The sixth round of the 2024/25 Gallagher Premiership season commences tonight, with Bristol Bears hosting Northampton Saints under the Friday night lights. The Bears are looking to end their Ashton Gate losing streak against the Saints, who travel down from the East Midlands without an assortment of their in-camp England talents.
Round Six brings about the end of the first ‘block’ of Premiership matches, before the Autumn Nations Series takes centre stage. Replacing the domestic league for the clubs will be the return of the Premiership Rugby Cup, with the Premiership and Championship clubs commencing their respective campaigns, as they work towards winning the first available piece of silverware of the season.
After the double header of Friday night fixtures last weekend, there is one sole match this evening, before a trio of Premiership matches make for a busy Saturday afternoon. Sunday’s singular fixture sees Harlequins make the journey down to Devon to take on Exeter Chiefs, with the Londoners eager to bounce back following their heartbreaking last-ditch defeat to Bath last weekend at the Stoop.
Once again, we challenged the Ruck writing staff to come up with their predictions, for the final round of the Premiership ahead of the international break. Here is what we saw after peering into the crystal ball, for Round Six of the Gallagher Premiership.
– 17:30 KO, StoneX Stadium
PREMIERSHIP FIXTURES: ROUND 6
Friday – Bristol Bears v Northampton Saints
Saturday – Gloucester Rugby v Newcastle Falcons / Bath Rugby v Sale Sharks / Saracens v Leicester Tigers
Sunday – Exeter Chiefs v Harlequins
Bristol Bears v Northampton Saints – 19:45 KO, Ashton Gate
Ruck’s Bristol Bears Reporter Ben Thorne will be heading down to Ashton Gate tonight, to see if Pat Lam’s side can end their run of defeats at their home ground. Giving his prediction for the match, Thorne wrote;
“After a massive victory over Sale last time out, the Saints will come into the tie full of confidence expecting to get into a similar groove which saw them go on a long unbeaten stretch last term. They face a Bristol side who lost narrowly to Saracens last Saturday and will be looking to get their first win at Ashton Gate for the season.
Both sides play free flowing rugby so I’m expecting another high scoring affair, I think this time Bristol will steal the game late on. Prediction: Bristol Bears 39-35 Northampton Saints.”
Ruck’s Northampton Saints Reporter Ben Grundy heard from Director of Rugby Phil Dowson, with the boss excited to see who steps up for his side with numerous England stars away in camp. Ben Grundy predicted:
“Northampton Saints are without five key players as they travel down to the south west of the country. It’s big ask to travel to a traditionally high-scoring Ashton Gate fixture and keep up in the back line with so many absentees. I think Saints will struggle and continue a run of away form that does not mirror their potential. It will be a big day for some of the youngsters and a huge result if they prevail. However I think it is too tall and order and Phil Dowson’s side will take their third defeat on the road and lose by 10 points.”
Gloucester Rugby v Newcastle Falcons – 15:00 KO, Kingsholm Stadium
Heading down to Kingsholm tomorrow afternoon, is Ruck’s West Country reporter Harrison Clifford. After Newcastle secured their first win in the Premiership for 19 months last weekend against Exeter Chiefs, all eyes will be on the Falcons for a win over the Cherry and Whites. Harrison Clifford predicted:
“Newcastle Falcons shook the rugby stage with their home win against Exeter last week, making it their first win after 25 league games. Gloucester Rugby will play host on Saturday at Kingsholm, yet the cherry and whites are yet to see a win at their home terf.
Gloucester are ahead of Newcastle on the table with bonus points, so there’s no doubt it will be a close game which could see Newcastle rise from bottom spot. Or maybe the roar from the Shed will intimidate the Falcons enough to fly away. Gloucester 21 – 14 Newcastle.”
Ruck’s resident Newcastle Falcons Reporter Harvey Allen gave his thoughts, on whether Steve Diamond’s team have what it takes for back-to-back Premiership wins. Harvey Allen wrote;
“Newcastle Falcons will look to build upon their long awaited win with a visit to Gloucester. The hosts have only recorded one win this year too, having faced a tough first five matches.
“Gloucester will still field a strong side, with forward power especially in the back row, and electrifying pace in the back three. Falcons can match the quality player-for-player, but I think the hosts have home advantage and an extra edge over the visitors. Gloucester by 12.”
