We look back at some of the key talking points from the latest round of Gallagher Premiership action.
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Ill-disciplined Sale fall at the Stoop
A Sale Sharks side boasting eight South Africans (including World Cup winners Faf de Klerk and Lood de Jager) conceded a whopping 10 penalties inside the opening 30-minutes to eventually fall 10-16 to Harlequins at the Stoop. With laws at the breakdown rigorously enforced, there were always going to be more penalties than usual in the contest. However, Sale simply could not adjust and some accurate kicking by Marcus Smith steered his side to a valuable home win.
The Sharks have now slumped to third on the standings with Quins in seventh. Steve Diamond’s men will need to adapt to the breakdown interpretations quickly if they are to avoid dropping further down the table in the weeks ahead.
Exeter maintain steely grip on first place
The Exeter Chiefs extended their lead at the summit of the Premiership standings with their 26-13 victory over the lowly Leicester Tigers at Sandy Park. With Saracens out of the race for the title, Exeter are the heavy favourites to go on to win the tournament playing their unique brand of footy. Now eight-point ahead of next best Bristol, they will take some hauling in if they are to be caught at the top.
Convolution continues in playoff race
Just seven points separate second-placed Bristol from sixth-placed Northampton. With Saracens relegated and in spite of Exeter’s dominance, the competitiveness of the rest of the Premiership sides has made for compelling viewing all season and means the final makeup of the top four is anyone’s guess. Many are expecting Sale’s South African contingent to steer them close, while Bristol’s exuberant displays and Wasps’ midseason comeback also sees them in with a shout.
Meanwhile, Bath, the Saints and even Harlequins and Gloucester remain capable of having a say in the competition. With eight regular fixtures remaining, the next two months will separate the boys from the men.
Premiership results Round 14
Harlequins 16 Sale Sharks 10
Worcester Warriors 15 Gloucester 44
Exeter Chiefs 26 Leicester Tigers 13
Bath 34 London Irish 17
Bristol Bears 16 Saracens 12
Northampton Saints 21 London Wasps 34
Written by Shaun Goosen for Hollywoodbets.
