David Campese’s Premiership predictions: ‘Rugby genius’ Marcus Smith to inspire Harlequins and the ‘knife edge game’ that will be a thriller
Wallabies legend David Campese makes his predictions for this weekend's matches.
As the Premiership race becomes ever-compressed with eight teams mathematically capable of qualifying for the play-offs, we move into Round 17 with some thrilling games ahead of us.
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Rugby legend David Campese is our pundit this week, a man often critical of the style of English rugby, but it turns out that when it comes to the Premiership, Campese is a bit of a fan of the style that’s emerged this season.
“I’ve noticed just how big some of the attendances have been this season,” Campese enthused.
“That’s no coincidence as the product that the clubs are delivering is simply wonderful; great attacking rugby, drama and tries – everything you’d want as a spectator. I really wish we could capture the same ethos here Down Under as right now, Premiership and European Rugby is a great product.
“I’ve thoroughly enjoyed watching Quins, Saints and Bath, with most of the sides impressing me when I’ve seen them. What’s interesting is that as a result of the bonus point system the table is remarkably compressed and Round 17 is almost a total knockout stage for most of the teams, a wonderful situation for PRL.
“Very lastly on this point, it’s also been great to see England benefit from the PRL offerings; I was critical of England’s limited style in the World Cup, but it’s been fantastic to see that team evolve to embrace the styles we’re seeing at those clubs I mentioned. Attack is always the hardest to develop as a coach, but (Steve) Borthwick has a lot of talent to work with and he’s starting to use it, I’m glad to say.”
Sale Sharks v Leicester Tigers
I’ve mentioned positive style, but these two are the heavyweight brawlers of the Premiership!
Expect to see a brutal match, forward-dominated.
Head-to-head: Packs cancel themselves basically, so I’m looking at that midfield battle where Dan Kelly will meet Manu Tuilagi, two massive and powerful centres.
Players to watch: I am a big fan of Bevan Rodd, a winger in a prop’s body! And for Tigers, George Martin is one of the most physical players around.
Campo’s Call: It’ll be a home win, but not as big as some might believe – I’m going 21-19 in a real tight and exciting match.
Newcastle Falcons v Bath
Bath will want maximum points from this away fixture, but many come unstuck by underestimating Falcons. But with the spirit and quality in the Bath team, I can only see a five pointer for them.
Head-to-head: On the wing, Adam Radwan should be a regular in the England team, as should big Joe Cokanasiga. I can’t wait to see them go up against each other as I respect fully the way they both play.
Players to watch: Guy Pepper v Sam Underhill is another good head-to-head given they’ll be up against each other at Bath next season.
Campo’s Call: All Bath for me. I can see them pulling away in the last quarter to win 35-14.
Northampton Saints v Gloucester
This is Courtney Lawes’ last scheduled home game, Premiership semis aside, so expect to see a huge turnout and some real emotion as the Saints fans say goodbye to a great. I fancy Gloucester will rest a few, focusing on their European final, so for me this is a hefty Saints win where I expect their half-back control to dominate Gloucester.
Head-to-head: Fin Smith v Adam Hastings is one to get the juices going. Fin reminds me a little of ‘Noddy’ Lynagh in his poise on the ball and I expect big things from this talented youngster.
Players to watch: Jack Clement has been an unsung hero for the Cherry and Whites, whilst for Saints, Alex Coles is the heir apparent to Courtney’s back five role.
Campo’s Call: An easy one for me – Saints by some distance – 45-25.
Bristol Bears v Saracens
This is where it hots up. Bristol cannot afford to lose, but are also the form side of the Premiership up against the most successful knockout campaigners around in Sarries. A knife edge game where the Bears forwards must turn up in order to secure a chance of the play-offs.
Head-to-head: AJ McGinty v Owen Farrell – it is that simple. AJ is a high quality 10 and he’s been the spark that’s ignited Bristol’s run.
Players to watch: Benhard Janse van Rensburg is a class act who controls that midfield alongside McGinty. For Sarries, Tom Willis is really showing his ability and I want to see him shine.
Campo’s Call: A very tight one, but despite Bristol’s form, I think Sarries might have the toolkit to overcome them, so I’ll say 28-23 in a thriller.
Exeter Chiefs v Harlequins
Marcus Smith is a guy I could watch all day. He’s a little rugby genius and his partnership with Andre Esterhuizen is one that is so well balanced. Exeter are a little more robust and conservative, but defend like demons, so I see this as Quins attack v Exeter’s defence. Can Quins get around them? If they can they can win and keep their play-off hopes alive. My one concern is the effort Quins gave in Toulouse might show late in the match.
Head-to-head: Tyrone Green v Josh Hodge is a battle of two brilliant running full-backs and two men that beat players in tight spaces for fun.
Players to watch: Henry Slade is the heartbeat of Chiefs, but he needs to make sure Quins don’t beat him around that 13 channel, a place where he’s often exposed in defence. I also enjoy Louis Lynagh a lot, given I have a vested interest there after playing 80 Tests with his Dad!
Campo’s Call: This is the hardest one of the weekend to shout. But there’s something in me that thinks Quins might just pull this one off, but it’ll be tight. I’ll stick my neck out and say 33-31 to the visitors but even as I say this I’m not certain it’ll happen!
