It may be the final round of Six Nations matches this weekend but we have some cracking Gallagher Premiership ties in week 14 of the competition. Here, TIBS News previews those six matches.
Friday, March 19
Newcastle Falcons vs Wasps
The Newcastle Falcons welcome Wasps to Kingston Park in the first match of round 14. Wasps are currently sitting in 10th in the table and a win over Newcastle will see them go above in the table. Newcastle are in eighth and will be looking to put pressure on the teams above them. A disappointing season so far for Wasps would make this game a must win for them. Both teams are coming into this looking to bounce back after losses in the previous round, setting up for a thriller at Kingston.
Saturday, March 20
Bath Rugby vs Worcester Warriors
Worcester Warriors travel to the recreation ground to face Bath in Saturday’s first game. Bath are coming into the match off the back of a good win against the Newcastle Falcons. Meanwhile for Worcester, they are STILL hunting for their first win since November and sit dead last in the table. Bath looked to have found their form in the previous game, making this match a real challenge for the Warriors.
Harlequins vs Gloucester
Saturday’s second game sees Harlequins host Gloucester at the Twickenham Stoop. Quins will be looking to bounce back after a heart-breaking defeat by second in the table Exeter last week which left them in third. Gloucester, who are 11th, are still trying to find form and are coming off a defeat by Leicester Tigers. Harlequins need a win to put the pressure back on Exeter to fight for the title and Gloucester need one to save their season. It’s shaping up to be a cracker.
Exeter Chiefs vs Leicester Tigers
Two titans face off in the last game on Saturday as Leicester Tigers travel to Exeter to face the Chiefs. Exeter are coming into the game off a huge win against Harlequins giving them some breathing space in second. Leicester are also coming into the game with a 20-14 win over Gloucester. The Tigers have had a topsy-turvy season so far and are sitting in seventh in the bottom half of the table. A win could take them as high as fourth while Exeter will attempt to put pressure on Bristol Bears.
Sunday, March 21
Sale Sharks vs London Irish
Fourth in the table Sale Sharks welcome sixth-placed London Irish to the AJ Bell Stadium in Sunday’s double header. Sale will be looking to bounce back and put the pressure back on Harlequins after a disappointing loss to Northampton Saints in Round 13. London Irish will be looking to carry on their good form after beating the Warriors last time out. London Irish can go fourth with a victory, overtaking Sale, making this a must win game for both teams.
Northampton Saints vs Bristol Bears
Top of the table Bristol travel to Franklins Gardens to take on Northampton Saints and attempt to continue their run at the top. Bristol haven’t lost since Round Eight so will be very confident coming into this one. Saints are coming into this game off of a fantastic win at home to Sale last week and the chance to go third with a win. Bristol have helped themselves to a healthy lead at the top and are six points clear of Exeter. A win on Sunday will really put them in contention for the title.
By Joe Hayhurst
