No Six Nations? No Problem: Five Fixtures To Watch This Weekend

We might not have Six Nations rugby to look forward to this weekend, but that does not mean that there is nothing good to watch on television this weekend. 

This weekend sees the return of Premiership, Top 14 and Pro 14 and the continuation of Super Rugby, which has been very exciting in its first two rounds. 

Here are our top five fixtures to watch this weekend: 

Friday: 14 February 2020 – Friday: Blues vs Crusaders

The Crusaders, who are the New Zealand conference favourites, have had a bit of a rocky start to the competition as they already tasted defeat. The men from Canterbury swept the Waratahs aside in round one but got shown up by a hungry Chiefs side, who is now coached by Warren Gatland. 

The Blues also lost to the Waikato based franchise this season, but they pulled things together against the Waratahs which makes Friday’s game now an interesting affair. 

Blues are currently in second place and the Crusaders in third by points difference only.  

Friday: 14 February 2020 — Gloucester Rugby vs Exeter Chiefs

It is super tight at the top of the Premiership table and while Exeter is currently sitting pretty on top they got keep picking up points if they are to go on and win the title. The Chiefs have won six of their nine games this season and are averaging around three tries a game. 

Gloucester, who are fourth on the log, have been pretty exciting this competition and have scored 1 less try than their opponents all season. If there has been one thing that has let Johan Ackerman's side down its consistency, and they will need to improve that should they want to break into the top two. 

Ackerman’s men are seven points behind Exeter, who lead the Premiership by one point. 

WATCH: The reason why the Caterpillar box kick exists and why Exeter use it so often 

Continue reading below...

Saturday: 15 February 2020 — Lions vs Stormers 

The Johannesburg based side is not quite the force we have gotten to know the last three seasons, but they are back to winning ways in the competition. The Lions will be playing their second game at home on Saturday and will be hoping to get a bit of a winning streak together. 

However, the Stormers, are on a two game win streak and although they haven't played away from home they are two from two. John Dobson’s men haven't been super convincing just yet, but they have not yet conceded a point in the tournament.

The franchise from Cape Town are top of the South Africa conference, and they also head up the overall table. Also, you can have a peek at how Jamie Roberts is going for the Stormers.

Saturday: 15 February 2020 — Leinster Rugby vs Cheetahs Rugby 

An unbeaten Leinster welcome the Cheetahs this weekend and although they possess a 16-point advantage over their visitors, the South Africans are a side in form. 

After doing the double over their domestic rivals the Southern Kings, they improved their record to three wins in their last four — and banished away-day hoodoos with an 18-13 triumph over Ospreys at the back end of last year.

With Leo Cullen’s men missing several big names due to Guinness Six Nations commitments, the Cheetahs may well be targeting their first win over the Irish giants since September 2017 — a result that would no doubt send shock waves through the tournament.

Sunday: 16 February 2020 — Northampton Saints vs Bristol Bears 

The Saints, who are one point behind top spot on the table, know they need to win if they are to keep the pressure on Exeter. The Northampton club will know what is expected from them come Sunday, as the Chiefs play on Saturday. 

Should Exeter drop points, it will mean a standard win will put the Saints top but should the Chiefs win then they will need to win a bonus point to grab first place. 

Bristol are not completely out of the running just yet but as they currently sit in fourth they will need others to start dropping points and starting with Northampton.