By Nick Powell
A huge opening weekend in the Aviva Premiership, with the London Double Header taking centre stage on Saturday. Those games are set to be exciting, but they are surrounded by some huge clashes.
Gloucester and Leicester lead the way on Friday at Kingsholm on the same evening as Newcastle's unpredictable clash with Sale.
On Saturday, the London Double Header at Twickenham sees Saracens hosting Worcester before Quins take on Premiership new boys Bristol. Meanwhile Champions Cup contenders clash as Northampton play Bath and Franklin's Gardens.
And on Sunday, Wasps and Exeter recreate their epic Champions Cup quarter and Premiership semi finals as they battle at the Ricoh Arena.
Gloucester vs Leicester
A tough game for both sides, one that neither would have been happy to see when the schedule came out for the season. You want to start with a guaranteed win, or a game where you are big underdogs so you are unlikely to start on a negative note. Unfortunately for both these teams, victory is the expectations, and one will be very disappointed with a defeat. Both have high quality back lines, so the battle in the forwards will be essential as if a team struggles to get their hands on the ball they will suffer badly. I think Leicester have the slightly stronger pack and despite Kingsholm being a tough place to come and win, I think they will edge home a tight clash.
Leicester by 3 points
Gloucester 31-38 Leicester (read match report above)
Newcastle vs Sale
Like the last one, this is a game both sides expect to win. If Newcastle have any hope of survival, they need to be beating the bottom 4 sides at home, and look to notch a couple of away wins. This is a game they'll be targeting, and they'll look to put in a high quality performance to generate a positive atmosphere with a win. It's gonna be a good match, and Sale will benefit from the 3G pitch that Newcastle have. But Newcastle will too, both these teams have got exciting players and I think we will see a good flowing match after a tense first half. For me, Newcastle will edge it, and that might just be the first step towards survival for the Falcons.
A huge opening weekend in the Aviva Premiership, with the London Double Header taking centre stage on Saturday. Those games are set to be exciting, but they are surrounded by some huge clashes.
Gloucester and Leicester lead the way on Friday at Kingsholm on the same evening as Newcastle's unpredictable clash with Sale.
On Saturday, the London Double Header at Twickenham sees Saracens hosting Worcester before Quins take on Premiership new boys Bristol. Meanwhile Champions Cup contenders clash as Northampton play Bath and Franklin's Gardens.
And on Sunday, Wasps and Exeter recreate their epic Champions Cup quarter and Premiership semi finals as they battle at the Ricoh Arena.
Gloucester vs Leicester
A tough game for both sides, one that neither would have been happy to see when the schedule came out for the season. You want to start with a guaranteed win, or a game where you are big underdogs so you are unlikely to start on a negative note. Unfortunately for both these teams, victory is the expectations, and one will be very disappointed with a defeat. Both have high quality back lines, so the battle in the forwards will be essential as if a team struggles to get their hands on the ball they will suffer badly. I think Leicester have the slightly stronger pack and despite Kingsholm being a tough place to come and win, I think they will edge home a tight clash.
Leicester by 3 points
Gloucester 31-38 Leicester (read match report above)
Newcastle vs Sale
Like the last one, this is a game both sides expect to win. If Newcastle have any hope of survival, they need to be beating the bottom 4 sides at home, and look to notch a couple of away wins. This is a game they'll be targeting, and they'll look to put in a high quality performance to generate a positive atmosphere with a win. It's gonna be a good match, and Sale will benefit from the 3G pitch that Newcastle have. But Newcastle will too, both these teams have got exciting players and I think we will see a good flowing match after a tense first half. For me, Newcastle will edge it, and that might just be the first step towards survival for the Falcons.
Newcastle by 7 points
Newcastle 19-17 Sale
Saracens vs Warriors
The Champions return to the Home of Rugby looking to get the season after their double off to a good start. Historically, Champions start a new season with a hatful of points. Since the beginning of the 2012/13 season, the Champions have scored an average of 42 points in their first game of the new season, and Sarries will be hoping, and perhaps expecting, to keep up that trend. Worcester will know this is a very tricky way to start a new season, especially given the fact they are still reeling from the shock departure of Dean Ryan. Worcester have got some quality players, who will help them threaten Saracens from anywhere on the park, but their "wolf pack" defence will have the answer and if they play their typical kicking game, they will squeeze Worcester out of the game in the first half, before running in a few in the second period, I fancy a big Sarries win.
Saracens by 25 points
Northampton vs Bath
A huge game for both sides, who will see each other as huge rivals for a Champions Cup place, and potentially that last play-off spot. Whilst both these sides have good backlines, the two packs are set for a huge battle, and it will be tough to know who will get the better in this department, whoever it is though, will win the game without a shadow of a doubt. It is going to be a hugely intense start, which will leave some players exhausted by the end of it. If it is a really tight forwards battle, then expect the backlines to come into play. Harry Mallinder is at 10 for Northampton, being played out of position ahead of the trusted, tried, Stephen Myler. Something to do with the fact his dad is the coach? I'll try not to read into it too much, but I can't see him being as good as his opposite number, George Ford. It's a game that I really don't know how to call. I'm going to throw my hat on Bath, purely looking at pre-season form (not the best way to measure it, I know). Bath are going to nick it, with a cracking performance from their man in the middle, Ford.
Bath by 3 points
Harlequins vs Bristol
For one team, a new coach, new players and a new kit. For the other, a new league. There will be lots that Harlequins and Bristol need to adapt to to get off to a winning start in this league. Looking at the two line-ups, you've got to say that Quins have the better side on paper, but there will be a lot more about this match than just that. Bristol have a very dangerous backline, and Quins traditionally can't defend at Twickenham. Conceding 69 points in their last two appearances, as well as 40 against Wasps the match after they'd won the Premiership back in 2012. If Quins play too loose, they will concede a hatful on one of the widest pitches in world rugby. Equally if Bristol defend like they did at times last season they too will concede a lot. What we have is too superb attacks against two defences that were dreadful last season on such a wide pitch. I'm not often optimistic, but I'm expecting a really exciting game. That or both teams could shut up shop, looking to rectify those defensive issues. Either way I reckon Quins will get the job done, perhaps not in spectacular style, but it won't be the tightest game in the world.
Harlequins by 14 points
Wasps vs Exeter
Last, but absolutely not least, is a game that is expected to be an absolute classic. Like the Northampton and Bath match, these two will be battling for places come May, and will look to make big strides 8 months before those places are finalised, but these are hugely important points. Wasps have a huge amount of new signings as mentioned in my preview, and Exeter have somewhat consolidated their position. Whilst I see Wasps ahead of Exeter by the end of the season, I can see Exeter winning this with a settled squad. Wasps have a lot new signings, and a lot of pressure and for me, that will be enough to make a difference in the match. It's a mouthwatering clash, and such an intense way to start, for me, it will be too intense for Wasps to cope with, with their new players. Having said that, if Wasps can beat a team of Exeter's quality with such a new squad here, I would fancy them to be on top spot in May
Exeter by 7 points
Newcastle 19-17 Sale
Saracens vs Warriors
The Champions return to the Home of Rugby looking to get the season after their double off to a good start. Historically, Champions start a new season with a hatful of points. Since the beginning of the 2012/13 season, the Champions have scored an average of 42 points in their first game of the new season, and Sarries will be hoping, and perhaps expecting, to keep up that trend. Worcester will know this is a very tricky way to start a new season, especially given the fact they are still reeling from the shock departure of Dean Ryan. Worcester have got some quality players, who will help them threaten Saracens from anywhere on the park, but their "wolf pack" defence will have the answer and if they play their typical kicking game, they will squeeze Worcester out of the game in the first half, before running in a few in the second period, I fancy a big Sarries win.
Saracens by 25 points
Northampton vs Bath
A huge game for both sides, who will see each other as huge rivals for a Champions Cup place, and potentially that last play-off spot. Whilst both these sides have good backlines, the two packs are set for a huge battle, and it will be tough to know who will get the better in this department, whoever it is though, will win the game without a shadow of a doubt. It is going to be a hugely intense start, which will leave some players exhausted by the end of it. If it is a really tight forwards battle, then expect the backlines to come into play. Harry Mallinder is at 10 for Northampton, being played out of position ahead of the trusted, tried, Stephen Myler. Something to do with the fact his dad is the coach? I'll try not to read into it too much, but I can't see him being as good as his opposite number, George Ford. It's a game that I really don't know how to call. I'm going to throw my hat on Bath, purely looking at pre-season form (not the best way to measure it, I know). Bath are going to nick it, with a cracking performance from their man in the middle, Ford.
Bath by 3 points
Harlequins vs Bristol
For one team, a new coach, new players and a new kit. For the other, a new league. There will be lots that Harlequins and Bristol need to adapt to to get off to a winning start in this league. Looking at the two line-ups, you've got to say that Quins have the better side on paper, but there will be a lot more about this match than just that. Bristol have a very dangerous backline, and Quins traditionally can't defend at Twickenham. Conceding 69 points in their last two appearances, as well as 40 against Wasps the match after they'd won the Premiership back in 2012. If Quins play too loose, they will concede a hatful on one of the widest pitches in world rugby. Equally if Bristol defend like they did at times last season they too will concede a lot. What we have is too superb attacks against two defences that were dreadful last season on such a wide pitch. I'm not often optimistic, but I'm expecting a really exciting game. That or both teams could shut up shop, looking to rectify those defensive issues. Either way I reckon Quins will get the job done, perhaps not in spectacular style, but it won't be the tightest game in the world.
Harlequins by 14 points
Wasps vs Exeter
Last, but absolutely not least, is a game that is expected to be an absolute classic. Like the Northampton and Bath match, these two will be battling for places come May, and will look to make big strides 8 months before those places are finalised, but these are hugely important points. Wasps have a huge amount of new signings as mentioned in my preview, and Exeter have somewhat consolidated their position. Whilst I see Wasps ahead of Exeter by the end of the season, I can see Exeter winning this with a settled squad. Wasps have a lot new signings, and a lot of pressure and for me, that will be enough to make a difference in the match. It's a mouthwatering clash, and such an intense way to start, for me, it will be too intense for Wasps to cope with, with their new players. Having said that, if Wasps can beat a team of Exeter's quality with such a new squad here, I would fancy them to be on top spot in May
Exeter by 7 points
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