Heineken Cup: Race for the Quarter-Finals

This weekend sees the final round of the Heineken Cup pool stages and with several pools wide open it looks sets to be a cracker. Northampton, Toulon and Toulouse have already booked their places in the quarter-finals but who will join them?

Leinster face a tough trip to Paris to take on Racing Metro 92 in pool two but the Irish province sit five points ahead of chasing Clermont and look set to qualify. Elsewhere, pool three is done and dusted with Munster and the Ospreys out of the running for the knock-out stages thanks to their defeats last weekend.

Toulon marchons from that group and are likely to be joined by last season’s losing finalists Biarritz from pool four. However, Ulster are locked on 17 points with the French side and will be praying Bath will do them a favour and beat their gallic counterparts to hand the Irish province a home quarter-final. Ulster will be eyeing a bonus point win at Aironi to secure passage to the last eight for the first time since they won the competition in 1998/99.

Pool five is the tightest pool to call, with Perpignan and Leicester locked on 17 points and the Scarlets just two points behind. After coming out on top in their tricky trip to West Wales, Leicester fans will have let out a huge sigh of relief, knowing that a home game against Benetton Treviso is all that stands between them and the knock-out stages. But can the Scarlets bounce back from last weekend’s xx trouncing to beat Perpignan in their own back yard and cause the upset of the round? It would be great for Welsh rugby but sadly I can’t see them sneaking a win at the Stade Aimé Giral.

Finally in pool six, reigning champions Toulouse have oozed class and progress to the quart-finals with five wins from five having done just enough in every game. They face second place Wasps at home who are effectively out of the running for one of the two runners up spots thanks to their defeat by Glasgow in the last round.

But who do you think will win this weekend and join the Saints, Toulon and Toulouse in the last eight? Here are my predictions, but as always please feel free to discuss and add yours in the comments below.

Racing Metro 92 v Leinster - Leinster by 9.
Saracens v Clermont Auvergne – Clermont by 7.
Aironi Rugby v Ulster – Ulster by 22.
Biarritz v Bath – Biarritz by 12.
Castres v Northampton – Northampton by 9.
Edinburgh v Cardiff Blues – Cardiff by 6.
Munster v London Irish – Munster by 7.
Ospreys v Toulon – Ospreys by 4.
Leicester v Benetton Treviso – Leicester by 30.
Newport-Gwent Dragons v Glasgow – Dragons by 8.
Perpignan v Scarlets – Perpignan by 12.
Wasps v Toulouse – Toulouse by 6.


If you're on Twitter you can follow me @Bamberio.

Heineken Cup Round 5: Previews and Predictions

It's another huge weekend of Heineken Cup rugby with quarter-final places well and truly up for grabs.  As ever, here are my previews of the key games and predictions for the rest.

Toulon v Munster


This is a do-or-die game for Munster who are on the verge of missing out on the quarter-finals for the first time since 1998. If Toulon win they will top the pool which would deny Munster a straight passage into the last eight for the 13th consecutive season. Therefore it’s not overstating it when I say there is massive pressure on the visitors but Munster will take heart from last season’s trip to Perpignan. Their 37-14 win in the south of France shows what the men from Limerick can do when their backs are against the wall. Paul O’Connell is available for selection after serving his four-week ban for a flailing arm/face slap and could make his first start in nearly a year. If Munster are to come away from the Stade Mayol with a win the key area they need to tighten up on is discipline. They must reduce the number of penalties they give away and read how the referee is policing the breakdown and adapt their game accordingly. If they fail to do this and a certain Mr Jonny Wilkinson is wearing Toulon’s number 10 shirt they will be punished by multiples of three points all afternoon. Will the sum of Munster’s parts and wily ways be stronger than the superstars of big spending Toulon? It’s time for le crunch.

My prediction: It’s a really tough one to call. Munster always seem to pull it out of the bag when it matters the most so I’m going for Munster by 7.

Ulster v Biarritz

Ulster haven’t qualified for the last eight since they won the Heineken Cup in 1999. If Biarritz come out on top at Ravenhill the French side will top the pool making this another winner takes it all game. Stuart Barnes claimed this match is the biggest game for Ulster this century and I don’t think he is wrong. The home side claimed back-to-back wins over Bath in the previous two rounds to stamp their authority on this pool. However, Biarritz have won four of their last six away games to shatter the much peddled line that French teams are useless on the road. They also notched up an impressive 65-22 win over Agen last weekend. So will Ulster go into this game as favourites? Back-row Stephen Ferris is one of the key men for the Irish province with his pace from the base of the scrum. Half-backs Ian Humphreys and Ruan Pienaar will also have pivotal roles and have been a sensational combination for Ulster this season. However, this week they will once again face the guile, genius and amazing kicking game of scrum-half Dimitri Yachvilli. Clash of the day will no doubt be South African Pienaar versus the diminutive Frenchman.

My prediction: I’m not enjoying making my predictions this week. I would flip a coin to decide but it would probably land on its edge. I’m going to say Ulster by 4.

Scarlets v Leicester

Last weekend, Leicester reasserted their position of the top of the Aviva Premiership with a 27-16 win over Northampton Saints. The Scarlets are also in good shape and are currently second in the Magners league. When the West Walians travelled to Welford Road earlier in this competition, the ever hospitable Tigers served up a 46-10 thumping, running their visitors ragged in a six-try hammering. However, there is a certain hoodoo hanging over this game from a Leicester perspective: If the Scarlets win on Saturday they will knock Leicester out of the Heineken Cup at the pool stages for the second year in a row. Tigers fans, are you nervous? The West Walians have been playing well in the Heineken Cup this season, topping their pool after the first four rounds and scoring some sublime tries. However, they will need to combine their brand of attractive, expansive rugby with a hard, physical edge if they are to beat the Tigers and stack the odds in their favour of progressing to the quarter-finals for the first time in four years. Can Leicester be as good away from their fortress in the East Midlands?

My prediction: Leicester have hit their stride but the Scarlets are playing some scintillating rugby. I’m going to stick my neck out and say Scarlets by 8.

Glasgow v London Wasps

Wasps are two points behind reigning champions Toulouse in Pool 6 and are gunning for qualification. However, a defeat for the Londoners means Toulouse will top the pool ahead of their trip to Adams Park, making this a must win game for Wasps if they want to keep their dreams of qualification alive. Can the Aviva Premiership side put away one of arguably the weaker teams in the Magners league this weekend? In the 17-10 loss to Quins seven days ago, Wasps had the lion’s share of the possession in the second-half but failed to convert it into points. It was a massive cause for concern for coach Shaun Edwards and as a result Dave Walder has to start in order to give Wasps their best possible chance of winning this crucial clash. Back-row forward Andy Powell has won much deserved praise for his performances in the past couple of weeks and if Wasps can shore up their scrum then the scintillating pace of scrum-half Joe Simpson, a new call up to England’s EPS squad, will rip Glasgow to shreds.

My prediction: I realise I’ve not mentioned Glasgow at all in the preview of this game – for good reason. I think Wasps will win this one easily. Wasps by 15.

Here are my predictions for the rest:

Cardiff Blues v Castres – Cardiff by 12.

Clermont Auvergne v Racing Metro 92 – Clermont by 6.

Northampton v Edinburgh – Northampton by 14.

Bath v Aironi Rugby – Bath by 16.

Benetton Treviso v Perpignan – Perpignan by 22.

Leinster v Saracens – Leinster by 6.

Toulouse v Newport-Gwent Dragons – Toulouse by 19.

London Irish v Ospreys – Ospreys by 7.

Aviva Premiership Round 13: Previews and Predictions

Unlucky for some, it's round 13 of the Aviva Premiership.  Yes, this means we are now halfway through the season but there are still plenty of league points up for grabs.  This weekend sees a huge clash between leaders Leicester and local rivals Northampton, while elsewhere Leeds look to string together consecutive league wins after opening their winning account on New Year's Day.

Here are my previews and predictions:

Leicester Tigers v Northampton Saints


Undoubtedly the biggest clash of the weekend is between East Midlands rivals Leicester and Northampton. The Tigers climbed to the top of the Aviva Premiership last Sunday thanks to their win over Exeter, replacing the Saints who had been in pole position since round eight. The last six matches between these two sides have all been won by the home side on the day, including the 27-19 victory by Northampton at Franklin's Gardens in round one. Despite a slow start to the season and being plagued by injuries the Tigers have lost only one of their last seven matches in all competitions. Richard Cockerill’s men seem to be hitting their stride, both in Europe and in the Premiership. Last weekend the Saints slipped up at home to Harlequins but have not lost successive games since April. Add to this the fact they are unbeaten in their last five away games in all competitions and Northampton are in relatively good shape to do their first league double over the Tigers since 2003/04. I’m looking forward to an absolutely epic clash up front between arguably the two best front fives in the league. Throw in a couple of Tuilagi brothers and the magic of Chris Ashton and this game looks set to be a corker.

My prediction: I really have no idea. My heart says Northampton but my head says the championship winning mentality of the Tigers will win through. Leicester by 3.

Saracens v London Irish

For me, one of the highlights of round 12 was watching old man Mark Cueto dazzle a flailing Gavin Henson and crash over for a try. Welcome back, Gav. It pretty much summed things up at Saracens at the moment: showing great promise but not quite living up to it. Sarries’ league form has been patchy in the last few rounds. The 28-22 reversal at the hands of Sale means they have claimed three wins and three losses from their last six Premiership fixtures. However, that is nothing when you look at London Irish. The Exiles don’t do things by halves and look to have gone one step further from the end of last season when their form faded away like the popularity of an X-Factor winner. (Remember Leon Jackson? No, me neither). Irish’s form has plummeted off the edge of a cliff over recent weeks, having lost nine games in a row. The sight of head coach Toby Booth sitting with his head in his hands after Olly Barkley snatched a one point win last weekend said it all. London Irish have slipped from the top of the league table in round seven to now sit in fifth place, picking up just one league point in their last five matches. Look away Exiles fans, but this is your poorest run in the league since 1997/98.

My prediction: Saracens by 6.

Bath v Leeds Carnegie

Bath ended their five game losing run last weekend thanks in part to the goal kicking of Olly Barkley. The cool as a cucumber centre slotted a last-gasp penalty to help Bath nick a win over out of form London Irish. The smile on coach Steve Meehan’s face was a treat, but the man whose smile was beaming much more brightly (albeit behind closed doors) was Leeds coach Neil Back. New Year’s Day proved to be a fresh start for the Yorkshire side who are currently super-glued to the bottom of the Aviva Premiership table. Carnegie outmuscled Gloucester 15-13 to record their first league win of the season and their third consecutive win in all competitions. In Leeds terms, that is form. However, Back’s men haven’t won at the Rec for five years and Bath have beaten Leeds on their last six meetings. Saying that, Bath are hardly a team in a run of form despite Bruce Craig’s millions. Arguably there isn’t a better time for Carnegie to engineer a smash and grab job on their ninth placed hosts and come away with four points.

My prediction: A win for either of these teams could set the tone for a much needed revival. A great deal depends on the weather – if it stays dry and Bath’s backline is given the chance to shine then I think Leeds will come unstuck. Bath by 9.

Harlequins v Wasps

Harlequins pulled off the shock of round 12 when they defeated Northampton at Franklins Gardens. In doing so they became the first team to beat the Saints in their own back yard this season. Quins have now won their last four games in all competitions and their form at the Stoop is good. The last time they lost there was on 11 September, ironically to the Saints. A win over their London rivals Wasps would be another massive boost for Conor O’Shea’s men having not triumphed over their close rivals in more than two years. When these two sides met in round one the score was deadlocked on 29-all and Quins will see this weekend as a great chance to go one better. However, despite the cold weather the Wasps have stirred to life and have only lost one of their last eight games in all competitions. Sadly this was in the not too distant past in the infinitely forgettable 13-6 defeat by Saracens at Wembley on Boxing Day.

My prediction: Fly-half Nick Evans is in great form for Quins and with home advantage and a massive confidence boost from beating the Saints, I think it will be Harlequins by 9.

Gloucester v Exeter Chiefs

Exeter started their first season in the Premiership with a shock 22-10 win over the cherry and whites in round one when the two teams met at Sandy Park. The history books reveal that the Chiefs are winless at Kingsholm in their two previous visits but much has changed since their last loss there in 2002. Gloucester will be smarting from their defeat by basement boys Leeds last weekend and if they lose to Exeter they will have lost three in a row for the first time since November 2009. However, Gloucester are unbeaten in the league at home since October that year when Wasps were the visitors. Exeter’s form might have slipped from the opening few rounds but they have still managed to take at least one league point from six of their last seven matches.

My prediction: Gloucester will be desperate to stop the rot and in front of the Shed I think they will do just that. Gloucester by 7.

Newcastle Falcons v Sale Sharks

Strugglers Sale marked the departure of head coach Mike Brewer with a shock 28-22 win over Saracens last Sunday. That result, along with a win for Leeds means the Falcons - who have won just one of their last eight league games - must be glancing nervously over their shoulders. The Sharks won 35-18 when the two teams met in round one and are going for a first ever league double over the Falcons. However, Newcastle have won their last three home games in all competitions with their crucial clash against fellow relegation candidates Leeds called off over the festive period. If Sale can win at Kingston Park it will be quite an achievement – last year they only recorded one league win on the road.

My prediction: It’s a tricky one to call but I think Sale might edge this to heap more misery on Newcastle. Sale by 7.

Superstition Ain't The Way...

I hate you Stevie Wonder

Happy New Year!


I know, I know, it’s five days late. Well, it’s taken me that long to recover. No, not from stuffing my face like a fat kid over Christmas or overindulging in one too many shots of sambuca on New Year’s Eve (ouch my head). The reason why I’ve not posted sooner is because I have simultaneously been singing from the roof tops but then stopping to shake my head and think about what I have done. You see, on 1 January, Leeds Carnegie achieved something they’ve been as desperate for as Sam Allardyce waiting for a call from Italy. Neil Back’s men banished the winter blues by sealing their first Aviva Premiership win of the season by beating Gloucester 15-13. Great eh? For me, as a huge Leeds fan, it was brilliant. The best start to the year I could have hoped for. Carnegie were fresh from back-to-back wins in the Amlin Cup after their Boxing Day clash with relegation rivals Newcastle was called off and boy did it show. 

Except I wasn’t at Headingley to witness by beloved team notch up their first league win of the season. Instead I was sitting in the back of a Volkswagen Touran speeding along the M62. Not exactly how I saw that one going in my head if I'm honest. You see, I was on my way home from celebrating New Year’s Eve in Preston with my friends. I know, Preston. Hardly glamour central of the world and a bit of a random choice, but we went to a comedy club and it was all fine until that journey home. Why? I wasn’t hungover, none of use were. There was no chundering out of the window or grimacing about the previous night's antics as we had all been very well behaved.  It’s because I was missing the game. Following the score and updates on Twitter just isn’t the same, especially when it’s accompanied by the sound of your friends singing ‘Crazy for You’ by Let Loose at the top of their voices.

As we sped past Huddersfield I couldn't believe what I was seeing.  I’d picked Leeds to win by three points  but it was more in hope than with belief. Gloucester were enjoying a run of good form in the league and in Europe so surely it couldn’t be? Well, Twitter was telling me it might, as the score poised on a tantalising 10-10 at half-time.

Now not one to throw a tantrum about missing the game I quietly sat in the back of the car. After some speedy driving my friend dropped me off home at 2pm. Kick-off had been at one so I knew if I rushed I might just make it to catch the end of the match. I jumped in the car knowing I faced a race against time. So why did I bother? I could have just watched the highlights with smiley-faced rugby-novice Craig Doyle on ITV4 later on that night. Not an option. You see, it’s one of my superstitions of supporting a team. Call me weird if you like, but I have two big match-day superstitions.  I can’t go to a game wearing something I’ve bought after the start of the season as it brings bad luck. I did it once to a Leeds Rhinos game and they lost. I accidentally did it again the following week and they lost again. Facing the wrath of my then boyfriend and the mounting coincidence it quickly became a superstition I hold to this day. The Rhinos won every other live game I watched that season.

The only other superstition I have is if my team has been on a run of bad form but win when I’ve not been watching them I can’t go to another game until they lose. That is why I’ve been totally over the moon that Leeds claimed their first league win but totally bummed out at the same time. Being a good fan, I want my team to win all of their remaining games and climb to mid-table mediocrity. Being a season ticket holder, this is annoying. However, this is Leeds I’m talking about and the next home game in the league is Leicester Tigers. Chances of them winning that game? Low. Chances of them winning if I don’t go….?

Damn you superstition.

Heineken Cup Round 4: Previews and Predictions

Round four sees the return legs of last weekend’s Heineken Cup fixtures. Depending on the results in certain pools, some sides could nail-on their progression to the knock out stages while others will fall by the wayside.

But what lessons will each team take from the games a week ago? Will we see different sides triumph or will it be more of the same from round three? Here are my previews and predictions.

Leinster v Clermont

Last Sunday, Leinster came away from Parc des Marcel Michelin with a losing bonus point in the 20-13 defeat by Clermont – a great effort when you consider their injury list. Sean O’Brien stood out in the back-row with 38 carries, repeatedly breaking the gain line and putting in tackle after ferocious tackle. The physicality of Isaac Boss at scrum-half helped to neutralise the threat of opposite number Morgan Parra around the fringes of the scrum, and Leinster fly-half Jonny Sexton was once again impressive at 10. The stand-off was key in creating Shane Horgan’s try and kicked his goals well. On the downside, Leinster did give away two tries due to missed tackles with Julien Malzieu, Anthony Floch and Aurélien Rougerie again showing they are an immense force in the Clermont backline. On paper, Clermont should beat Leinster again but away from France they are vulnerable. Will Brock James crumble under the pressure of returning to Ireland? The fly-half threw away 26 points in last year’s quarter-final at the RDS. However, this game takes places at the brand spanking new Aviva stadium so maybe he won’t have to wrestle with those particular demons on Saturday. Sadly for the home crowd there are question marks over the fitness of Brian O’Driscoll and Jamie Heaslip and Rob Kearney and Luke Fitzgerald are still ruled out.

My prediction: It’s boring but it’s true: French teams sometimes forget to turn up when they’re away from home. Leinster by 6.

Bath v Ulster

Ulster beat Bath 22-18 last Saturday at Ravenhill in a game that seesawed right until the final minute. The Magners league side is in a rich vein of form in Europe, having won all but one of their last five Heineken Cup games. They currently lie second in their pool, two points behind Biarritz. Brian McLaughlin’s men now have an excellent shout of qualifying for the quarter-finals for the first time since winning the trophy in 1999. The fact that the Irish province have won all three of their previous meetings with Bath and are the form team away from home in the Magners league spells trouble for Steve Meehan’s men. However, Aironi’s shock win over Biarritz means progression from pool four is still up for grabs for both of these teams. Ruan Pienaar, Johann Muller, Stephen Ferris, Iain Humphreys and Andrew Trimble all impressed for Ulster last week. Can they lead Ulster to a double over a tepid Bath side who have won just one of their last six Heineken Cup games?

My prediction: Bath will need to step up and find another level of intensity to beat the in-form Ulster and I think they will find this at home. Bath by 5.

Toulon v London Irish

Toulon are the only side in their pool to get an away win, and if the Ospreys can beat Munster at the Liberty Stadium then Philippe Saint-André’s men will go top of pool 2. Last weekend the boot of Jonny Wilkinson kicked Toulon to a 19-13 win at the Madejski and London Irish boss Toby Booth has called the rematch a ‘do or die’ game for the Exiles’ Heineken Cup hopes. Toulon are a team packed full of superstars but last weekend the front row shone on a chilly day in Reading, with flanker Joe van Niekerk also putting in a great performance. The Exiles’ form has fallen off a cliff in recent weeks and they are currently bottom of their pool. Toulon, on the other hand, have won three games in a row and look to be hitting their stride. However, a win in France would catapult London Irish into second spot if Munster do the double over the Ospreys.

My prediction: The Exiles fell short at home and I can’t see them overturning Toulon in the south of France. Toulon by 9.

Leicester v Perpignan

Perpignan battered Leicester up front in the scrum last Saturday but the French side are an entirely different proposition away from home. Confidence is key to their performance and whilst they will come to Welford Road buoyed by last week’s win they will face a much sterner test. Leicester have a real winning mentality at home and Perpignan’s cause won’t be helped by the fact that full-back Jerome Porical is out after he rediscovered his form last weekend. Leicester Tigers never say die, and this determination saw them sneak a losing bonus point last week – something which could be crucial when the pool stages reach their conclusion. Richard Cockerill’s men still head up pool five on 11 points, but both Perpignan and the Scarlets are breathing down their neck on 10 points each. Only a bonus point win and denying Perpignan any points will be good enough for the home fans.

My prediction: Last weekend’s game was close with Perpignan edging out Leicester by 5. This week I think Leicester will get the win by the same margin. Tigers by 5.


Here are the rest of my predictions:

Biarritz v Aironi Rugby: Biarritz by 25.

Racing Metro 92 v Saracens: Racing by 9.

Benetton Treviso v Scarlets: Scarlets by 33.

Ospreys v Munster: Ospreys by 4.

Toulouse v Glasgow: Toulouse by 26.

Cardiff Blues v Northampton: Northampton by 5.

Edinburgh v Castres: Edinburgh by 3.

Wasps v Newport-Gwent Dragons: Wasps by 9.

Heineken Cup Round 3: Previews and Predictions

The Heineken Cup rolls into town this weekend to provide an early festive feast of rugby. I’ve picked out the key games for the previews but you can find the rest of my predictions below. In Pool One, Northampton hope to make it three wins from three against Cardiff Blues, while Pool Two sees Leinster travel to Clermont, the French side hoping to exact revenge after last year’s quarter final defeat at the RDS. Munster host the Ospreys in Pool three’s big clash and the final game I’ve chosen to focus on is Leicester’s trip to Perpignan – both huge games between the top teams in their respective pools. As always, please let me know what you think in the comments.





Northampton v Cardiff Blues

Northampton are almost unbeatable at the moment. I say almost as the only game they have lost this season was a league game at the hands of Saracens. The Saints are now on a run of nine unbeaten games in all competitions, which would probably have been 10 had their match against Leeds not been called off last weekend. Northampton nearly tripped up against Castres in the Cup in round one but now the Frankins Gardens based club looks like a much more organised and well-oiled machine. Prop Soane Tonga’uiha is joint top try-scorer in the league, and along with Dylan Hartley and Brian Mujati, the Saints front row is a dynamic, ball carrying unit that dominates at the set-piece. We all know what the Saints’ backline is capable of, even without England boys Ben Foden and Chris Ashton. This is a massive worry for Blues boss Dai Young, who will be without Wales centre Jamie Roberts, Wales wing Leigh Halfpenny, full-back Ben Blair, lock Deniol Jones and prop Rhys Thomas. It’s an extensive injury list but Cardiff will be boosted by the return of the seemingly never aging flanker, Martyn Williams and John Yapp from Barbarians duty. The visitors also have key man Xavier Rush at number eight, and along with Casey Laulala at centre Northampton could have a few problems – but probably not enough to derail them.

My prediction: It’s a brave man or woman who bets against the Saints at the moment, especially at home. Northampton to win by 12.

Clermont v Leinster

Who can forget last year’s quarter final between these two sides at the RDS? Clermont fly-half Brock James imploded and missed kick after kick after kick to let Leinster progress to the semi-finals. Clermont’s away form has been poor this season but they are fantastic at their home ground, Parc des Sports Marcel Michelin. Defensively Clermont are aggressive and they beat Top 14 leaders Toulouse 32-25 last weekend. ‘Petit Generale’ Morgan Parra will be the key man for the home side, especially now he has taken the pressure away from Brock James in the goal kicking department. Leinster number eight Jamie Heaslip will need to neutralise the sniping scrum-half, and without Rob Kearney, Luke Fitzgerald, and a big doubt over the fitness of Brian O’Driscoll, Leinster will be pleased to come away with a losing bonus point. As an interesting sideshow, this game has the extra frisson of seeing Leinster coach Joe Schmidt return to the club he left last season after a stay of three years.

My prediction: Both of these sides lie seventh in their respective leagues and this game will be a fascinating rematch after last year’s tense quarter-final. However, away from home and with injury issues, I think Clermont will come out on top by 9 points.

Munster v Ospreys

This is certainly one of the biggest fixtures of the round. The Ospreys travel to Thomond Park in search of their first Heineken Cup win over two time Cup winners Munster. The Welsh club have beaten the Irish province there in the league on the way to the title last season, and if they are to win this weekend they must take the wily Munster forwards on at the breakdown. Paul O’Connell looks set to make his comeback for the home side after missing most of 2010 - a massive boost for Munster at this crucial point in the season. However, things aren’t quite as rosy for the Ospreys. Full-back Lee Byrne is ruled out with a broken thumb after he kind of forgot to get it checked out not once, but twice. Shane Williams is also sidelined with a shoulder injury while back-row forward Marty Holah serves a one match ban. Last week, Munster beat Cardiff Blues 15-9 in the league to stay in top spot while the Ospreys beat Edinburgh in a convincing 33-16 performance at the Liberty Stadium.

My prediction: This is first plays second in Pool three and a win for either side would put them in a strong position to qualify. Can the Ospreys break the Heineken Cup hoodoo at Thomond Park? I don’t think so. Munster by 8.

Perpignan v Leicester

A win in Perpignan would show that Leicester are really starting to fire. The Tigers won their first league game away from home last weekend when they beat then second place London Irish 23-14 at the Madejski. It was the perfect preparation for Richard Cockerill’s men ahead of their trip to the south of France, leapfrogging the Exiles into second place in the Aviva Premiership and reminding themselves they can win on the road. Perpignan are a lowly 10th in the French Top 14 and lost 23-13 last week away at Castres. However, the Stade Aimé Giral is an intimidating place to go and the Tigers will need to be at full strength to wrestle any points from the Catalonian bear pit. England fly-half Toby Flood is fit and will play alongside Ben Youngs at half-back. But the big threat can be found in the forwards as the home side have an impressive pack. Leicester will need to match Nicholas Mas and chums at the set piece but looking at the way they demolished London Irish’s scrum last week, including being awarded a penalty try, they could be in good shape. However, watch out - Perpignan number eight, Henry Tuilagi, will be exerting massive force in the back row and looking to get one over his brothers Alesana and Manu.

My prediction: Travelling such a long way is tough and Perpignan will be a real test for the Tigers. However, I think Leicester might just nick this one and all but seal their progression from the pool stages. Leicester by 3.

And here's my predictions for the rest:

Glasgow v Toulouse – Toulouse by 5.

Aironi Rugby v Biarritz – Biarritz by 18.

Castres v Edinburgh – Castres by 9.

Saracens v Racing Metro 92 – Racing by 6.

Scarlets v Benetton Treviso – Scarlets by 8.

Ulster v Bath – Ulster by 10.

London Irish v Toulon – Toulon by 9.

Newport-Gwent Dragons v Wasps – Wasps by 8.

Exeter Aiming to Keep on Track

Stay on TrackHave a gander at this video of Exeter Chiefs during an off roading team building session.

Skipper Tom Hayes, Jason Shoemark, Chris Budgen and head coach Rob Baxter all reflect on their season so far and look forward to this Sunday’s game against London Wasps.

If the Chiefs win at Adams Park they will leapfrog their hosts into sixth place in a remarkable start to their first season in the top flight.

Aviva Premiership Round 10: Previews and Predictions

Wear your thermals this weekend...

It’s day six of the snow-induced chaos and already three Aviva Premiership games have fallen victim to the artic conditions. Both Friday night fixtures have been called off meaning Bath’s trip to Newcastle and Gloucester’s trip to Sale will have to be rescheduled.  Leeds v Northampton has also been postponed due to health and safety fears about ice around the ground.

Here are my previews and predictions for the games that have survived the snowy weather (at the time of posting).


London Irish v Leicester Tigers

London Irish are having something of a mid-season wobble at the moment. The Reading based club has lost four consecutive games in all competitions since their league win over Sale a month ago. However, the Exiles’ home form in the league has been 100%, claiming four wins from four at the Majedski. The fact that Leicester, reigning champions and hot on Irish’s heels in third, have failed to win any of their away games this season will not have gone unnoticed. In this fixture last year, Irish ran out 18-12 winners, so home form and recent history looks to favour Toby Booth’s men. Saying that, the Exiles were outclassed in all areas against Northampton on a chilly night last Friday. Defensively they looked frail and a rampaging Soane Tonga’uiha destroyed them at scrum time and in the loose. I’m sure the Leicester pack will be salivating at the prospect of taking on a team following such a demoralizing defeat, even without key man Tom Croft who is ruled out with a shoulder injury.

My prediction: I’m tipping Leicester to start firing during the cold snap. Tigers to win by 12.

Saracens v Harlequins

This week the news from the Saracens camp all been focused on the departure of their controversial director of rugby, Brendan Venter. The former Springbok centre is set to return to South Africa and has moved into a newly created technical director role and is replaced by first-team coach Mark McCall. Whether this has damaged preparations for this weekend’s game or not remains to be seen, but I think it must have created at least some form of distraction. Saracens’ form has dipped slightly in the past month. The men in black have only claimed one win in their last three games which has seen them fall to fifth in the table. However, Sarries have won their last two games against Harlequins who arrive at Vicarage Road on the back of an emphatic 51-18 win over Leeds. The result was only the second time Quins have ever clocked up a half century in a league game – the other was the 60-14 hammering of Worcester in April last year. A win for Conor O’Shea’s Quins would be their first away from home in the Premiership since their trip to Leeds 12 months ago.

My prediction: Despite the off field shufflings at Saracens, I think they will edge this game. Sarries by 9.

London Wasps v Exeter Chiefs

Exeter are currently seventh in the league after a brilliant start to their first season in the top flight. Whisper it quietly, but a top six finish and Heineken Cup place must surely have crossed the mind of head coach Rob Baxter. If the Chiefs are to end the season in the top half of the table they need to beat teams like Premiership and European rugby stalwarts, Wasps. The two sides have already met this year in the LV= Cup. On that occasion Exeter ran out 29-6 winners at Sandy Park. However, after an unsteady start to their league campaign, Wasps have notched up three straight wins and have risen into sixth place. The Londoners’ only league defeat at home came at the hands of leaders Northampton on 24 October. Can Exeter pull another shock out of the bag? Quite possibly. The newly promoted side are unbeaten in their last five games in all competitions, and have not lost on their travels since the trip to title favourites Northampton on 2 October.

My prediction: This is the most difficult game for me to call this week. Exeter have been brilliant so far but Wasps are slowly coming to the boil. I’m going to go with home advantage and say Wasps to win by 5.
 
What do you think?

So long Mr Venty Spleen (sort of...)

Last night it was revealed that Brendan Venter, everyone's favourite pantomime villain, is heading back to South Africa.

With a swoop of his cape and a maniacal laugh, the 40-year-old Saracens' director of rugby is exiting stage left and returning to his homeland citing "family reasons."

When you see the name Brendan Venter it is usually accompanied with the words "colourful", "headstrong" or sometimes even "arrogant."  However, I will miss all the hoopla surrounding one of the most controversial figures in rugby when he jets off back to the southern hemisphere.

The former centre's knuckles must be red-raw from all the raps he's received during his 18-months at Saracens.  Firstly, he was served with a four-week suspended sentence in January for criticising referee David Rose.  Then he was slapped with a 10-week match-day ban in May for "provocative and inappropriate gestures and comments" towards opposition fans - also known as doing the wanker sign, allegedly.

This forced Venter to watch Saracens play, and subsequently lose, last season's Premiership final from the discomfort of his own living room.  Add into the mix criticism for the way he ate a biscuit during a disciplinary hearing and the fine he was given last month for remarks made after a Heineken Cup tie, and you can see why the media is sad to see him go.

However, there does seem to be another side to Venter's personality.  I saw an interview with him on The Rugby Club a few months ago which went some way to quash the image usually presented of the former Springbok.  Sarries players spoke of him warmly and talked about how Venter, a qualified doctor, had visited them at their homes when their children were sick - such is the family focus at Vicarage Road.

It's not a side of Venter that is seen very often.  I suppose it ruins his panto villain image and he can't be having that - especially at this time of the year when Z-list celebrities are dusting off their Widow Twanky costumes.

Therefore, I think it is real a shame that Venter is stepping down and moving into the newly created role of technical director.  He will continue to advise from afar while first-team coach Mark McCall becomes director of rugby and Andy Farrell takes McCall's old job.

Vilified and commended for his style in equal measure, it is no doubt the Aviva Premiership will be a much duller place without the ever controversial Brendan Venter.

PS: He's behind you.

DAN! DAN! DAN!

That's right, today is all about Dan Carter.


Carter lining up the kick which passed Mehrtens' record

Yeah, yeah, the blooming red rose of England is playing the wounded Springboks at Twickenham this afternoon, but let's be honest, today is all about one man.

Carter, New Zealand's first choice fly-half, only needs three more points to surpass Jonny Wilkinson's world record haul of 1178 in test match rugby.  Unless hell freezes over, it looks certain the 28-year-old All Blacks star will achieve this feat against Wales today.

Regular readers of my blog will know I have a mild obsession with Dan Carter so I had to mark the day he will undoubtedly break Wilkinson's long-standing record.

Last November, I watched Carter pass Andrew Mehrtens' total of 967 points to become New Zealand's all time highest points scorer from my lofty perch in Twickenham's west stand.  Today, I won't be at the Millennium Stadium to see him pull the strings and kick the points and probably guide New Zealand to yet another win.  However, I will be recording the match so I can watch him work his irrepressible magic and cruise past another landmark.

Good luck Dan.  You're an absolutely brilliant, world class player and you deserve all the plaudits you get.

Aviva Premiership Round 9: Previews and Predictions

It's that time of the week again where I cast my beady little eye over the weekend's Aviva Premiership fixtures.  There's a couple of tasty looking games, with first place Northampton playing host to second place London Irish.  Saracens make the journey across the M4 to Gloucester with hopes of ending the cherry and whites' 17 game unbeaten home run, whilst lowly Leeds are looking to get their first league win of the season at The Stoop.

But who will win?  Like a drunk bloke hoping for a bit of 3am nookie, here's my weekly stab in the dark:

Northampton Saints v London Irish

This looks set to be the clash of the weekend in the Aviva Premiership.  First plays second.  Northampton are flying high at the top of the league, a clutch of youngsters impressing in last week's 19-10 comeback over Sale at Edgeley Park.  Nothing seems to be able to stop them at the moment but Toby Booth's Exiles are hot on their heels and might have something to say about that.  The Saints have won on their last three meetings with Irish, whilst the Exiles' last victory at Franklin's Gardens was a narrow 21-20 win six years ago.  And Northampton are now on an impressive run of eight consecutive wins in all competitions even though they are missing key players thanks to international call-ups.  Strength-in-depth seems to be the order of the day for the Saints, which is all credit to the coaching team led by Jim Mallinder.  Northampton's opponents, London Irish, slipped up against Wasps last Sunday.  The 33-25 defeat was the first time the Exiles failed to take a league point from a Premiership game this season.

My prediction: The understrength Saints fought back in Stockport and ended Sale's winning run.  Against London Irish at home?  It's a tricky one to call.  A little controversially, I'm going for Irish to win by 7.

Exeter Chiefs v Sale Sharks

This prediction is something of a shot in the dark (as if the rest of them aren't...) as Exeter and Sale have never met before in any competition.  The Chiefs might be the Premiership's newest team but they

will not fear the Sharks this weekend.  Instead, Exeter will start the game as favourites after rising to 7th in the league.  They can also boast a four game unbeaten run in all competitions. Sandy Park is proving to be a tricky place to go - the Chiefs have only lost there once in the league this season, in a narrow 12-9 defeat by London Irish in round six.  Last Friday, Sale deflated like a punctured spacehopper against Northampton, and the sorry statistic facing Sharks head coach Mike Brewer is that their only win in their last five Premiership matches was the turgid 6-3 victory at Leeds Carnegie a month ago. However, despite last week's home defeat, the Sharks' recent form as been good, winning three of their last four away games in all competitions.

My prediction: It's a long way from Manchester to Exeter and it is a trip into the unknown for Sale.  Exeter by 9.

Leicester Tigers v Newcastle Falcons

Both these sides got back to winning ways last weekend.  The Tigers ended their four game losing run in all competitons with their 18-13 home win over Harlequins last Friday.  Over at Kingston Park, Falcons fly-half Jimmy Gopperth outkicked Gloucester counterpart Freddie Burns to score all the points in their 12-6 win, only their second in the league this season.  Leicester have won three of their last four games against Newcastle and even though international call ups have weakened their side they will be confident.  The last, and in fact only time, the Falcons have won at Welford Road was almost 13 years ago.  Are Newcastle going to pull a massive shock out of the bag this week and beat the Tigers?  Not if the wonderful 36, aka Billy Twelvetrees, has anything to do with it.  The Tigers stand-in stand-off has been in fine form in Toby Flood's absence and has been key in keeping the Tigers ticking over.

My prediction: Leicester by 12.

Gloucester Rugby v Saracens

Gloucester came away from a wintry Kingston Park with a losing bonus point last weekend, ending their four game winning run in the league.  But fear not, cherry and white fans, they are unbeaten for more than a year at Kingsholm since Cardiff Blues won there in the Anglo-Welsh Cup on 8 November 2009.  That's a 17 game unbeaten run - something which pantomime villain, the wonderful Saracens head coach Brendan Venter, will be looking to dash this weekend.  Watch out Gloucester, he's behind you.  And Gloucester really should watch out.  Last weekend, Venter threw a load of youngsters into the mix against Bath where they fought back to claim a 17-13 win at the Rec.  The star of the show was 19-year-old Owen Farrell, son of, you've guessed it, Great Britain rugby league and Saracens star, Andy Farrell.  And Sarries' form is good.  Their only loss in their last seven league games was at home to Exeter at the end of October.  Can Gloucester maintain their home run or will Venter conjure up yet another win?

My prediction:  Another tricky one to call.  Part of me thinks Venter will do it again, but Gloucester's home record isn't to be sniffed at.  Gloucester by 8.

Bath Rugby v London Wasps

Bath seem to be veering off the rails at the moment and look to be trying their best to replicate the woeful run of form from start of last season which saw them slump to 11th in the league.  Their only win in their last six games of Aviva Premiership Rugby was the 31-16 win at home to Sale in round four. However, home form is becoming a huge issue as the men in blue, black and white have only won one of their last four games at The Rec in all competitions.  That was the 29-19 win over Cardiff Blues in the LV= Cup on 5 November.

After starting the season looking like shadows of their former selves, Wasps have started to string together some form and have now won three of their last four league games.  Last weekend they outscored London Irish and a late Dave Walder penalty denied the Exiles a losing bonus point.  Bath and Wasps have already met this season, the Londoners beating Steve Meehan's men 18-16 in the LV= Cup at Adams Park two weeks ago.

My prediction:  Looking at recent form I'm going to have to plump for a Wasps win by 9.

Harlequins v Leeds Carnegie

As the weeks pass by it pains me more and more to write previews for any game involving my beloved Leeds.  Why?  Because it forces me to remember just how hopeless they've been this season.  Winless in the league after the first eight rounds and seven points adrift at the bottom of the table, it's becoming increasingly hard to see where they will get their first win.  And this weekend's task won't be an easy one.  Harlequins have won their last four games against Leeds, whilst Carnegie haven't won at The Stoop since 2003.

But there is a glimmer of hope as Quins are winless in their last three league games.  However, their home form is pretty good, as they have lost just one of their last 11 matches at The Stoop in all competitions. Leeds' problems are worse still as they only have one hooker available following injury to Andy Titterall and Steve Thompson's England call-up.  This means head coach Neil Back has been left searching for cover and being forced to rely on former Leeds hooker, conditioning coach James Parkes, on the bench.  I fully expect Harlequins fly-half Nick Evans to rip the visitors to shreds.

My prediction:  Probably another big defeat for Leeds.  Harlequins to win by 18.

But what do you think?

McCaw wins IRB Player of the Year... again

Sod off, the trophy's mine.

Not really. Well, not yet anyway.

Yes, it's the that time of year where the powers that be at the International Rugby Board have announced the runners and riders for this year's IRB Player of the Year.

Joining reigning Player of the Year, New Zealand skipper Richie McCaw, on the shortlist are team-mate Mils Muliaina, France number eight Imanol Harinordoquy, Australian duo David Pocock and Kurtley Beale and South Africa's Victor Matfield.

It's an interesting, if slightly uninspiring selection.  No doubt gap-toothed gypsy and Sky Sports pundit, Stuart Barnes, was salivating into his Cornish pasty when he saw his ultimate commentating wank-fodder, Biarritz and France back-row forward Harinordoquy, in the top six.  McCaw's New Zealand team-mate, full-back Muliaina, has enjoyed a good season and starred in the All Blacks side that swept to an impressive clean sweep in this year's Tri-nations.  Only a Bledisloe Cup loss to Australia in Hong Kong created an annoying blot on New Zealand's copy book this season. McCaw, along with Dan Carter, was the crucial cog in a well-oiled All Blacks machine.

Wallaby flanker David Pocock has been immense at the breakdown and his inclusion is the one I am most pleased about.  The 22-year-old openside flanker has burst onto the international stage and it would be a brilliant achievement if he is the man to dethrone opposite number McCaw.  Pocock has arms as wide as Tim Payne's waist, is rumoured to be able to bench press a Ford Mondeo and could probably pluck a plane out the sky if he could be arsed.

His fellow green and gold team-mate, Kurtley Beale, is a full-back brimming with blistering pace - something England found out to their peril a couple of weeks ago.  To be honest, I expected Quade Cooper to beat him to the final list.  Then again, the Australia fly-half tackles as effectively as an arthritic cat with mild depression, which probably ruled him out.

And then there's Victor Matfield.  I have one question:  Why?

But who do you think should win, and who would you have liked to have seen on the list?  There's only one way to find out.  I've created a poll which you can find on the right-hand toolbar.  If there's someone you would have voted for but who isn't included, then please feel free to vent your spleen in the comments.

As for me?  Well, it's got to be McCaw again, hasn't it?

Where Did it All Go So Right for England?

With just days to go before England's final November showdown with South Africa, the media are collectively cooing about the resurgence of English rugby on the international stage.  England swept aside the much-hyped Australia, sealing their second consecutive win over the Wallabies in a year before going on to out muscle Samoa last weekend.  Whisper it quietly, but if Martin Johnson's men can beat the World Champions at Twickenham on Saturday then things seem to be coming together nicely for next year's Rugby World Cup in New Zealand.  But hush now, let's not talk about that yet.  It's one game at a time don't forget.

OK, so England lost 26-16 at the hands of Richie McCaw's All Blacks in the opening Autumn fixture, but what a difference a year makes.  This time last November I travelled down to Twickenham to watch England crumble at the hands of a lacklustre New Zealand side.  Everything seemed to be rotten in the England camp, the team was booed off at half-time against Argentina after arguably the most depressing England performance in years before they scraped to an unimpressive 16-9 win.  Even though England won that day, it was probably the lowest point of Johnson's reign.  The day that rugby died.  Calls were ringing out for heads to roll in the RFU, most notably that of Rob Andrew, England's elite Director of Rugby.  The fans were angered by Johnson's staunch refusal to play arguably some of the most dazzling up and coming talents the country had in the form of Courtney Lawes, Chris Ashton and Ben Foden.  In short, last year's Autumn Internationals were an unmitigated disaster.

However, new blood was finally introduced and started flowing in the England ranks this summer.  In June, the side notched up their first win in Australia since the 2003 World Cup final and fast forward to the present to see England playing instinctively and on the front foot.  Ben Youngs, Toby Flood and Chris Ashton were instrumental in putting the Wallabies to the sword again, this time on home turf.  These are the same names the country was screaming out for this time last year.

So did Martin Johnson have his strategy right all along or was the former England skipper more than a little bit lucky?  It's an interesting question, and I'm sure Johnson will argue his plan was to introduce young players when he did after setting the foundations of a solid England side.  Don't forget, those foundations were built around ex-skipper Steve Borthwick, a towering presence in the line-out but hardly cast in the mould of a modern day dynamic second-row, like Brad Thorn, Sam Whitelock, or Courtney Lawes.

People utter the words "seed-change" and talk about a new England as if Martin Johnson has morphed into a grinning Tony Blair circa 1997, peddling his wares about a bright future and salivating over the prospect of getting his ginormous hands on the Webb Ellis trophy yet again.

To win a world cup a team has to be the best in the world for six weeks.  Just six weeks.  All these November tests and summer tours are mere canapes to the main course which kicks off at Eden Park, Auckland in nine months time.  My old history teacher always used to tell me that history is written by the winners.  No-one will remember England's successes from this month if they crash and burn in New Zealand next year.  And expectations are high: England were World Cup winners in 2003 and losing finalists in Paris four years later.  The tournament is being held in New Zealand and anything but the sight of a triumphant All Blacks skipper Richie McCaw clutching the precious gold trophy will spell a disaster for the home crowd.  Another epic New Zealand Rugby World Cup choke.

But similar expectation is starting to build once again for England's hopes of being crowned World Champions.  Fans are so eager to hope and dream that two, hopefully three wins this November signals the World Cup could be, just maybe, coming back home.

This week, England coach Johnson was keen to play down the resurgence of his team, despite the fact they will start as favourites over the Springboks even though they are one place lower in the world rankings.

"Things happen very quickly, expectations change," he told BBC Sport.

"A couple of weeks ago, on the Friday before we played Australia, everyone was talking about them as the best team in the world - and they had a point. By the Wednesday they'd lost two games and suddenly they were in crisis.

"What this autumn series has highlighted is any of these teams is capable of beating the other one."

I'll give him that.  Teams are in a crucial stage of final testing and preparation before next year's ultimate showdown.  Ireland stepped up a few gears last weekend against New Zealand and if they hadn't switched off at crucial moments the result could have been oh so different.  And then to Murrayfield, where Scotland pulled off the shock of the weekend, edging past South Africa 21-17.  Teams are starting to stake their claim for World Cup glory, but all are still facing the daunting task of toppling New Zealand, Tri-Nations champions and ranked number one in the world, from their seemingly insurmountable position at the top.


So has England's resurgence been timed to perfection and can they climb the mountain to the World Cup final next October?  Has Martin Johnson had a plan all along or did he bow to public pressure and change the way England play?  Under skipper Lewis Moody, England look vibrant, full of dynamism, instinct and passion.  Shooting stars like Ashton, Foden, Youngs, Lawes and Dan Cole have all made the step up to international rugby to name but a few.  But what if England lose on Saturday?  Will we all be back to square one?

I don't think so.  England have been in a period of transition for the past two years but signs are they are now leaping out of the pit of despair, let alone clambering up the side.  The old guard is stepping aside for the new.  Whether it was Johnson's strategy all along or if he lucked out in a major way - or even sold his soul to the Devil - I don't care.  I'm starting to believe in England again, one game at a time.

Aviva Premiership Round 8: Previews & Predictions

A crucial weekend for Leeds captain Marco Wentzel

With all eyes on the Autumn Internationals, the return of the Aviva Premiership might have slipped under your radar.

The LV= Cup has been in town for the last fortnight but now the league is back with instalment number eight.

Hopefully Chris Ashton and chums will rip up the Twickenham turf in another sensational England performance, but all the while the league rumbles on quietly in the background.

Here are my previews and predictions for all you punters out there:

Leicester v Harlequins


Harlequins make their second trip to Welford Road in a fortnight after beating the Tigers 34-25 in the LV= Cup two weeks ago. Leicester then slumped to their fourth consecutive defeat in all competitions last weekend in the 46-13 thumping by the Ospreys at Rodney Parade.
That defeat marks the Tigers’ worst run of form since 2003/04. However, even though Quins have been enjoying a run of good form recently, they haven’t won on the road in the Premiership since their trip to Leeds last December. Conor O’Shea’s men have also never been victorious at Welford Road in the league.
After a two week break for the LV= Cup, Leicester have named a strong side, including a place on the bench for lock Geoff Parling who has missed the start of the season with a neck injury. Fly-half Nick Evans and full back Mike Brown return for Quins.

My prediction: I think the Tigers will be a much tougher challenge than two weeks ago. Leicester by 9.

Sale Sharks v Northampton Saints

Sale survived a second-half rally by Leeds Carnegie last Sunday in a 23-17 cup win at Headingley. This sealed two wins from two for the Sharks in the LV= Cup after an impressive 39-14 victory at home to London Irish a fortnight ago. In fact, Sale’s only defeat in their last six games in all competitions was the 26-39 loss to the Exiles in the league on 31 October. The Sharks’ form looks to be on the rise, having now won four of their last five home games. This confidence sees them give 19-year-old rugby league convert, Iain Thornley, his Premiership debut at outside centre after two appearances in the LV= Cup.
Northampton’s form has been solid so far this season with their only loss in any competition at the hands of Saracens in Aviva Premiership round four. The Saints tied 22-22 with Saracens in the LV= Cup before convincingly beating the Dragons 28-3 at Franklins Gardens last weekend.
The history books reveal that Sale have only beaten Northampton once in their last six meetings, a 24-18 league win at Edgeley Park back in April 2009. Can they add to that this weekend? I don’t think so.

My prediction: I’ll be impressed if Sale can pull this one out of the bag, but they will miss their England stars and that will be crucial. Northampton by 14.

Exeter Chiefs v Leeds Carnegie

Exeter have been the surprise package of the Aviva Premiership so far, winning three of their first seven league games and notching up a shock 34-19 away win over Bourgoin in the Amlin Challenge Cup. The Chiefs are now looking to seal a second successive league victory following their 23-9 win over Saracens in round seven – the perfect tonic after a scoreless second-half resulted in a frustrating 23-23 draw with Cardiff Blues in the LV= Cup last weekend.
Exeter’s opponents, Leeds, have only won one game this season: the 23-9 win over Bucuresti Oaks in the Amlin Challenge Cup. However, Carnegie have won their last six matches against Exeter in National One since 2000/01. Sadly, this form counts for nothing now, and Saturday’s game at Sandy Park is a must-win fixture for Neil Back’s team who are currently superglued to the bottom of the table.

My prediction: Sorry Leeds. It’s a long way to Exeter and with the absence of star player Hendre Fourie and a crisis at hooker with Steve Thompson and Andy Titterall unavailable I think you will continue to struggle. Exeter by 8.

London Wasps v London Irish

The last four league meetings between these two London rivals have all been won by the home side on the day. The Exiles top the Aviva Premiership table after the first seven rounds but Toby Booth’s men have lost their last two outings – 25-16 at home to the Scarlets and 39-14 to Sale, both in the LV= Cup. However, Irish have suffered only one reversal in the Premiership so far this season which was the 13-20 defeat at Bath in round two.
Mark van Gisbergen’s six penalties handed Wasps an 18-16 victory last weekend in a lacklustre LV= Cup game against Bath. However, the Exiles will arrive refocused on the league and set on recording their second league win from 10 visits to Adams Park, and their first since April 2006.

My prediction: It’s a tough one, but I think it will be Irish by 7.

Newcastle Falcons v Gloucester Rugby

Newcastle are perilously close to the bottom of the Premiership table having only notched up one win at home to Wasps in round two. However, the Falcons have won two of their last three home games in all competitions, James Fielden the key man in the hard-fought 18-17 LV= Cup win over the Ospreys a fortnight ago.
The last five league meetings between the two clubs have all been won by the home side on the day, but Gloucester have not won at Kingston Park in the Premiership for almost three years.
However, the cherry and white’s form is improving, with their only defeat in their last five games against the Dragons on 4 November. Gloucester have sneaked up into third in the league, almost without being noticed. Despite this, their away form is a worry as they have only won one away game this season. Improving that statistic on a long trip to the north east will always be tricky.

My prediction: As the winter winds start to swirl at Kingston Park, I think Newcastle will win by 3.

Bath Rugby v Saracens

Bath’s form has been a bit, well, poor. Their only win in their last five league games was the 31-16 win at home to Sale in round four, seeing them slip into sixth place. Still, it’s not as bad as this time last season when Bath were competing with Leeds for the unwelcome title of strongest team in the league.
Exeter spoiled Saracens’ five match winning league run in the last round, but Brendan Venter will be buoyed by the knowledge that his team has won their last six away games played at their opponents’ usual home grounds.  Both teams lost in the LV= Cup last week.

My prediction: Bath are in desperate need to find their form in the absence of their international stars but I think it will be Saracens by 6.

All Blacks Crossbar Challenge

Do you remember the video that circulated a couple of months ago which showed the All Blacks performing an array of impressive rugby skills?  If you haven't seen it yet then it's available here, along with the brilliant parody version by the Brumbies.

The ABs copped a bit of flack after that, with some people daring to suggest that camera trickery may have been at work.  Surely not?

Anyway, New Zealand's finest are back, this time taking part in a crossbar challenge in a very windy Edinburgh.

But can anyone hit the bar from 40m?



Watch out Scotland.

Bottom of the Ruck

I've been asked to help promote a brilliant new rugby charity night and I am more than happy to do so.

Bottom of the Ruck is a fantastic event aiming to raise money for Beating Bowel Cancer by checking out rugby players' bums.

Yes, you read that right.

What started as a cheeky chat on Twitter has developed into a star-studded awards ceremony to crown the Best Bottom in Rugby at Twickenham Stadium on Monday 29 November.

World Cup winner Austin Healey will be hosting the event and nominees Nick Kennedy, Delon Armitage, Topsy Ojo, Schalk Brits and Nils Mordt are amongst the players who will be attending.

Tickets are on sale now.

For more information you can visit at www.bottomoftheruck.com

Meet the All Blacks

Dan Carter

Roll up, roll up.  Who would like to meet the All Blacks?

Well, to be more precise Dan Carter, Keven Mealamu, Ma’a Nonu, Sam Whitelock, Conrad Smith and Sonny Bill Williams.  Rugby fans and All Black supporters can meet them at the RFU Store at Twickenham Stadium between 11.30am and 12.30pm this Friday,


I know it's bonfire night, but if you go please, please resist the urge to fire rockets at them ahead of Saturday's game against England.  Or just use small bangers.

As ever, Dan the man hopes plenty of All Black fans will turn out in force.  Probably to protect him from being chucked on a bonfire.
He said “As a team we always look forward to the opportunity to get out and meet our fans and thank them for their ongoing support. Hopefully this Friday will be no different and they’ll be plenty of black jerseys out there ahead of Saturday’s match!”

Yeah whatever Dan.

Unfortunately I won't be able to make it down to London as I'm revising for exams.  However, I will be keeping an eye on the new Twitter page where NZ players will be interviewed during the tour.  You can follow them at: www.twitter.com/adidasrugby_UK

Aviva Premiership Round 7: Previews & Predictions

Can Wasps win this weekend in honour of the newly retired Phil Vickery?

Northampton Saints v Newcastle Falcons

Can anyone stop the Saints? OK, so Saracens beat them at Vicarage Road a month ago but since then Northampton have been unstoppable in both the league and Heineken Cup. The hallmark of a great team is grinding out a win from a poor performance, something Northampton showed against Castres before producing a get out of jail free card in their late comeback over Edinburgh. But Saints are also skilled in putting teams to the sword, making light work of Wasps in their 37-10 away win last weekend. However, international call ups will affect Northampton more than most and I think now could be the perfect time for the Falcons to strike. Saracens were lucky to win at Kingston Park last Sunday, a last-gasp Alex Goode penalty sealing the points in the 15-13 win. Newcastle will no doubt feel frustrated with only a losing bonus point after scoring the only try of the game, but even without Dylan Hartley, Courtney Lawes, Chris Ashton and Ben Foden I think Northampton will have too much for their visitors to handle – especially as Euan Murray and Joe Ansbro could still feature for the Saints with Scotland’s Autumn Internationals only starting on 13 November.

My prediction: It’s a brave man or woman who bets against Northampton at the moment. Second plays 11t - it can only go one way, right? Saints by 12.



Saracens v Exeter Chiefs



Well, well, well, where do I start with Saracens? The future's bright, the fly half's orange? Of course the big news this week is everyone’s favourite tango-tanned rugby player has quickstepped over to Vicarage Road and signed a deal. I am of course talking about Gavin Henson, star of BBC One’s Strictly Come Dancing, who will soon tripping the light fandango in Watford after not playing for 18 months. I can only deduce the signing has come about following fly-half Derick Hougaard’s Achilles injury which could rule him out for the rest of the season. Henson aside, Sarries are doing alright in the league thank you very much. Third behind Irish and Northampton, this week they do battle with Exeter who have slipped down to 10th despite some spirited performances. Last week, leaders London Irish pipped the Chiefs to the post in a very close game at Sandy Park, Gareth Steenson again scoring the majority of Exeter’s points. Sarries scraped a win against strugglers Newcastle last week, Alex Goode showing he can kick the points when the pressure is on. At home and with David Strettle and Brad Barritt released by England coach Martin Johnson, I can only see one winner.
My prediction: Saracens to sashay to a 16 point win.

Gloucester Rugby v Leicester Tigers

Gloucester won this fixture last season and a win against the visiting Tigers would be their fourth successive win in the league and fifth Premiership win from seven this season. Not bad, not bad at all. Now, is it just me, or have Bryan Redpath’s cherry and whites been flying under the radar and quietly doing quite well for themselves? As ever, all eyes are on Leicester, Bath and Northampton. London Irish are leaders so they have been getting plenty of plaudits, and of course, pundits always spare a moment to take a cursory glance at the other end of the table, just to make sure Leeds are still there. But Gloucester, now fourth in the league, are starting to fire after a slightly shaky start, last week’s late Brett Deacon try seeing off a second-half comeback by Harlequins. After a poor couple of seasons by their own standards, are the cherry and whites getting back to their best? This week they will be without second-row Dave Attwood, prop Paul Doran-Jones and centre Mike Tindall who are all away on England duty, whilst Leicester will be without England half-back pairing Toby Flood and Ben Youngs, second row Tom Croft and prop Dan Cole. Hooker George Chuter will available after being released. Last week, Flood kicked all the points in the Tigers’ 21-15 win over Bath and will be missed. Can Billy Twelvetrees step into the breach once again? I imagine so, as strength-in-depth never seems to be a problem at Leicester. However, the Tigers haven’t won on the road in the league since round 20 last season. Add Gloucester’s great record at Kingsholm and I’m going for a home win.
My prediction: Hopefully this will be a high scoring game, and I’m sure Brett Deacon would love to get on the scoresheet against his former club. Gloucester by 7.

Harlequins v Bath Rugby

Fly-half Nick Evans was so nearly the star of the show for Harlequins last weekend, bagging 21 of his side’s 26 points against Gloucester with a try, two conversions and four penalties. However, it wasn’t enough as Brett Deacon broke Quins’ hearts with a late score. Over in the opposite corner to Evans this weekend is England cast-off Olly Barkley, a man who plays at 12 not 10 but has been on regular kicking duties for Bath. Last weekend, Barkley scored all of his side’s 15 points in their defeat at Welford Road and I imagine he will want to put in a performance to make his snub by the England selectors seem to be even more ridiculous. Of course, Sam Vesty is Evans’ opposite number and he will do well to match arguably one of the best fly-halves in the world. Bath look to have lost their way a bit this season, their Heineken Cup dreams already hanging by a thread after two rounds and only winning one of their last four league games. However, they will be boosted by the release of England skipper Lewis Moody for this game and will be looking to end the run of five defeats from their last five visits to the Stoop. David Wilson and Matt Banahan will not feature for Bath, and Quins stars Danny Care and Nick Easter are also kept in the England camp.
My prediction: On current form and at home I think Harlequins will win by 9.

Leeds Carnegie v London Wasps

If ever there was a team who could suck all of the joy out of watching a game of rugby, then at the moment that team is Leeds. It’s not easy for me to admit that as I am a big Leeds Carnegie fan, but their start to the season has been woeful. Six league games, six defeats, rooted to the bottom of the table with only two losing bonus points to show for it. Last Friday’s dire 6-3 home defeat by Sale was a new low – a game Leeds should have won after having the vast majority of possession and attack. Now, flanker Hendre Fourie and hooker Steve Thompson are away on England duty and this Sunday’s task looks set to be a tough one as the struggling Wasps are the visitors to Headingley. Wasps coach Shaun Edwards stated this week that losing to Leeds is not an option. The High Wycombe based club have only won two of their six league games and approach this match on the back of a 37-10 thumping at home by Northampton – their worst loss at Adams Park since 2004. Can they bounce back and get a win to mark the retirement of prop Phil Vickery?  Wasps will be boosted by the return of England call ups Tim Payne, Dominic Waldouck and Dan Ward-Smith who have been released for this game, but they will be without Joe Worsley.   Wasps beware, Leeds did the double over the Londoners last season, the first win kickstarting their climb off the foot of the table. Can Carnegie head coach Neil Back do it again?
My prediction: I doubt it. Leeds look like they are starting to gel but they are still lacking much needed spark in the backline. This one's for you, Raging Bull.  Wasps by 8.

London Irish v Sale Sharks

Finally, leaders London Irish welcome Sale to the Majedski on Sunday afternoon. Both sides will be missing key players, with Sale fly-half Charlie Hodgson being retained by England due to an injured Jonny Wilkinson. Prop Andrew Sheridan is another Shark who won’t be making the trip to Reading along with wing Mark Cueto. Irish will have to do without the guile of Delon Armitage as he bids to wrestle the number 15 shirt back from Ben Foden. Form wise, the Exiles are unbeaten at home in any competition this season and are on a four game winning streak. Sale, on the other hand, made hard work of beating Leeds in an 80 minute snore-fest under Friday night lights to win their third league game of the season. How well will Sale do without the Hodgson running their game? It’s a tough one, and London Irish are one of the teams you would prefer to avoid whilst your star players are bonding at Pennyhill Park. A lot rests upon which version of Ryan Lamb turns up on Sunday afternoon: will it be Ryan Lamb the enigma or will it be Ryan Lamb the assured fly-half? We will have to wait and see.
My prediction: London Irish by 18.

Inside the Minds of Marco Wentzel and Hendre Fourie...



Leeds flanker Hendre Fourie, and yes that's me, looking like a ghost...

Last week, I met Leeds Carnegie duo Marco Wentzel and Hendre Fourie at an ESPN event.

The night, hosted by commentator Nick Mullins, turned out to be quite a cosy affair.  Due to a marketing mixup, meaning the event was only promoted the day before, only four Leeds Carnegie fans turned up to meet Leeds skipper Wentzel and the wonderful Mr Fourie.  Yes, you read that right - just four people.  As a fan, the support shown on the night was pretty embarrassing and I dread to think what the two players thought, but in a way it was great as the formal Q&A session turned into a casual chat in a pub.

(Before I go on, I'll wait whilst you make a joke about the four of us making up Leeds' entire fan base...)

Done?

Then I'll continue.  I'd been working in a sleepy town in Surrey for the week and had hot-footed it up the M1 in order to make it.  I'm glad that I did, as it was a great chance to grill two of my favourite players for more than an hour.

Due to the limited audience, I had to resist the urge to whip out my dictaphone or take down a shorthand note in my trusty reporters pad.  It wasn't really the time or place, but it was nice to hear the players speak so candidly without head coach Neil Back breathing down their necks and forcing them to toe the party line.

So what did we talk about?  Plenty of things, from Leeds' woeful start to refereeing interpretations and even which players they would love to bring to the club.

It's no secret that Leeds' start to the season has been poor.  Winless in the league, rooted to the bottom of the Premiership table with only two losing bonus points to show from the first six rounds.  However, Wentzel refused to accept the poor performances can be blamed on the age old argument that Leeds are perennially slow starters.  His analysis?  They haven't been playing well enough, the backline is really struggling to fire and the injury crisis hasn't helped.  Therefore, it came as no surprise that both Fourie and Wentzel agreed fly-half is the position they would target if they could make a dream signing for the club.  Interestingly, they had different ideas on who they would pick and why.  Wentzel opted for Leicester and England stand-off Toby Flood - a dynamic player with a great kicking game who he believes would breathe fire into the backline.  Fourie chose a fit Derick Hougaard, the Saracens 10 who was kicking everything in sight and totally running the show with his tactical nous before he ruptured an Achilles tendon.

So what does that say to me?  I think it's a glaring admission the players are as concerned as the fans that Leeds are missing a fly-half who can take charge of a game and be the crucial lynchpin.  It was pretty telling, especially when Fourie revealed that Sale and England number 10, Charlie Hodgson, would have been odds on to pull on a Leeds shirt if Sale had been relegated last season.  Fourie said he spoke to Hodgson during an England training camp and the Sale stand-off said Leeds would be his favourite option if Sale made the drop as he didn't want to move down south.  Of course, it's all water under the bridge, but how different a season might Leeds be having now with the consistency of Hodgson at 10?


Marco Wentzel, doing a great job of towering over me.

Interestingly, Wentzel claimed the departure of second row partner, Erik "The Viking" Lund, wasn't a huge loss.  That surprised me somewhat, as Lund and Wentzel formed arguably the best line-out partnership in the Premiership last season.  Check out the Opta stats if you don't believe me.  According to the Leeds skipper, Tom Denton has made the step up so well, Lund, in all his bearded glory, is hardly missed.  In fact, Fourie went on to say he believes the only area to suffer from Lund's switch to Biarritz is a bit of extra power in the scrum - but Denton is getting there, so Fourie claimed.
Wentzel, who featured in last year's Opta team of the year with the most line-out steals, also admitted to being a total stats junkie.  He revealed he studies opposition line-outs constantly in the week running up to a match, even on the morning of a game.  Fortunately for the 6ft 5" South African lock, his wife doesn't mind - as long as she can watch America's Next Top Model...

In between being quizzed, Fourie and Wentzel had a rather amusing mini-tiff about he flanker's latest sinbinning.  Talk about a difference of opinion, but Fourie wouldn't let it go, and it was all very amusing to watch the pair step into the captain and player relationship right before our eyes.  I couldn't tell you who won of course, but thankfully it didn't get too heated and the pair didn't start arguing in Afrikaans as apparently they have in the past during minor "disagreements".

Referees were another hot topic, both the standard of refereeing in the Aviva Premiership and referee's perceptions of Leeds as a team.  Wentzel admitted Leeds are in a vicious circle and need to get into the winning habit to stop referees seeing them at the bottom of the league making them more likely to penalise Leeds for perceived errors.

But which referees do they rate the most?  For Wentzel, (and for me), Wayne Barnes is the top referee in the world, as he is cool, calm and more often than not gets most things right.  Fourie opted for Chris White because he is one of the referees he can have a chat with on the pitch.  It's funny, but before I met him, I didn't have Hendre Fourie down as a chatty type, but let me tell you, he really, really is - and he's pretty funny too.

Listening to Fourie talk of his parents' pride at him being picked for the England squad and anecdotes of the reactions he's had in South Africa was great.  He is a man who is definitely passionate to play for his adopted country and came with none of the trappings of a man who has been bigged up by pundits and the media for his immense performances week after week.

Unfortunately, Fourie was taken off at half-time against Sale last Friday after suffering a rib injury, putting his involvement in next month's international fixtures in doubt.  The latest news is that he could be fit and in contention for the first game against New Zealand on 6 November - the small matter of ousting England skipper Lewis Moody in order to get his hands on the number seven shirt.

Fourie's injury is somewhat ironic.  The flanker revealed he only felt that he reached full match fitness against London Irish at the beginning of October after missing all of pre-season with injury.  I hope he is back in action sooner rather than later, for Leeds and hopefully for England.  Fourie is a class act on and off the pitch, and along with Wentzel he came across as being a lovely, down to earth bloke.

The only downside to the evening?  It doesn't look likely that either Wentzel or Fourie will be making an appearance on Twitter any time soon.  Despite my best efforts, Fourie admitted he spends way too much time on his Playstation to get into the whole tweeting thing, and Wentzel isn't even on Facebook.  Looks like it's down to Leeds fullback Leigh Hinton to continue Twitter duties for the entire team.

That aside it was a fantastic evening.  I just hope any future events will be publicised better by all concerned to at least get the attendance into double figures...