How things stand after 3 rounds of the Premiership

Three rounds of the Premiership are done and dusted with some quite interesting results. 

As things stand, Leicester Tigers are leading the pack with three strong, consecutive victories, the latest of which came against Saracens at Welford Road – a nail-biting encounter which went down to the wire. 

After a difficult season last year which saw them finish in sixth spot, thus missing the play-offs, indications are that Leicester have worked hard during the off-season and are well and truly back to being a force to be reckoned with. Their lead at the top of the log, while slender, is well deserved, with 14 points to their name. 

Another side which has turned heads thus far has been Northampton Saints who, like the Tigers, have emerged victorious in all three of their outings. In Round 3, Saints put London Irish to the sword 23-21 at Franklin’s Gardens. 

Saints’ form has been impressive with them not being afraid to employ an expansive style of play. They finished last season’s competition in fifth place, some distance behind fourth-placed and eventual winners, Harlequins.  

As expected, Quins also find themselves near the top of the log and still have a game in hand. They opened their account with victory against Harlequins at Kingston Park in Round 1 before putting Worcester Warriors away 35-29 in Round 2. Quins showed in the play-off stages of the 2020-21 instalment just how formidable they can be and indications are that they will still be a force this season. 

Meanwhile, the gutsy Newcastle Falcons are in fourth spot after having recorded two wins from three fixtures. They had a good start to the 2020-21 competition before falling off the pace somewhat as the season progressed. There is clearly a strong team spirit within their ranks, however, and things could improve for them if they stick to their guns. They managed to put one over Wasps in Round 3 after the latter thumped Bristol Bears the week before. 

The only teams who have not yet tasted victory are London Irish and Bath, the latter currently stone-last on the overall standings. 

Bristol Bears will be discouraged by their start which has seen them bear two losses in the opening two rounds (against Saracens and Wasps respectively). After their brilliant season last year (which saw them finish atop the log), expectations of revival will be high. They are currently back to winning ways after despatching Bath 25-20 at Ashton Gate and will tackle Quins in Round 4 for what should be a mouth-watering contest.      

Recent competition giants Exeter Chiefs have also experienced a less-than-ideal start to the comp with, also, one win from three outings. They were first taken apart by Leicester in Round 1 before succumbing to Northampton Saints in Round 2. Like Bears, however, Round 3 saw them victorious as they pushed past Sale Sharks.