There is an added level of anticipation ahead of the fourth weekend of the Gallagher Premiership, as the derby round descends upon the league. All five matches will have the added spice of a regional rivalry, with plenty of bragging rights up for grabs over the coming weekend.
We begin up in the North of England, as Sale Sharks get set to host Newcastle Falcons. Following this are back to back West County derbies, beginning with Exeter Chiefs against Bristol Bears at Sandy Park, and Gloucester hosting their blue, black and white rivals Bath up at Kingsholm. The East Midlands battle is Saturday’s late kick off, as Leicester Tigers take on Northampton Saints at Welford Road.
Sunday’s sole fixture is a clash in the capital, as Saracens make the tip across London down to the Twickenham Stoop, for their derby date with Harlequins. Plenty of fireworks are expected in all five fixtures, with the players set to leave it all out on the line to take home the derby day victory. Here are Ruck’s predictions on how the action will unfold.
Friday 11th October
Sale Sharks v Newcastle Falcons 19:45 KO, Salford Community Stadium
Sale Sharks Reporter Charlie Elliott predicted; “Sale come off of a very positive win against Gloucester despite being hindered by injuries, and now that a lot of the players are back and they have the full du Preez and Curry brothers together they’ll be much stronger this week. Newcastle haven’t shown much quality yet but always have plenty of fight. A statement Sale win seems on the cards, with them to win by over 20 points being my prediction.”
Newcastle Falcons Reporter Harvey Allen added; “Sale are always a hard team to beat for any side. They’ve shown good strength at home and are very good at winning gritty games. Newcastle on the other hand haven’t shown much against their previous opponents and rookie errors amongst other weaknesses have limited them this season. Sale trample Falcons by 20+ points on Friday night.”
SATURDAY 12th October
Exeter Chiefs v Bristol Bears – 15:00 KO, Sandy Park
Exeter Chiefs Reporter Jack Sanderson said; “After a disappointing defeat last weekend against Saracens, it doesn’t get any easier for the Chiefs with a west country derby at home against Bristol.
“Bristol have got off to a great start with two wins from three, including a big win away against Bath, so will be motivated to continue their good start. I think with the home advantage the Chiefs will pick up their first win of the season in what i think will be a very tightly fought contest.”
Bristol Bears Reporter Ben Thorne predicted; “After last week’s phenomenal West Country derby victory over Bath, Bristol should come into the tie brimming with confidence facing an Exeter side still looking for a first win of the season.
“The loss of Max Malins for at least eight weeks could be a problem for the Bears but I think they’ll have enough to take the spoils at Sandy Park. Prediction, Exeter 26-35 Bristol.”
