In less than 3 weeks’ time, the Aviva Premiership returns to England, and once again twelve teams will battle it out to attain the honour of being crowned the best team in England. Who could forget the dramatic fashion in which Northampton Saints ended the season last year? A last-minute try in extra-time at Twickenham sealed victory for the Saints and denied Saracens the Premiership title in the most nail-biting fashion, after an agonizing wait for the TMO to make the call. So after all the drama and excitement of last year’s action packed season, what will this one be like? Well, here’s a preview of what we could expect.
2014-15 Aviva Premiership Preview
The Title Challenge Will Be Closer Than Ever
We can of course expect to see Saints and Saracens challenging for the title. There’s also no doubt that Leicester will be keen to get their hands on some silverware after failing to pick anything up last season. We can also throw Gloucester, who have clinched some major signings such as Richard Hibbard and Piri Weepu, into the mix. Bath will also be looking for a top-four spot and they will be energised by the arrival their new signings. Harlequins are also not to be forgotten; they went down valiantly to Saracens in the play-offs last year. That’s six teams considered as top-four contenders; it would be a brave man to bet on the two teams who don’t make it.
Even Fiercer Rivalries
How determined will Richard Cockerill’s Leicester be to avenge their last-minute defeat at the hands of the Saints in last-year’s play-off? Include the fact that the Saints-Tigers derby is traditionally the fiercest and most controversial in the Premiership, and the East Midlands derbies of this season are sure to produce fireworks. What about the West Country derby of last season, where Bath pipped Gloucester by one point, 18-17? Aside from the extremely close scoreline, there was a total of six cards shown in a match that simply boiled over in aggression. This season could bring the battle of the derbies – which will be more controversial, dramatic and enthralling?
Even Better Quality
With the advancements in technology and training, players are bigger, stronger and faster. With the growth in popularity, stadiums are larger and fuller. With the money in the English game, the signings are even better. This season promises more growth in the English club rugby game and the rugby promises to be better than ever. It gets harder to call who will become champions with every new season, and it’s no different this year. The Aviva Premiership is going to be better than ever.
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