Gloucester Rugby vs Bath – 15:05 KO. Kingsholm Stadium
Gloucester Rugby Reporter Ben Baker said; “It’s another West Country derby for Skivington’s Cherries as they host last years finalists, Bath. Gloucester have looked more positive this season compared to last year, narrowly beating Bristol Bears and nearly picking up a win against Sale Sharks.
The Cherries have also been known for playing more expansive and attacking rugby this season. I don’t think Gloucester quite have enough to beat Bath this weekend and I can see the visitors picking up an eight point win in a relatively close encounter.”
Bath Rugby Reporter Sam Jess added; “Bath were shocked last week by a rampant Bristol side, so they will have to improve vastly if they are to avoid a second consecutive derby defeat.
“They have won on their last two visits to Kingsholm and have the capability to make it three, but Gloucester are much improved from the past few seasons, playing some brilliant rugby. If Bath start slowly again, Gloucester will win, but don’t expect Johann van Graan’s side to start slowly again. It will be close, but Bath should edge it. Gloucester 23-30 Bath.”
Leicester Tigers vs Northampton Saints – 17:30 KO, Welford Road
Chief Rugby Writer Tom Sansom predicted: The East Midlands derby is one of the most historic matches in English club rugby. With plenty of pride on the line between Leicester and Northampton, it’s safe to say that there will be a lot of hard-hitting collisions in this clash at Welford Road.
Leicester and Northampton both enter this match with two wins in their first three rounds, with the Tigers sat at third, and the Saints in fifth. Leicester clipped the Falcons wings last weekend with their emphatic 42-10 win up at Kingston Park, while the Saints took home the win from a thrilling 33-29 battle with Harlequins. Two in form sides, but I can see the Saints triumphing by three in a narrow away win. I predict Leicester Tigers 25 – 28 Northampton Saints.
SUNDAY 13th October
Harlequins vs Saracens – 15:00 KO, Twickenham Stoop
Harlequins Reporter George Davis predicted: “Derby weekend is here and it doesn’t get much bigger than this for Quins. The match up of both the back rows will be key to slowing down the others attack and the match up of Fin Baxter and Marco Riccioni will be a good one. 1,720 days since Harlequins last beat Saracens in the Premiership, surely it will happen soon? 36-25 to Harlequins.”
London Rugby Reporter Will Gupwell added; “On derby weekend, a visit to the Stoop doesn’t bring the same fear as other venues across the Gallagher Premiership. With three bonus points wins under their belt and the prospect of a derby victory on the horizon, it’s hard to see Saracens not coming away with yet another win against a Harlequins side plagued by injuries. Saracens to win by 10.”
