Looking back at Gallagher Premiership Round 19

Top five all collect wins

The top five log leaders, Exeter (73-points), Sale (59), Bristol (58), Wasps (56) and Bath (55) all picked up wins in midweek to see them maintain the status quo. With Chiefs through, one of the others will miss out on a semi-final berth within the next fortnight.

This Sunday will be a pivotal moment in the race for the playoffs, with the Bears travelling to the Ricoh Arena to take on Wasps while Sale host Bath at the AJ Bell. The Chiefs travel to Allianz Park to tackle Saracens in what remains an eye-catcher – even with nothing on the line but pride.

Sale’s second stringers make statement


Following his side’s win in Leicester on the weekend, Steve Diamond made 11 changes to face Saracens last night. The end result, a 24-17 home win, highlighted the depth in quality the Sharks possess as they look to stage a first proper assault on the title in years.

The victory marked their sixth game in 27 days and fourth Premiership win on the bounce, something a Sale side has not achieved since February 2016. If they can negotiate Bath on Sunday, they will surely have done enough.

Farrell’s ban will hurt Saracen in Europe

Owen Farrell’s five match ban for his needless shot on Charlie Atkinson against Wasps on Saturday will see him miss Saracens’ Champions Cup quarterfinal tie with Leinster on 19 September. The Londoners are never the same without him and his absence will be a massive blow to Brad Barritt and his troops – though it is thoroughly deserved. Many – Bakkies Botha among them – seem to think he should have copped a heavier sanction.

Still, he will be available for England’s revised Six Nations encounter with Italy on 31 October in Rome and the end of year Tests thereafter.