Post-season Rugby heats up
As the dust settles on the European championships, attention refocuses on the semi-finals of the Gallagher Premiership this weekend when the top 4 clubs in England vie for a place in the June 8 Final at London’s Twickenham Stadium.
First off on Friday, May 31, Northampton take on Saracens at Franklin Gardens. Saints have already beaten Saracens twice this season and a hat-trick would feel very good heading to the Final next week. However, Sarries, who have been close behind Saints in the standings for the last several weeks are renowned for their experience and success in big matches and will not be intimidated by recent history. Both teams have tremendous squads with plenty of international representation, and 1 of 2 England icons will be playing their last match for their club. Saracen’s Owen Farrell is moving to France at the end of the season as is Saints’ star Courtney Lawes and, as well as leaving their clubs, they will no longer be eligible for England duty under current RFU rules. Other players to watch include for Saints: Mitchell (#9), Fin Smith (#10 vs Farrell) and Ollie Sleightholme (#11) the league’s top scorer with 14 tries; and for Saracens: 2 Vunipolas, Jamie George and Mario Itoje in the pack and Eliot Daly (#15). All in all, a tough one to call; Northampton have played great rugby all season and have home advantage, but Saracens beat Saints in last year’s semi at home and are defending champions.
Saturday June 1 sees Bath at home to Sale Sharks. Bath have been close behind Saints for the last few weeks in the standings and finished strong, beating the Saints in R18 to level them on points. Saints retained the #1 spot due to a 12-6 won/lost record vs. Bath’s 11-7 tally. But Bath earned a home game against a strong and resurgent Sale side who were #6 after R16 but finished #3. As one would expect, both teams have game-changing players in 2 very strong squads starting with another tantalizing match-up at fly-half (#10) where Finn Russell of Scotland tales on George Ford of England. Both sides have impressive back lines loaded with talent; Spencer (#9), Cokanasiga (wing), and Lawrence (center) for Bath, and Quirke (#9), Tuilagi (center) and O’Flaherty (wing) for Sale. Bath earned 11 try bonus points during the season (tied only by Harlequins) giving them a slight edge in what should be another cracking game.
Both games will be streamed on therugbynetwork.com.