end of season it could be another bit of silverware for one of the teams.

 

So what Rugby match are you looking forward to this month?

December Preview

 

So 2011 is coming to an end. December is gonna round off a good year for English sport. However we are not yet at 2012. There is still a months worth of sport to be played. Lets see what’s on this month.

 

Football

On the 2^nd of December England find out who they will get for the Euros 2012. The draw will determine whether England will have an easier group or will they be in the group of death. The draw always brings up a group of death so England will be hoping to avoid this and be looking for an easy run to the quarter finals.

The Premiership continues it usual weekly league program throughout the month. It’s a busy month for the Premier league teams. There are 6 regular league matches throughtout the month. There are a few big matches over the month. Newcastle play Chelsea on the 3^rd and then Man City go to Stamford bridge on the 12^th. Chelsea will be hoping to be the 1^st teams this year to beat either of these teams. City then have another big match at home to Arsenal on the 18^th.  Tottenham have Chelsea coming to visit on the 22^nd. Then on the 30^th Liverpool and Newcastle line up at Anfield. Every team will be trying to get at many points over the festive period to try and start the New Year with few worries and lots of confidence. By the end of December we will half way through the league season so will have a very good idea of who gonna be fighting for the title and Europe and well as who is going to be fight for safety.

On the 2/3/4 of December the FA Cup 2^nd round is being played. With all teams desperately hoping to get through this round and join the big teams in the 3^rd round draw. The Premiership teams only enter at the 3^rd round so all of the smaller teams will want that big payday against the best in the country. With the in form teams from the lower divisions always hoping to provide a shock to the bigger teams. The 2nd round could see some great physical real football games.

The 4 Champions league and the 4 Europa league teams will be doing all they can to get through to the knock out stages. The Champions League has only 1 group stage match left that will be played on the 6^th and 7^th of December. Arsenal are already through as group winners so will trying out new players while resting others. Man City need to beat Bayern Munich and hope Napoli drop points at Villarreal. Man Utd need a draw Basel to go through. Chelsea need to beat Valencia to progress.

In the Europa League the final group stage matches are going to be played on the 14^th and 15^th of December. Tottenham need to beat Shamrock by 3 goals and hope PAOK beat Rubin Kazan by 3 goals. If PAOK win by less then Tottenham need to win by more. Stoke City have already qualified and will be resting players in their last game while also trying out some new players. Birmingham need to beat Maribor by 4 goals and Club Brugge to beat Braga by 3 goals to qualify. If Fulham beat OB then they are through.

 

Rugby

In the Aviva Premiership there are 2 league matches. Harlequins will be looking to continue their unbeaten start to the season. There are a couple of big games this month. Tigers host Saints on the 3^rd. Then 1^st meet 2^nd with Saracens traveling to Harlequins and 3^rd meeting 4^th when Exeter travel to Irish. Both games being played on the 27^th.

The Heineken Cup continues in December. With the English teams continuing their campaigns to get through to the quarters. Northampton need to beat Castres in theiq next 2 games if they are to have any chance of qualifying after a dodgy start to the competition for last years finalists. London Irish will be looking to win both matches against Racing Metro with bonus points and get back into the running for a chance at the quarters in a tough Pool 2. Bath have the toughest next 2 matches against Leinster. They will need lady luck if they are to come away with anything against the Irish giants. Leicester will be looking to beat Clemont Auvergne and boast their qualification chances. Saracens next 2 games are against Ospreys. These games could decide this group if one of the teams wins both games.  Harlequins undefeated start to the season could be over soon, with 2 massive back to back matches with the French powerhouse that is Toulouse. These 2 matches will determine the winner of this group. Gloucester also in this Pool will be hoping to beat Connacht as to not finish bottom of the Pool 6.

The Amlin Challenge Cup teams will also being doing everything they can to push for qualification. If Worcester Warriors beat Bucharest both ways then they are going to be pushing Stade Francais for the top spot. Where as for Newcastle if they beat Toulon both ways then they will have all but qualified for the last 8 with 2 games to spare. Even 1 win will give them a great chance. Wasps have had a good start to their campaigns and will want to continue that with wins over Bayonne and if they do get those wins then they will basically be Pool 3 winners. Exeter Chiefs have had a good domestic start to the season and hope they can transfer some of this to Europe. If they can beat Newport back to back then will be in with a shout of qualification. Sale have got to beat Agen back to back with bonus points and hope Brive slip up if they have a chance of going through. However I doubt Brive will slip up so Sale might have to wait to the last Pool matchday and take out Brive themselves.

 

Golf

Luke Donald goes to the Dubai World Championship on the 8^th to try and get the European tour money list and become the 1^st person in history to win both the US and the European money lists. If Donald finishes in the Top 9 places then he will win both money lists. If McIlory wins in Dubai and Donald doesn’t finish in the Top 9 then McIlory will win. Donald is one of 11 English players in the tournament. Donald, Rock, Casey, Lynn, Poulter, Westwood, Horsley, Dyson, Fisher and Morrison. All of these players will be trying to finish as high up the table as they can and earn as much money as they can in this high prize fund competition. With there being a lot of players trying to finish in the top 15 in the Race to Dubai so that they can get a piece of the 7,500,000 million bonus prize for finishing in the top 15.

 

Boxing

There are a couple of very big boxing matches coming up this month. Amir Khan takes on Lamont Peterson on the 10^th of December for the WBA and IBF Light Welterweight titles. For more info on this fight go to https://sweetengland.wordpress.com/2011/12/10/amir-khan-vs-lamont-peterson/

The next major fight of the month is Carl Froch against Andre Ward for the WBC and WBA super-middleweight titles on the 17^th of December. This fight is part of the Super Six World Boxing Classic. But this match is the final. Froch has got through the group stage and the Semi final to face Ward who is undefeated in the tournament so far. Ward will bring the WBA while Froch brings the WBC. Ward beat Kessler in the group stage. While Kessler beat Froch in the groups. Froch has a won 28 fights with 20 as knockouts and 1 loss. While Ward has won all 24 of his fights with 13 by knock out. This is a big fight and Froch is gonna have his hands full and will need to bring his A game if he is to beat Ward.

 

Snooker

This month the UK Championships is being played in York on the 3^rd till the 11^th of December. There are 17 Englishmen in the tournament so hopefully it will be one of them that comes out as the winner. With all of the big boys involved in the tournament there will surely be some great snooker on show.

 

What are you looking forward to watching this month?