Premiership power rankings: Bristol ‘show signs of cracking’ whilst Saracens ‘put league on high alert’
From left to right: Handre Pollard, Maro Itoje, Steven Luatue
Following the conclusion of Round 10 of the Premiership season, here are our power rankings based on the teams’ results and performances from their respective fixtures.
10. Newcastle Falcons (-)
Steve Diamond’s side gave it another decent go for 65 minutes, but their late collapse is probably a metaphor for where they are. Newcastle do deserve some credit though, given they probably would have been blown out the water if this game happened last year, but ultimately it was another loss at home for the Falcons.
9. Exeter Chiefs (-)
Positive steps yet again from Exeter, but they could feel this was another game that got away from them. The impact of the replacement front-row seemed to have swung the game in their favour, but again the yellow-card curse cost them just as they were building towards a win. If they had kept 15 on the field they probably would have won. But, focusing on the positives, it’s another step in the right direction.
8. Harlequins (-)
Much more positive from the Londoners this weekend, who showed that extra bit of bite to down a competitive Newcastle Falcons. We’ve yet to really see that side of Quins yet, but their victory at Kingston Park came from serious hard graft and grunt. The combination of Jarrod Evans and Marcus Smith as 10 and 15 also unlocked their attack, and this ultimately got them free of the Falcons’ shackles.
7. Northampton Saints (-)
Despite their incredible victory over Bath, the reigning champions remain seventh in the power rankings. But, whilst they haven’t moved up our table, they are looking like they are getting back to their best form that won them the title last season. Fin Smith was at his brilliant best in the win, which in turn unlocked the likes of Rory Hutchinson, Fraser Dingwall and Tommy Freeman. Really pleasing to see the Saints purring again, and you think they could now be looking up the (actual) table.
6. Bristol Bears (-4)
A big drop for the Bears, who could be showing signs of cracking. Pat Lam’s side fell to yet another comprehensive defeat at the hands of a play-off rival, and to be honest they probably deserved a beating like that. They just looked off the pace for large parts of the game as they couldn’t match the physicality and speed of their opponents. It is really worrying for Bristol, as it was just a far-cry from the side that tore Harlequins and Leicester apart.
5. Gloucester (-)
Back to winning ways for the Cherry and Whites, but they remain fifth in the power rankings. The result was big in itself, stopping an in-form Sale Sharks team, but they managed to show just how to beat the improved Byron McGuigan defence with relative ease. Tomos Williams’ speed of play really got them humming from the get-go, and the likes of Josh Hathaway, Max Llewellyn and Santi Carreras all excelled off the back of it. Just a really impressive win all round.
4. Sale Sharks (-1)
A slight drop in the rankings for Sale following their loss to Gloucester, but they remain in the top four for now. Their defence – which has been rock-solid in recent weeks – was just unpicked with relative ease for large parts of the game, and they were just off the pace at Kingsholm. Their fightback to make it a competitive showing will please Sanderson though.
3. Leicester Tigers (+1)
The Tigers left it late once again to beat Exeter, but it was a pretty solid performance for the most part. They looked to have returned to that old-school style which has worked well for them under Cheika, but crucially they played some clever rugby around the park which has been missing from their recent games. Handre Pollard really stepped up when it mattered, and the likes of Olly Cracknell, Freddie Steward and Ollie Hassell-Collins also impressed to get the win. Their dip in the second-half is potentially a concern, but overall better than their previous outings.
2. Saracens (+4)
The Saracens juggernaut is back, and that should put the league on high alert. They just brought an intensity to proceedings that they have missed in the past few weeks, blowing Bristol off the park up front and bringing a tempo the Bears just couldn’t live with. This win was very reminiscent of what they did so well in the early stages of the season, and they looked back to that imperious form on Saturday evening.
1. Bath (-)
Despite their loss, Bath remain top of the power rankings. It was another slow start from the league leaders – as they fell to a 19-0 deficit after 20 minutes – but they showed that spirit and desire that has become a staple under Johann van Graan to fight their way back into the lead. TNT Sports commentator Ugo Monye probably summed it up when he said Bath were about a 6/10 and were still in the game against an 8/10 Northampton. You feel they will be back to winning ways this weekend, though, based on how they ended the game.