We dive into round 5 of England’s Gallagher Prem today, with top two sides Northampton Saints and Saracens facing off tonight before the action pauses for the Autumn Internationals.
Northampton Saints v Saracens, Friday 19:45
Just two points separate first and second place in the current standings, with all to play for at cinch Stadium at Franklin’s Gardens. The Saints are the only unbeaten side in the Prem and look to make tonight’s game their fourth win out of five.
The Saracens have only lost one game so far this season against the Harlequins, and are relishing in their win over Sale Sharks 65-14 as they look to steal the top position.
Exeter Chiefs v Gloucester Rugby, Saturday 15:00
Fifth-place Chiefs take on Gloucester on Saturday, and look to strength their position this season after a bright start. Exeter drew their first game against the Saints, saw a win over Newcastle, and certainly had a shock to the system after losing to Bristol Bears 18-14.
Running off the back of a 38-0 win over the Harlequins, the Chiefs certainly look to be improving their form as the Prem progresses. Manager Rob Baxter is working hard on rebuilding his team’s style, and the effort seems to paying off.
Gloucester are sat at ninth position in the table, losing all four of their games so far. The team appeared sharper in the game against Bristol Bears, but still suffered a defeat despite their efforts.
Gloucester desperately need to score themselves a win this weekend if they want to keep their hopes alive this season.
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Harlequins v Newcastle Red Bulls, Saturday 15:00
Newcastle are currently at the bottom of the standings with zero points, and are aching for their first win this season. They head to Twickenham Stroop on Saturday, with a long and difficult journey ahead of them.
Harlequins are placed eighth, and have seen one win out of four against Saracens 20-14. There is a five point gap to seventh place Sale Sharks, and the Quins need to score some points this round if they want to avoid getting left behind.
Bath Rugby v Bristol Bears, Saturday 15:05
Reigning champions Bath are third, with three wins out of four over Harlequins, Sale Sharks and Gloucester. The team is currently equal on points with Saracens, and could see a crucial opportunity to take the second place position if they can pull out a good result this weekend.
Bristol are nipping at their heels with just two points between the two sides, and are eager to climb the ranks this season. With three wins out of four, the Bears need to capitalise on their good form as they face an equally fierce Bath.
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Leicester Tigers v Sale Sharks, Saturday 17:30
The Tigers are currently sixth in the standings, with two wins out of four over Bath and the Harlequins. Just three points sit between them and fifth place, presenting a steady chance for the Tigers to make a name for themselves this season before the international break.
The Sharks are close behind, with only one point separating the two sides. The team have equal wins to the opposition over Newcastle and Gloucester, and are faced with a beautiful opportunity to take the lead as we head towards the break.
With a multitude of games awaiting us this weekend, it’s all to play for as we head towards the international break. With many sides just separated by a few points, the standings could reshuffle entirely as Round 5 promises to be exhilarating.
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