Gearing up for Round 3 of the Premiership

Bristol Bears vs Bath: 

Round 3 of the 2021-22 Premiership will open with two sides who have yet to post a victory so far in their respective campaigns: Bristol and Bath. 

It is a surprisingly poor start for the Bears who finished last season’s competition top of the log while Bath have been caught unawares by both Sale and Newcastle in Rounds 1 & 2 respectively. 

Stuart Hooper’s men will need to be on top form on Friday evening as Bears will no doubt have returned to Ashton Gate to do some soul searching while identifying where they have gone wrong so far this season. One can expect Pat Lam’s charges to exhibit a new attitude when they take the pitch. 

Northampton vs London Irish: 

London Irish will travel to Franklin’s Gardens to tackle the Saints in the first of Saturday’s fixtures. Saints have taken their opportunities thus far and played with a flair which has seen post two wins from as many fixtures. 

The Exiles kicked their campaign off with a loss in Round one before a late surge saw them draw level with Sale Sharks last weekend. 

Recent form would suggest that Saints will be favourites to take this one, however, Exiles have shown that they are capable of springing surprises on unsuspecting opposition. 

Saints currently occupy third spot on the overall standings while London Irish are at 9th. 

Leicester vs Saracens: 

Saracens kicked off their campaign with a definite point to prove as they brushed aside Bristol in Round 1 before enjoying a bye in Round 2. this week they face the high-flying Leicester Tigers whose impressive form has elevated them to number 1 spot on the log. 

This promises to be a cracking encounter between two teams who are showing great intent in their play. George Ford’s battle in the flyhalf channel will be of great interest to all involved, especially England boss Eddie Jones. 

Newcastle vs Wasps: 

A favourable result for Newcastle last weekend when they took the scalp of Bath will fuel their confidence as they take the field against Wasps. The latter will be fired up after initiating their campaign by crushing Bristol 44-8 last weekend at the Ricoh Arena. 

Newcastle’s outside backs were superb last weekend as they ran Bath ragged and similar attacking form from them will set the Falcons in good stead for what is sure to be a massive clash. 

Worcester vs Gloucester: 

George Skivington’s Cherry & Whites are in pursuit of their first victory of the season after losing out to Northampton and Leicester in Rounds 1 & 2 respectively. This week, they travel to Sixways where Worcester Warriors lie in wait – a team who have already equalled their winning record from last season (one game) after they put London Irish away 36-24 in Round 1 before losing out to the defending champs 35-29 last weekend.  

Worcester will surely see the struggling Gloucester as an opportunity to snatch other victory, but the desperation of the latter could propel them into form which Warriors may find difficult to handle. 

  Sale vs Exeter: 

Sale will have kicked themselves last weekend for allowing the Exiles back into the game during the last quarter as the latter managed to turn a 31-14 score into a 31-all draw. This week they face Exeter Chiefs who, surprisingly have yet to taste victory this season. 

The match will take place at the AJ Bell on Sunday afternoon and has the makings of one of the games of the round.  

Chiefs fell to Saints 26-24 last weekend and Sale can expect something of a backlash from a side who, it is well known, are capable of playing some lethal rugby. Could this be the weekend where they find their rhythm? 

Sale are somewhat depleted at present with a couple of their top players doing duty with the Springboks, but still showed last weekend how dangerous they can be. They will have focused this week on closing out a game and Exeter can probably expect a strong finish from the opponents.