What Have We Learnt from the Gallagher Premiership So Far?
by Devesh Jaganath | by Devesh Jaganath
Bath Put Final Disappointment Behind Them
On opening weekend under the floodlights at the Rec, Bath Rugby showed that they have gotten over their final heartbreak from last season, as they avenged that loss with a commanding 38-16 victory over defending champions Northampton.
Now four rounds into the competition, Bath have rattled off another two wins since the opening weekend victory, beating Leicester 20-15 and smashing Gloucester 55-31, while the only blemish on their record so far was a 36-26 loss to Bristol in round three.
Two of the standout performers for the side this season have been England winger Joe Cockansiga, who looks back to his best form, and skipper Ben Spencer whose influence on everything the team does has been evident.
Next up, Bath will make the trip to Twickenham Stoop to face the Harlequins on October 19, and if it is anything like the battle we saw between these two last season when the Quins edged a four-point victory, we are in for a real treat.
Bet on the English Premiership RugbyLeicester Tigers are Roaring this Season
Michael Cheika’s reign in Leicester got off to an incredible start, as the Tigers, despite being reduced to 14 men in their opening match, pulled off a famous win over the Exeter Chiefs, coming from two tries down to win 17-14 on the road.
While a loss to Bath followed in week two, the Tigers showed no mercy to minnows Newcastle in week three, smashing the basement club 42-10 in their backyard before putting in arguably their best performance of the competition last weekend when they overcame Northampton Saints 24-8 at Mattioli Woods Welford Road.
Over the first four rounds of competition, one player that has caught the eye for Leicester this season is Freddie Steward, who was part of Steve Borthwick’s England training squad last week. The fullback tends to get his side on the front foot every time he has the ball in hand and is making a genuine bid for the Red Roses’ number 15 jersey for the upcoming Tests.
Leicester face Gloucester next weekend where they should be the clear favourites to pick up a victory, and you can keep up to the minute with all the English Premiership Rugby Odds right here on SportyTrader.
Place a wager on Leicester vs Gloucester
Saracens Still a Force Without Farrell
At the end of last season, there was plenty of discussion about how Saracens would fare without the talismanic Owen Farrell, who made the switch to pursue opportunities in the Top 14 with Racing 92. Additionally, the franchise also bid farewell to the Vunipola brothers, which genuinely made it feel like the end of an era at the North London club.
However, Mark McCall’s side seem to have been unphased by the departure of their stalwarts, as they are currently in second place in the league standings, with three wins in four, including victories over Gloucester, Sale and Exeter, with a 17-10 loss to Harlequins over the weekend being the only smudge on their record.
While it is still early days, Fergus Burke has stepped into Farrell’s boots impressively and Andy Onyeama-Christie’s performances to date have been excellent. Indeed, what seemed like it could be a lengthy transition period has turned out to be anything but, and Sarries could be a genuine threat for the title this season.
Sarries are away to league leaders Bristol this weekend and you can check out the latest English Premiership Rugby Livescores right here on SportyTrader!
