After a two-week break for European action, the Premiership is all set for its final round of matches before the Six Nations.
With Steve Borthwick‘s squad already in Italy they’ll be opportunities both for players on the fringe of clubs whose stars will be with England, and teams with a lesser contingent who will be keen to get some points on the board.
There are repeats of the 2012 final – as Harlequins face Leicester – and 2016, 2018 and 2019 showpieces with Saracens hosting Exeter in a game that Ugo Monye says is must-win for last season’s champions to get their domestic season back on track.
Matthew Luddington provides insights into this week’s fixtures.
Harlequins vs Leicester (Friday, 7:45pm, TNT Sports 1)
In a Friday night clash at the Stoop, Harlequins and Leicester Tigers go head-to-head at 7.45pm. Tigers have won five of their last six Premiership games, but need a win to stay in touch with the top four, while Harlequins are on a four-game winning streak in all competitions and are playing some sensational rugby.
Billy Millard’s side have added physicality and defensive solidity to their attacking flair, and dismantled Ulster at the Stoop last weekend to set up a home Champions Cup Last 16 tie. A clash of styles awaits, featuring Harlequins’ running rugby against Leicester’s power game in this blockbuster clash under the lights.
Northampton vs Newcastle (Saturday, 2pm, TNT Sports red button)
At Franklin’s Gardens, top-of-the-table Northampton face bottom-placed Newcastle. The Saints, on a remarkable nine-game winning streak, toppled Munster in Thomond Park last weekend despite playing over half the match with just 14 men. They stormed fortress Sandy Park in their last Premiership encounter and will be looking to put on a show for their fans at Franklins Gardens and extend their lead at the top of the table.
Newcastle under the guidance of Micky Ward, produced an impressive performance to beat Perpignan in France last weekend, and will be looking to build on that in the Premiership. The announcement of the arrival of Steve Diamond next month has given the club a lift, and Falcons will need another high-class performance to challenge a red hot Northampton side on their own patch.
Bristol vs Bath (Saturday, 3:05pm, TNT Sports 1)
Bristol, buoyed by a standout performance against Sale in their last Premiership outing, target a must-win against Bath in a crucial west-country derby at an almost sold-out Ashton Gate. Bristol sit ten points off the top four, and know that victory here is essential to keep their play-off hopes alive.
Bath edged out Gloucester at The Rec in their last domestic fixture, and prevailed over Bristol by a point in their earlier season clash. Johan van Graan’s side have developed resilience alongside their fantastic attacking rugby. This promises to be a close encounter with so much at stake for both sides.
Saracens vs Exeter (Saturday, 5:30pm, TNT Sports 1)
Saracens’ season appeared to be unravelling after a record European defeat in Bordeaux and the announcement of Owen Farrell‘s departure to Racing92 next season, but a spirited comeback against Lyon has booked their place in the Champions Cup Last 16, and they now face old adversaries Exeter at the StoneX Stadium at 17.30 with fresh hope.
Exeter suffered their first home defeat in fifteen months against Northampton in their last Premiership match, but Rob Baxter’s young side have since secured a home last 16 clash in the Champions Cup. They thrashed Saracens 65-10 at Sandy Park earlier this season, and will travel to the Stone X Stadium full of confidence.
Just four points separate these two sides and both know that this is a vital clash in the race for the play-offs.
Gloucester vs Sale (Sunday, 3pm, TNT Sports 1)
Gloucester are desperately seeking to end a record run of nine Premiership defeats, and take on Sale at 3pm who are themselves looking to regain momentum after a blip in form.
Gloucester have played their best rugby this season in the Challenge Cup, and will be hoping to bring that momentum to their domestic campaign. This is an important match, as visitors Sale sit fifth in the table and are in the hunt for the playoffs, whereas Gloucester are looking to retore pride and bring some cheer to Kingsholm.
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