By Charlie Elliott
With most players back from the Autumn Nations Series, the Premiership and URC return with a bang.
With some tight battles and some potential shocks to expect over the weekend, here are some of the best individual matchups you need to look out for.
George Ford v Handre Pollard
Former Leicester Tigers star George Ford faces his successor Handre Pollard when Sale Sharks host Ford’s ex-side.
Both players have had mixed Autumn campaigns, with Ford missing crucial kicks for England and Pollard being cold as ice from the tee, despite limited minutes.
Despite the mixed form, they are very similar players in terms of class and composure, and Ford will be hoping to get one over on his former employers.
With them being only a year apart in age, it is going to be a key battle in deciding who comes out victorious in what could potentially be a banana skin for the high-flying Tigers.
Joe Marler v Jake Woolmore
In his final rugby union game, it is only right that Joe Marler is considered a matchup to watch following an illustrious career.
Coming up against him is Jake Woolmore, who is just as experienced at age 33 but has had a slightly less star-studded career.
Woolmore will be looking to crash the party and give himself a moment to remember.
Cadan Murley v Gabriel Ibitoye
England ‘A’ teammates over the Autumn come head-to-head on the wing, with it being a well-matched clash between two similar players.
With both being of similar ages, and narrowly being out of contention for England, both will have the added motivation to try to climb up the pecking order and tempt Steve Borthwick to take a chance on them.
Friday night games are always tasty, and Harlequins v Bristol Bears will be no different, thanks to players like Murley and Ibitoye.
Scott Wilson v Jack Boyle
With Irish internationals still away with their country, Munster v Leinster in the URC is a game in which some fringe players have a chance to shine on a huge stage.
In the front row, youngsters Scott Wilson and Jack Boyle face off, with both winning the Grand Slam for Ireland in the 2022 under-20 Six Nations.
It is Wilson’s first start of the season and shows the benefits that international absences can potentially have on emerging talent.
Hungry young stars with something to prove against direct opposition, Wilson v Boyle should be a fun matchup.
Fin Smith v Gareth Anscombe
Youthful talent comes up against experience at flyhalf when Fin Smith faces Gareth Anscombe when Northampton Saints host Gloucester.
Fin Smith is one of the biggest future stars in English rugby, and despite limited minutes over Autumn, is one of the best in his position.
Faith has been put in Smith by Steve Borthwick having been given one of 17 EPS contracts.
When injury-free, Gareth Anscombe is still a class player, and if he is on his A game he is comparable to anyone in the league.
After a disappointing Autumn for Wales, Anscombe will have extra motivation to get back on track and prove that he is not past it just yet.
Finn Russell v Henry Slade
The versatile Henry Slade is deployed at ten for Exeter Chiefs, as they head to Bath in a huge game for both sides.
England v Scotland is a historic rivalry, and with the Englishman Slade coming up against Scottish Finn Russell, there is an added incentive.
Both are quality players and are capable of changing games on their own.
With doubts being cast over Slade after England’s poor campaign, there is no better way to prove himself than against a seasoned test player in Russell.
Shane Jennings v Willie le Roux
Young Connacht fullback Shane Jennings makes only his 12th URC appearance for the Irish side and is thrust into the deep end coming up against South African side Bulls, and Willie le Roux.
Le Roux has almost 100 caps for the Springboks, being a regular feature in the back-to-back World Cup winning squads.
Jennings’ only international caps have come in the Ireland Sevens setup, but at six foot three he has the height advantage on Willie.
It will be very interesting to see how he fares and will give a good indication as to his potential.
Grant Gilchrist v Eli Snyman
At lock, Edinburgh and Scotland stalwart comes up against Benetton’s Eli Snyman, formerly of Leicester Tigers.
Both stand at a mighty six foot seven, and at a combined 36 stone are two absolute beasts.
The teams have both struggled to start the URC in good form and are at 10th and 11th going into the game, hoping to move up the table.
Gilchrist and Snyman’s physical battle will set the tone for what is hopefully a hard-fought game between two sides needing a boost to reignite their season.
READ MORE: Joe Marler’s most memorable moments
