Northampton Saints begin the defence of their Gallagher Premiership crown against Bath in a rematch of last season’s final when the new campaign kicks off on Friday.
Friday 20 September
Newcastle Falcons 36/10 | Draw 25/1 | Bristol Bears 1/5
In his inimitable fashion, Falcons consultant director of rugby Steve Diamond recently noted that if he couldn’t turn around the fortunes of the club, then nobody could. Ahead of this clash with a solid Bears lineup, the side that finished the previous campaign in last place by 27-points will certainly hope he’s made enough progress by Friday to earn elusive some log-points.
This clash presents Bristol with a great opportunity to ease into life without the likes of Kyle Sinckler and Callum Sheedy, with what will surely be a bonus-point win set to get them off the mark.
Verdict: Bears on the minus 8/10
Bristol to get a big win at Kingston Park.
Bath 9/20 | Draw 20/1 | Northampton Saints 37/20
After falling to Saints in the final of last season, Bath will be frothing at the chance to earn some revenge this early in the campaign in what could be a result that sets the tone for them. They cantered to a 43-12 win in this tie in the teams’ final round robin game of last season, which should provide them with an added mental boost against the team that caused them so much heartbreak in June.
Victory for Northampton at The Rec on Friday would be the ideal way of putting their vanquished final opponents of last season right back in their place from the get-go and reminding every other club in the land just where the power still lies. That said, Bath should be even harder to beat this term and this matchup may have come too early for a side still finding their feet after the departure of stalwarts Courtney Lawes and Lewis Ludlum.
Verdict: Bath 9/20
Get on Bath to deal the reigning champions their first defeat of the season straight out of the gate.
Saturday 21 September
Exeter Chiefs 5/10 | Draw 20/1 | Leicester Tigers 7/4
After missing out on the playoffs for the third season in a row, Chiefs will be out to ensure a fast start to their latest campaign puts them in a position to challenge for the title once more. While they will be hard-pressed to replicate the 65-10 thrashing of Saracens they achieved in their first game of last season, they will still feel confident of overturning Leicester at Sandy Park on Saturday.
Tigers’ performances last season were underwhelming to say the least, but they should be much better this term under the tutelage of Michael Cheika. Chiefs are always a tough nut to crack at home, and while the visitors will be without the services of captain Julian Montoya and Handre Pollard due to the ongoing Rugby Championship, they could spring a surprise in Devon.
Verdict: Tigers 7/4
Get on Leicester to down Chiefs first up.
Gloucester 7/4 | Draw 22/1 | Saracens 49/100
The Cherry and Whites will have a big task on their hands containing what will be a hurting Saracens outfit on Saturday. They would have improved under George Skivington in the off-season, but Sarries are a different beast and one that should be too much to manage.
Without Owen Farrell, the Vunipola brothers and Sean Maitland, Mark McCall’s men will begin something of a new era at the Kingsholm. There will definitely be some teething pains this early on in the season, but ultimately their enduring quality should see them to a convincing win.
Verdict: Saracens on the minus 17/20
Sarries to earn a full house of points against Gloucester.
Sunday 21 September
Sale Sharks 29/100 | Draw 20/1 | Harlequins 28/10
Sale’s late-season flurry of wins last term still wasn’t enough to get them past Bath in the semi-finals, but they will go again knowing that more consistency from the start will put them in an even better position from which to challenge for the title. Playing at the AJ Bell, they should grind out a win against an admittedly dangerous Quins outfit to start strong.
The visitors blew hot and cold last season but will be eager to begin positively in what will be a big challenge in Manchester. Whether their forwards can switch on from minute one will be crucial against Sale’s muscle.
Verdict: Sale 29/100
The hosts should get the job done in the opener.
