Aviva Premiership Review – Round 5

By Jack Pitt

The Aviva Premiership got back underway this weekend after a two week break due to European Champions and Challenge Cup. Jack Pitt from Rugby Radio walks you through the action.

The action started at Franklin’s Gardens on Friday night where Northampton Saints took on Gloucester. In the wind and rain both teams played out a dogged affair with Stephen Myler’s boot sending Northampton in 9-3 up at half time even though Tom Wood was in the sin bin. The second half continued in the same fashion as Myler’s boot kept firing to give Saints the 15-3 victory. Northampton are still underwhelming, but dominated up front and showed real resilience to win this game, Gloucester’s form continues to be irregular and the Cherry and Whites seem to be low on confidence.

Saturday rolled around and with that came the London double header. First up, Saracens took on newly promoted Worcester Warriors. Saracens dominated from the outset scoring six tries in total in the game winning 48-18, there was some fantastic attacking rugby on show anchored by the young Ben Spencer in the Saracens nine shirt and the timeless classic Charlie Hodgson running the show at fly half. Chris Ashton scored in both halves also, doing his England chances no harm. Worcester simply couldn’t handle the onslaught, Saracens are ones to watch this season. Maro Itoje picked up man of the match, which will not quash rumours of potential England captaincy. With more performances like that few would argue if he was appointed.

In the next match of the afternoon, winless London Irish took on a very dangerous and in form Wasps side who were still on the high of simply taking apart reigning European champions Toulon. Wasps went in 11-8 at half time after Johnny Williams crossed for the Exiles in reply to Frank Halai’s try. It was two tries all late into the second half with a second from Williams but Wasps seemed too strong in the end with Thomas Young scoring and Halai crossing for his second. Wasps generally dominated possession and territory, but Irish were dogged in defence. There is real cause for concern for Tom Coventry as Wasps move fourth and Irish remain bottom with the 33-15 loss.

Elsewhere on Saturday Exeter Chiefs edged past Harlequins 26-25 in a classic. In appalling conditions, Gareth Steenson racked up 21 of his side’s 26 points, converting his own try to add to his four first-half penalties and conversion of the impressive James Short’s try. Harlequin’s earnt two bonus points due to the score line and with four tries being scored. Nick Evans, Charlie Walker and Tim Visser all crossed for the visitors and there was one penalty try also. Quins fought well, but couldn’t take their chances with three of their conversion attempts going begging and Tim Swiel missing a late shot at goal. Exeter remain second in the Premiership and are unbeaten at home since January.

At the AJ Bell stadium, Newcastle earned their first points of the season as they held Sale to a 15-15 draw. It could have been a lot different however as Danny Cipriani missed a late penalty to snatch it for the home side. Many would say Newcastle were worth the draw, all of Sale’s points came from Cipriani whilst a Mike Delany penalty and tries from props Rob Vickers and Jon Welsh put Newcastle on the board. The two crucial points for Newcastle mean they avoid being bottom of the table.

In Sunday’s game at Welford road, Leicester edged out Bath in a feisty affair winning 21-11 meaning Bath still haven’t won at Welford road since 2003. It was wet and windy and the conditions meant handling errors were high and other aspects of the game were also not of a high standard. An early Anthony Watson try sent Bath ahead, however Telusa Veainu’s intercept try helped Leicester lead 11-5 at the break after two penalties from Tommy Bell. Ford levelled the scores at 11-11, but one more penalty from Bell and a late Dan Cole try sealed Bath’s fate. David Denton’s yellow card proving the turning point for the blue, black and white, Leicester’s impressive form continues however.