RUCK returns with their latest set of Aviva Premiership predictions ahead Round 6 this weekend
Gloucester v Sale Sharks (Friday 4th December, 19:45)
Both sides will have a right go at each other on Friday night. Despite their disappointing back-to-back defeats Gloucester, as usual, look as if they will play their best rugby on home turf this season.
The Sharks have lost their last seven away games in all competitions and struggled to draw with Newcastle Falcons on home turf last weekend.
If Steve Diamond can get his tactics right and press Gloucester, they will be able to cause the hosts a few problems. If they don’t, it will be a comfortable win for the Cherry and Whites.
RUCK PREDICTS: Gloucester by 8
Read full preview here: https://www.ruck.co.uk/?p=13203
Harlequins v London Irish (Saturday 5th December, 15:00)
It just doesn’t get any easier for London Irish, does it?
The Exiles have lost all their games by at least double figures and they will lose this game
Meanwhile, Harlequins have been revitalised this season. However, on home turf, they simply have to win this game.
Their quality additions over the summer have resulted in a bright start to the season, but a loss here would seriously derail their campaign.
RUCK PREDICTS: Harlequins by 8
Read full preview here: https://www.ruck.co.uk/?p=13259
Worcester Warriors v Leicester Tigers (Saturday 5th December, 15:00)
This is one of those games for Leicester where they will have to be at their very best.
So far this season Warriors have a 100% win record at home, overcoming Northampton and Newcastle so far this campaign.
Leicester have been impressive this season, but the way the Warriors have been playing means it should be a difficult afternoon’s work for the Tigers.
The home record will probably go, but not by a large margin and it should be an outstanding game.
RUCK PREDICTS: Leicester Tigers by 5
Read full preview here: https://www.ruck.co.uk/?p=13260
Bath Rugby v Northampton Saints (Saturday 5th December, 15:15)
This will be an excellent game!
It’s a big game for both sides. We had been critical of Saints, questioning whether they are good enough, but in truth they have started to find their stride in recent weeks with some good results.
Northampton are doing well, don’t get me wrong, but Bath have to win this rugby match and with George Ford rediscovering his form of late, he could possibly make the difference.
They are still far from their best but we are backing Bath to win narrowly on home turf.
RUCK PREDICTS: Bath by 3
Read full preview here: https://www.ruck.co.uk/?p=13260
Wasps v Exeter Chiefs (Saturday 5th December, 17:30)
There will be tries at the Ricoh Arena; Wasps have been scoring tries against anybody while Exeter have some real attacking flair among their exciting back line.
We like both teams in this one; the pair are absolutely rolling, playing good rugby with good players, meaning it is tough to pick a winner in this one.
The hosts wing-wizard Christian Wade has been lost to injury but they still have quality backs that can hurt the Chiefs.
Both sides had good results last week but I just think Wasps experience and strong pack will be marginally too much for Exeter on Saturday evening.
RUCK PREDICTS: Wasps by 3
Read full preview here: https://www.ruck.co.uk/?p=13256
Newcastle Falcons v Saracens (Sunday 6th December, 15:00)
I don’t think Saracens unbeaten run will end this Sunday. The visitors put on a show for the Twickenham crowd as they thrashed Worcester during the Twickenham double header last Saturday.
The Falcons will probably keep it tight for a while, but they lack the spark while reigning Premiership champions are on fire, winning all five of their matches in the league so far this season.
We’ve watched Newcastle a lot this season and they play one way, with pace, which means they are always capable of scoring a spectacular try. They will also be buoyed by the draw and much-improved display last weekend when they drew 15-15 against Sale on their travels.
Saying that, I do expect Sarries to win comfortably. We’ve been in rugby a long time and have seen a few upsets down the years – but I cannot see one here.
RUCK PREDICTS: Saracens by 15