Round 10 of the Premiership promises to deliver riveting clashes amidst an electric festive atmosphere.
Bristol look set for their biggest crowd of the season with more than 23,000 tickets sold at Ashton Gate for their clash against Exeter, while Harlequins and Gloucester anticipate a crowd of over 70,000 at Twickenham for The Big Game.
Meanwhile, second plays third as Northampton host Sale, Saracens welcome Newcastle to the StoneX Stadium in a David and Goliath clash and Leicester host leaders Bath on Sunday in the final fixture of 2023.
As the season’s second half begins, each of the five matches takes on paramount importance in shaping the Premiership’s landscape going into 2024.
Matthew Luddington delves into this week’s fixtures.
Bristol vs Exeter – Friday 29 December (7:45 pm kick-off, TNT Sports)
Virimi Vakatawa made his mark in a Bears shirt with a sensational solo try to secure victory against Newcastle last week, and Bristol supporters will be hoping that the French international is starting to rediscover the world-class form that he displayed at Racing 92.
Bristol have enjoyed a good December, including an impressive seven-try victory against Gloucester in their last home Premiership outing, and are seeking a vital win against Exeter to stay in touch for the play-off places.
Rob Baxter’s youthful Exeter side have played some scintillating rugby alongside their trademark tight game this season and are the highest scoring team in The Premiership. The Chiefs have only won once away from home in 2023 in The Premiership, but buoyed by a famous win in Toulon, the Chiefs will now be seeking better returns on their travels.
This clash promises an intriguing battle between Exeter’s direct style and Bristol’s expansive rugby, in what could be a thrilling encounter under the lights.
Saracens vs Newcastle – Saturday 30 December (3.00 pm kick-off, TNT Sports)
Saracens have stumbled in December, with three defeats in their last four matches and now sit outside the play-off positions in fifth. It is far too early for Mark McCall’s side to panic, but with half the season now gone Saracens need to discover their best form soon.
A clash against a winless Newcastle side this Saturday at the StoneX Stadium provides the perfect opportunity to get back on track.
Newcastle fought hard against Bristol last week, but ultimately succumbed to their eleventh consecutive defeat in all competitions. Alex Codling’s young side are showing promising signs, but ultimately coming up short against Premiership teams laden with international-quality players, and their visit to Saracens looms as a daunting task.
Northampton vs Sale – Saturday 30 December (3.05 pm kick-off, TNT Sports)
Northampton have won their last five games and are playing fantastic attacking rugby. Tom Litchfield’s outstanding match winning score against Gloucester last week epitomised the Saints’ running rugby and combination play. Northampton play at a high-tempo that opponents struggle to live with and are capable of scoring tries from anywhere on the pitch.
Sale enjoyed an impressive victory over Saracens last week, providing a huge psychological boost to their title credentials. Sale showcased their powerful set piece and maul, and this match promises a thrilling clash between two in-form teams with contrasting styles.
Harlequins vs Gloucester – Saturday 30 December (5.30 pm kick-off, TNT Sports)
Harlequins aim to return to winning ways in front of a massive Twickenham audience in their annual Big Game after two disappointing defeats. Quins have fared well at Twickenham, having not lost in The Big Game since 2014, and won the Premiership final against Exeter in 2021.
Gloucester fell to an agonising defeat to Northampton last week as Adam Hastings’ last-second penalty came up short. The Cherry and Whites have lost their last seven Premiership games, and despite having a squad full of talented international players like Zach Mercer, Louis Rees-Zammit, Jonny May and Santiago Carreras, they have struggled to put 80-minute performances together.
Harlequins are one of the best attacking sides in the league, and Gloucester have conceded more than 31 points a game on average this season, so fans can expect a try-fest if the weather holds.
Leicester vs Bath – Sunday 31 December (3.00 pm kick-off, TNT Sports)
Leicester after five straight victories, fell to a disappointing defeat against Exeter last week. The Tigers face Bath in their final clash at Welford Road in 2023, and currently sit eight points off the top 4, making victory vital to stay in touch with the play-off places.
Bath have the chance to finish 2023 top of the Premiership with victory on Sunday, something very few would have predicted at the start of the year. Finn Russell has ignited Bath’s talented backline, and Joe Cokanasiga’s first try against Harlequins last year showcased their outstanding combination play.
Bath’s backline are a devastating unit and a threat to score from anywhere, and victory at Welford Road would underscore their title credentials.
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