Week Eighteen of the Aviva Premiership saw victories for Leicester Tigers, Bath, London Irish, Sale Sharks, Saracens and Northampton Saints. Here are my Top 5 Talking Points after Round 18.
1: Nathan Hughes Red Card
It seems that the only people that have not given an opinion on the above are the politicians in Westminster and I am sure that they would have a thing or two to say on the matter if asked. Wasps’ have today appealed the three week ban that the RFU handed Nathan Hughes last Tuesday.
My view on this incident is that Nathan Hughes did not deliberately make contact with George North’s head. There was no change of direction in his leg towards the head but Hughes is the only one for sure that knows whether he meant to connect with George North’s head.
Either way he has been banned and the RFU have taken their stance on the matter. Wasps feel aggrieved to be without Hughes for the next few games but George North is the real loser here as he now faces a month on the sideline and perhaps an uncertain career in the game following another concussion.
2: Quins Failings Continue as They Beef up Their Pack for Next Season
Harlequins have endured a nightmare season thus far and their last game against Saracens showed how far they have fallen. They were completely listless and looked like team that had already started thinking about their summer holidays.
That may seem harsh but Conor O’Shea would have seen how easy Saracens scored at times and the last try especially highlighted Quins pathetic defending. They have moved already to add some beef to their pack with the signings of former Australian captain James Horwill and former British and Irish Lion Adam Jones.
These two, as well as Scottish international winger Tim Visser will added some badly needed nous a young and talented squad that seem to be lacking direction. Many would argue that appointing Joe Marlar captain this season ahead of Chris Robshaw may have something to do with the dramatic fall.
3: Rotherham Lose Head Coach Blackett to Wasps
It was announced in the last week that Rotherham Titans head coach Lee Blackett would be moving to Wasps to take over as their backs coach. He replaces former Wales out half Stephen Jones who is returning to Wales to take up a similar position with the Scarlets.
Blackett has done a superb job in the Greene King IPA Championship with the Titans and it is great to see such a young coach getting a high profile position with such a big club. Wasps head coach Dai Young spoke highly of Lee Blackett when the appointment was announced:
“Lee has impressed knowledgeable onlookers by his attention to detail, enthusiasm and professionalism and his proven ability to get the best out of the players he coaches. He has won admiration throughout the game for turning Rotherham into one of the strongest teams outside the Premiership.”
4: England have a Multitude of Options for the Wing Positions
The performances of David Strettle, Chris Ashton and Christian Wade last weekend and indeed all season, showed how deep the talent pool England coach Stuart Lancaster has at his disposal. None of the three had any game time in the Six Nations but they must be in the thoughts of the England coaches.
If they are not in Stuart Lancaster’s plans, something is seriously amiss. Strettle, Ashton and Wade are in sensational form and as good as Jonny May and especially Jack Nowell and Anthony Watson did in the Six Nations they should not be immune from being dropped.
As headaches go it’s a good one for Lancaster. The more high quality players you have at your disposal the better and high quality wingers are hard to come by. One thing is for sure though that the battle for the wing positions in England’s World Cup squad is on.
5: Champions Cup Quarter Finals Preview:
Racing Metro v Saracens:
Arguably the tie of the round. Metro will have Jonny Sexton pulling the strings and are coming off a hard fought win away at Bayonne in the Top 14. Sarries on the other hand battered a poor Harlequins side but were extremely impressive in doing so. Ali Hargreaves should be available for Saracens and his inclusion could be massive. Away win just.
RC Toulon v Wasps:
It was going to be an uphill task for Wasps anyway against Toulon but it has been made a lot harder with Nathan Hughes’ suspension. Toulon lost to Toulouse last weekend but their veteran All Black prop Carl Hayman insists that defeat has sharpened their mind. Home win.
ASM Clermont Auvergne v Northampton Saints:
Clermont are a juggernaut home and away and Saints have it all to do to win this game. Former Bath full back Nick Abendanon has been a revelation at the Stade Marcel Michelin but is only one of their attacking options. Saints will be without George North and will badly miss his ability to make yards. Clermont win for me.
Leinster v Bath:
If this game was being played at the RDS I would say a Leinster win. But this one is being played at the Aviva Stadium and Leinster’s record at the home of Irish rugby is not what it could be. Believe it or not this is a bigger game for Leinster than Bath. They will have their Irish contingent back and Bath will have their English players back in contention. Could be the shock of the round. Away win.
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