10th - Newcastle
Newcastle have shown huge improvement from last season, but that was not a high bar. The Falcons have now won two home games but are still below the Chiefs who have only won one game and actually lost away at Newcastle. What could well cost the Falcons a finish better than 10th, is the lack of bonus points they earn. Their away games tend to end in results which are comfortable for the home team. Newcastle are unable to keep away games within seven points or score four tries. In home games, they have shown the ability to win but not to score four tries for a bonus point. That is where the Chiefs have out-done them ti leapfrog into 9th.
9th - Exeter
The Chiefs have not started this season well at all. It took them nine games to register a win and move off the bottom of the table. As I referenced in my 10th place prediction, the reason that Exeter will finish above Newcastle is the ability to accrue bonus points. This is becasue the Cheifs have much more talented players who are able to stay in the fight away from home when losing and they have players who can create moments of magic to score multiple tries in multiple games. What is blocking them from a top 7 finish is something I have droned on about repeatedly this season; they lack quality, specialist halfbacks.
8th - Harlequins
This would be an incredibly disappointing season for Harlequins but it is a very realistic possibility. They have been inconsistent all year long and now are missing a lot of the core strength that was crucial in their success. Having the likes of Marler, Collier and Esterhuizen gave Marcus Smith and the other backs to express themselves with front-foot ball. Their replacements have done amicably but are simply not at the same level. Harlequins' scrum has also struggled recently with the lack of Marler and Collier giving stability.
7th - Gloucester
This might be harsh. It certainly feels harsh. But I can't put Gloucester above the next six teams on my list. This season has been a huge improvement compared to last season, but can they realistically compete for the playoffs? I think so, I think it will be a seven team race and Gloucester will be a full part of it. The additions of Anscombe and Williams have transformed the fortunes of this team but they have not been able to consistently get the best of the top teams. Ultimately, I think experience will be the deciding factor this season. Leicester have Michael Cheika as a head coach who has been a serial winner in both the domestic and international games. They also have two-time world cup winner, Handre Pollard as well as England centurions Dan Cole and Ben Youngs. Sale have lots of recent playoff experience and are led by England stalwart George Ford. I don't think I need to say anything about Saracens. Maybe Gloucester can do it, I would like to see it, but it would be a huge underdog story.
6th - Northampton
This season has been quite the come down for Northampton. Last season they won the league, this year they have stumbled continuously but are not quite out of the playoffs so there is still something to play for. They have more than enough talent to finish higher up but with the games left this season, 6th is probably as high as they can reach. The return of Alex Mitchell will play a crucial role in an end of season push.
5th - Leicester
This is where it gets really tough. The top 5 are incredibly hard to choose between. I have placed Leicester in fifth as they have already lost to many of the teams above them and have been inconsistent all season. Leicester are a well-coached, high quality team but will ultimately miss out by a small margin.
4th - Saracens
I thought this might be the year that Saracens go backwards, much like Exeter when they experienced an exodus of key players. However, Saracens suffered nothing of the sort. They recruited well with the signing of Reece Burke. They also kept key figures like Itoje, George and Earl. This means that Saracens are still primed and ready to compete for the top spot.
3rd - Bristol
Bristol have been the entertainers of the league this season and have generally had a lot of success with that style. The only thing that might derail their campaign is injuries. MacGinty is out for four months and Ibitoye may be injured as well. There are rumours that Leinster fly half Harry Byrne might be joining on loan. That move would keep Bristol in the top four. If it happens they can still win the title and keep position until MacGinty returns.
2nd - Sale
Sale have a strong side that is built for knock-out rugby. They have a strong pack, excellent half-backs and a deadly back line. Sale have made the playoffs in the last two years and are still an excellent team. George Ford has proven time and again that he is the perfect player for tight games and there will be plenty of those over the next couple of weeks.
1st - Bath
Bath have been the team to set the pace so far this season. They have ridiculous amounts of quality and depth in every position on the pitch as well as a good coaching staff. After making the final last year, this team has massively improved and looks to be the clear favourite. Things are looking good for Bath in their pursuit to finally win the English Premiership once again.
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