Fasogbon vs Genge:
Fans at Ashton Gate were treated to an incredible game on Friday night although the result may have soured their enjoyment somewhat. Gloucester narrowly won 44-41 with a hat-trick from the electric Christian Wade who levelled with Danny Care on 85 to go to fourth in premiership tries in his pursuit of Chris Ashton's record. so, how has Wade scored a hat-trick and not made the headline? The answer is that the most memorable part of the game was the second half scrums. Fasogbon and Genge went head-to-head in some incredible battles with Genge using his nouse and experience to gain an early advantage. Fasogbon eventually used his power (he stands at 6ft4" and 130Kg) to get the better of Ellis Genge and afterwards had a few words for Genge whilst his teammates celebrated. Fosagbon was clearly delighted with his performance as he waved Genge off the pitch when the England international was substituted. England has a dearth of talent at tight-head prop so the emergence of Fasogbon should excite fans up and down the country. He is young, just 20 years of age, but looks to have the ability to replace Dan Cole and if Friday night was any indication he has the personality that England would otherwise be lacking when Joe Marler steps away once again.
Marcus makes his mark:
Marcus Smith got his first start of the season on Saturday, having been on the bench last week. Smith had not really done much with Quins in preseason but that clearly did not matter. He ran the show and was praised by both directors of rugby. Harlequins came up against a much better Newcastle side than they faced last season and this game was no walk in the park but the home side were able to acquire a bonus point before the final whistle. Former England U20s stars seem to be making a big impact at the start of this season and in this game the player to make an impact was Harlequins winger Cassius Cleaves. Despite not having size n his side, the youngster was a dangerous running threat and showed that he is able to be relied upon should Murley's injury troubles persist. And even if Murley comes back soon, performances like that will surely have Cleaves in a lot of match-day squads.
Saracens still dominant:
After two games, it looks like some of the concern around Saracens was misplaced. They have now secured two dominant, bonus point wins. Gloucester were looked at as an easier start but perhaps their performance on Friday puts Saracens' win in a different light. Sale are struggling with injury but nevertheless scoring 40 points against them is an impressive achievement. Tom willis produced another impressive performance and will be in the mix for a spot in the England squad this autumn. daly scored rwo tries and Jamie George got another. Ben Earl was predictably dominant in a game that saw experienced stars win the game for Saracens. Tobias Elliot also scored, making it 2 tries in 2 games for the young winger.
Northampton back on track:
Northampton were in need of a win at the Cinch Stadium after a disappointing kickoff to the season where they were soundly beaten by Bath. Despite a late push by the Chiefs, Northampton were able to maintain a strong advantage. Getting a first win was crucial and now the Saints can get things properly underway. The massively improved performance was important but getting a win was crucial and the Saints did both.
A game of missed opportunites:
Bath beat Leicester 20-15 in Michael Cheika's first home as director of rugby for the Tigers. A good win with many quality players on show but this game will likely be remembered for missed opportunities and frustrations than for good rugby, even though there was plenty on show. The most memorable missed opportunity was Ollie Hassell-Collins dropping the ball over the line in the first half. The positives for Leicester were the continued physicality and the ability to compete with a team as good as Bath. This game should give confidence to Leicester that they can compete for the playoffs. For Bath, it was another win against a strong opponent showing that they are building on from what they did last season and they are on course for another appearance at Twickenham in 2025.
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