PREM Rugby predictions: British and Irish Lions returners to end ‘worrying trend’ while Bath ‘juggernaut’ continue ‘march to title’
Tommy Freeman (right) is among several British and Irish Lions stars back for Northampton, while Johann van Graan (left) will be hoping his Bath side can continue their winning ways.
Round three of the new PREM season is just around the corner, with five mouthwatering derby clashes in the diary this weekend.
While we are still very much in the infancy of the new campaign, this could be a pivotal round for many teams, either to kickstart their push for the play-offs, get their first win of the year or even continue building on foundations they’ve built thus far.
Things get underway on Friday night, as Sale Sharks take on Newcastle Red Bulls, before Bristol Bears face Exeter at Ashton Gate, Northampton Saints square off against Leicester Tigers and Bath welcome Gloucester to the Rec on an action-packed Saturday. Rounding off the weekend, Harlequins face Saracens.
With so much on the line, this promises to be a great weekend of action, but just how will things pan out?
Well, here are our in-depth PREM round three predictions!
Sale Sharks v Newcastle Red Bulls
Head-to-head: The set-piece will likely be a key factor in this game, and you’d expect Luke Cowan-Dickie and George McGuigan to be right at the heart of it for both sides. The two hookers will have a huge say in the success of the lineouts, and also contribute massively to their sides’ efforts in the scrum, which sets up a really tasty contest. Around that, their work around the park could help their team get on the upper hand up front.
Players to watch: Sale Sharks’ fly-half George Ford is in rich form right now, and will again likely play a massive role in the outcome of the game, as will Joe Carpenter and Tom Roebuck. It’s also worth keeping an eye on PREM debutant Tristan Woodman as well.
For Newcastle, Max Clark is one of the more underrated centres in the league and could have a big say in the outcome of the game, while Amanaki Mafi has also impressed in his early days at the club.
Prediction: It’s hard to predict anything other than a big Sale response this weekend. Alex Sanderson’s side will be out for blood after letting that Bath match slip away from them, so a statement win will be the perfect way for them to get over that and again show why they are among the favourites for the title. Sale by 10.
Bristol Bears v Exeter Chiefs
Head-to-head: There are some true rockstars of our game taking to the field at Ashton Gate this weekend, but the clash between Viliame Mata and Ross Vintcent has all the hallmarks of a mouthwatering head-to-head. The pair are among the most brutal back-rowers in the league from a defensive perspective, but blend that with genuine attacking intent and game understanding.
Players to watch: The impact of Ellis Genge’s return cannot be overstated, with the loosehead among the best in the world in his position, and he’s only getting better too. Around him, Fitz Harding is bang in-form right now, while Kalaveti Ravouvou and Tom Jordan also look destined to have big involvements. For Exeter, the wing duo of Immanuel Feyi-Waboso and Paul Brown-Bampoe will likely hold the key to a victory, while Greg Fisilau and Ethan Roots also bring some more steel alongside Vintcent in that back-row.
Prediction: Always hard to predict what will happen at Ashton Gate, given Bristol always have that ability to run amok when things click, but Exeter are looking pretty tasty right now and could nab a result. It will by no means be an easy win for the Chiefs, but given they seem to be turning things around and reverting to their old ways, that could nullify the sheer flamboyance of Bristol. There really won’t be much in it, but we’re going Exeter by 5.
Northampton Saints v Leicester Tigers
Head-to-head: Potentially not the head-to-head you were expecting to see here, but the clash of style between Fraser Dingwall and Solomone Kata is going to be fascinating. While both men play the game in a completely different way, with Dingwall an extra playmaker outside Fin Smith and Kata a battering ram deployed to cause chaos, both are equally integral to their side’s system. Dingwall’s distribution is key in getting the back-three more involved in the contest, while Kata’s brute strength is used to get consistent front-foot ball to then play off. Both play in contrasting styles, but it’s a good watch when they tango.
Players to watch: Phil Dowson welcomes back all of his Lions players this weekend, with Alex Mitchell, Tommy Freeman and Fin Smith all back in the starting XV, while Henry Pollock slots onto the bench too. Trevor Davison’s return is also timely given their issues at tighthead, while Emmanuel Iyogun and Callum Chick will be hoping to continue their good form of late this weekend.
For Leicester, all eyes will likely be on new recruit James O’Connor, who could mark his debut from the bench this weekend. Billy Searle, picked to start ahead of the Wallabies ace, also impressed last weekend and will be hoping for more of the same this time out. Adam Radwan is also bang in form right now, while Emeka Ilione will also be out to impress yet again.
Prediction: The hosts will be hoping for a smoother ride this weekend, but the return of their British and Irish Lions should stem the worrying trend emerging in their games. Messrs Freeman, Mitchell, Smith and Pollock are absolutely integral to the way the Saints play, and that extra bit of quality they bring should be enough to hold out Leicester. The Tigers will, and quite rightly, be buoyed by their own comeback against Harlequins and will push Northampton close, but it might not be enough. Northampton by 5.
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Bath v Gloucester
Head-to-head: The clash of the 10s will be such a good watch this weekend, with Finn Russell and Ross Byrne going head-to-head. The pair both bring Test quality to their respective sides, but whoever can get one over their opposite man should inspire a win. Russell likes to play free-flowing, expansive rugby through space, but in his first outing in the Blue, Black and White since the departure of Lee Blackett, it’ll be interesting to see if he’s given the same sort of freedom now with Martin Gleeson running the show. Byrne, on the other hand, likes to play off solid shape and act as that key pivot, but if he decides to open things up a bit, it could bring the best out of his side.
Players to watch: Both full-backs, Tom de Glanville and Charlie Atkinson also offer a ball-playing option in the backfield and will likely have a huge impact on proceedings. Bath’s midfield combination of Max Ojomoh and Ollie Lawrence are also in good form at the moment, while Sam Underhill and Guy Pepper will be hoping to further lock down their spots in this back-row. Santi Carreras and Chris Harris also face their old teammates for the first time since crossing the divide.
Will Joseph has impressed in Cherry and White since making the move from Harlequins this summer, while midfield partner Seb Atkinson will be hoping to further his England credentials too. Cam Jordan is also going well at the moment, and will help the efforts in the tight.
Prediction: While Gloucester will be hoping to be spurred on by their fightback against Northampton last weekend, you’d think this Bath juggernaut will continue on its march to the title this weekend. The strength right across the Bath 23, ironically highlighted by the players not in the squad, should prove way too powerful for Gloucester this weekend. The Cherry and Whites won’t go down without a fight, but Bath should take the spoils with a comfortable scoreline. Bath by 15.
Harlequins v Saracens
Head-to-head: England’s back-row continues to be an area of strength, but Will Evans and Ben Earl will be hoping to get one over a rival this weekend heading into next month’s Tests. Evans has been in great form this season, grabbing a hat-trick in the first quarter of the season, but Earl will be out to prove a point after missing the opening rounds through enforced rest after the Lions tour. They both have a similar skillset, particularly around the breakdown too, so that specific battle should go a long way to helping their teams this weekend.
Players to watch: Quins have welcomed back Marcus Smith to their starting XV this weekend, and he will keen to show he is an out-and-out 10 rather than that versatile option he’s become known as in recent times. Tyrone Green is also looking at his electric best once again, while Rodrigo Isgro is a welcome addition after his Rugby Championship commitments. Fin Baxter is also showing further signs of improvement.
Chandler Cunningham-South’s switch to number eight will be interesting, especially when he faces incumbent England starter Tom Willis, too.
Around Willis, Owen Farrell will likely have a major say in the outcome of the game, as will in-form centre partner Nick Tompkins. Jack Bracken will also be hoping to further show his talents after a brace last weekend. Theo Dan is also in good form thus far.
Prediction: Again, you would expect some form of response from Quins after another lead went begging against Leicester, but Saracens look tasty right now and could look to put a score on. Mark McCall’s side will also be walking on air after their dismantling of Bristol, and then add in the returning Test stars, it’s a match made in heaven. Saracens by 12.
READ MORE: PREM team news: How to watch Round Three, kick-off times, venues and match officials