Premiership Preview (complete)

[Jac A]

With the warm-up games done, teams in Japan and Prem 7s heralding the start of the domestic season I think people are starting to get back into rugby-mode.

With some time on my hands I started making a few notes on teams this season and how I think they will get on. I thought I'd share on here and see what others thought as it looks like being the most competitive season yet and very difficult to call who will rise and fall.

A couple of notes - owing to the length I have just done the top 4 from last year - if people are interested I'll post the rest. I thought I'd use the spoiler system so as to be kind to those viewing on their phone.

Saracens Spoiler

Saracens are scary. Not only do they have some of the best players in the Northern Hemisphere (for me the likes of the Vunipolas, Itoje, Williams and possibly Farrell and Daly, maybe George too are knocking on the door of world class), but they also have an immense believe and spirit within the players and the club that make them formidable. Only really Leinster and the Crusaders could live with them at their best. I’m going to ignore all the salary cap shenanigans because I feel it would detract from the intention and debating it now holds no useful purpose. McCall and Sanderson have built a team with a huge amount of character and self-belief, well coached, they play to their strengths, players grow and improve and you get the impression that they are very happy. It doesn’t make me like them though, I still want to beat them more than any other team and I almost always want whoever is playing them to win – that’s success though I think, I’m sure other club’s supporters felt the same about Wasps and Leicester during their heydays. Saracens will be affected by the RWC: they will be missing 15 players (including 7 starting B&I Lions) and that will play a part. But they do have a strong squad and they have bloodied most of their youngsters before.

Saracens build themselves on a strong pack and especially tight five. Their options at prop are fantastic. The issue is that start of the season, where Mako, Kock, Figallo, Lamositele and Carre will be missing. It’s similar at hooker, I doubt that at the time the deal was being organised either Saracens or Singleton expected him to be going to Japan but now they are missing their tow first choice hookers and Gray (maybe – not sure if he is still there), Woolstencroft and maybe Spurling will have to take up the slack. None of these are bad players but I’d be fairly sure that the Saints front row would rather be facing Barrington, Gray and Ibuanokpe than Vunipola, George and Kock. Second row is as strong as ever. Will Skelton remains and that is a huge boost. Dom Day’s exit will mean more game time for the next second row off the production line - Joel Kpoku. For the first time in many years, Sarries back row will not have a Burger and that does mean a bit of a lack of a specialist openside. Clark, Earl and Wray are all very capable of playing their but none are traditional 7s. Backrow is probably the weakest part of a very strong squad and I would expect to see Itoje and Isiekwe play at 6 a lot. That does suite the Saracens style though, they are happy to spread that jackalling around the pack and have a big, powerful 7 in a big powerful backrow. They will win turnovers in collisions and suffocating defence and smash opposition ball-snafflers off with a dominant clear-out game.

The backline is also ridiculous. I tried to work out a best team and there are so many very good combinations that they could put out. Halfbacks are easier, Spencer has now overtaken Wiggy as the first choice starting 9 but they will both get good game time and Whitely will continue to get minutes under his belt. Farrell is the main 10 and in his absence Goode and Malins would have shared responsibilities and will during the 6N but they have an issue at the start of the season with both set to miss that opening games – but they’ve signed Willemse to cover, so that should be ok! Brad Barritt will be first choice 12, backed up by Nick Tompkins but in the three-quarters it’s anyone’s guess. Daly at 11, 13, 14 or 15? Loz at 12, 13 or 14? Taylor at 12, 13 or 15? Maitland, Williams, Lewington and of course Goode or Mailins at 15 – so much choice and so much quality. Even with several of them missing chunks of the season the likes of Gallagher, Morris and Segun have Premiership experience. I think that the RWC and 6N will stretch the backline and any injuries to key players like Barritt at key times could cause problems but I would back the team at Sarries to have worked on every contingency and to be better prepared than most.

Possible best XXIII: Goode, Williams, Taylor, Barritt, Daly; Farrell, Spencer; Vunipola, George, Kock, Skelton, Kruis, Itoje, Wray, Vunipola; Singleton, Barrington, Figallo, Isiekwe, Earl, Wigglesworth, Lozowski, Maitland

 

Exeter Spoiler

There are a few similarities between Sarries and the Chiefs. Both have based their style of play on the mantra of ‘forwards win matches’ with destructive scrummaging, good lineout skills, being very ‘competitive’ at the breakdown and carrying with power and precision. Both also seem to have culture that everyone at the club buys into. I get the impression that I would like to work for Rob Baxter and I think that the Exeter squad feel the same way. He has done wonders at the club and deserves a huge amount of credit. They have almost always recruited well and worked hard on ensuring that the players that come in get behind the ethos of the team. The nouse and rugby brains of Waldrom, Parling, Salvi etc combined with the get young intake of Slade, Nowell and LCD alongside more seasoned and less celebrated campaigners to create the success they have achieved but with the veterans gone and now having their former starlets away with England for a sizable part of the season we may see some changes. We already saw a more open and expressive Exeter last year and I think that that will continue this year.

Exeter’s front row has not been as ravaged by international call-ups as it might have been. Exeter have always had a good strength in depth at prop and this remains with youngster such as Keast and Street coming through. I’m hopeful that Marcus Street in particular (one of a bunch of good young tightheads who will be battling to be the long-term replacement for Dan Cole in the next world cup cycle) will get plenty of time on the park. Jacks Yeandle and Innard will be carrying a heavy load at hooker for the start of the season but Yeandle in particular is a season campaigner and will take to it with relish I’m sure. In the second row, Chiefs have a cornucopia of riches – the loss of the grunt and power of Mitch Lees surely compensated for by the arrival of Kirsten, South and Whitty who join Hill, Skinner, Dennis and youngsters Lonsdale and Caufield. Rob Baxter may have to dig deep into the squad spirit at Chiefs to keep eight decent locks happy and involved. I’m really interested what Chiefs will do in the back-row this year. As above I sense a slight change in style, the powerful close game of Waldrom, Ewers and Horstmann has been supplemented with Simmonds and then Kvesic alongside Don Armand. With Simmonds hopefully injury free and after the year Matt Kvesic had I wonder how and if Baxter will play them together – along with Armand all three prefer to play in the channels and so will the involve a slight change of game plan and will that allow other teams to use a press defence and try to force handling errors as they play wider. Of course, they don’t lack grunt or personnel on the flanks, Skinner and Dennis are capable of playing there, Capstick has looked good and will Rus Tuima get a chance. I’m looking forward to seeing what happens.

The big news in the backline is Hogg coming in and Cordero going out. I’m hugely excited to see Hogg in the Premiership, he will be great, I hope he can stay fit and produce some magic. However, is it a good move? Cordero was superb and proven in the league and the Chiefs’ system. Also, Hogg will be unavailable for the RWC and 6N. If you asked me would I rather have Hogg or Cordero in my team, I’d say Hogg but if you asked me would you rather have Hogg for 15 games or Cordero for 25, I think I’d change my answer. With Nowell and Slade likely to miss the same international periods as Hoggy there may be an issue with covering 15. Is Dollman still up to it? Maybe Joe Simmonds with Steenson at 10? Out wide I think that Cuthbert will have a good year now he’s up to speed, O’Flaherty looked alright but not top 2 standard for me so I hope we see more of Woodburn and maybe Short this year. In the centres, Slade and Devoto were outstanding and I expect them to continue as such. Sam Hill and the evergreen Ian Whitten will provide the cover. Nic White and his amazing moustache have been superb for Chiefs and that has resulted in a deserved recall to the Wallabie squad but Exeter are well stocked at 9 with Townsend and the Maunders all deserving more game time to prove their credentials for next year when White departs. The 10 shirt depends on the answer to the 15 shirt I expect. I would have thought that Joe Simmonds would overtake Steenson as starter but he maybe required at full back for a decent part of the season. Steenson won’t let them down, but he is 36 this season.

This will be a test for Exeter, their success leading to more players being away on internationals but that have coped before and still consistently been at the top of the table. Will they top the table this year? Probably. Will they fare any better in Europe? Probably not. Will they get to the Prem final? I think so. Will they win the title? No.

Possible best XXIII: Hogg, Cuthbert, Slade, Devoto, Nowell; Simmonds, White; Moon, Yeandle, Williams, Skinner, Hill, Armand, Kvesic, Simmonds; Cowan-Dickie, Hepburm, Francis, Dennis, Ewers, Maunder, Stenson, Woodburn

Gloucester Spoiler

The perennial question – is this Gloucester’s year? Last year they played some great rugby and were good fun to watch. They have always been a bit of a second team for me who I want to see do well – mostly as I have always enjoyed games down at Castle Grim, it’s got a superb atmosphere and (usually) friendly and knowledgeable supporters. They also have two great former Wasps as half-backs and a terrific back-row. Ackermann has been good for the club too and there seems to be a good culture building there, which as we can see from the above clubs can only be useful. I was worried about them just signing a team of Saffas but Sale seem to have cornered that market now so it’s difficult to pick a fault with Gloucester. Depth may be their downfall. They have an excellent 23 and some cover around it but last year saw them fielding some fairly odd backline combinations and come June that may have taken its toll and I think they will struggle with any knock-out games. I still expect them to be very enjoyable to watch this year though, but you may have already guessed my answer to the opening question.

I want to start with their back-row options because they’re great. With everyone fit it’s a case of perm any three/four from Morgan, Kriel, Polledri, Ackermann and Ludlow, then you add in Freddie Clarke and the super physical Aaron Hinkley and they’ve got some talent, with only Polledri bothering international selectors. Back at the coal-face their props look as good as they have been for a while. Balmain, Hoenek and Raparva-Ruskin are all experience and high quality. Dreyer will have more of an impact this year and Ford-Robinson may click in the welcoming, yet challenging environment Ackermann seems to have brought. Behind them, the young duo of Knight and Seville could both be very good. Scrumming down between these guys are a slightly less stellar selection of Hookers. Marais and Hanson are decent enough but to really challenge for top honours you feel this is an area that Gloucester could strengthen in. Henry Walker could be the answer – one of two quality young hookers of that name – he got a couple of start at the end of last year and may be able to stake a claim with the Prem Cup games to keep his place and push on. In the second row you couldn’t get much better last year than Slater and Mostert – grunt, work-rate, line out skills – they had it all. But, Mostert is off for the first couple of months and the back-ups are thin on the ground. Grobler is a very good player and had a good start to his Gloucester career but only had one start since January and a few mins off the bench. Why? I don’t know, I don’t think he was injured, I’d be loath to speculate about anything else so I’m not sure how much he will feature this year. Freddie Clark covered at 19 a lot and would probably be the next choice and then there’s young Alex Craig but an injury to Ed Slater would leave them serious exposed at lock.

I’m going to try to not make this bit about Cips. He has clearly taken to Gloucester and is enjoying himself there. Obviously, he will make players look and play better and his excellent in organising set plays and clever little moments of magic with no-look and miss passes and little kicks through will be a huge benefit but there’s a good set of players outside of him. Mark Atkinson had a brilliant season last year and showed he’s more than just a big bloke who can pass and Billy Twelvetrees is a very good ‘glue’ player capable of playing 10, 12 or 13. Chris Harris is a shrewd buy to bolster the centres and who knows if Trinder will stay fit for more than a few hours, if he does, I’m sure he still has a lot of talent to offer. Despite a lot of injuries last year, Glaws are still bursting with back three players – Banahan, Sharples, Thorley, Marshall. Seabrook, Hudson and a couple of youngsters give them plenty of options. They may be more limited for options at 9 at the start of the season with Willie Heniz off to Japan along with Callum Braley leaving just Joe Simpson to rekindle his partnership with the player I’m trying not to mention – I think their other option is Scotland U20s Charlie Chapman who I know very little about so no pressure Joe!

They were really good last year and they haven’t made many changes, a bit of tinkering round the edges nothing more. I think other teams will have shown a bigger improvement and Gloucester will be drawn back into the pack rather than being the breakaway ‘3rd best’. I’ve got them down for 4th or 5th so sadly not their year once again.

Possible best XXIII: Woodward, Marshall, Twelvetrees, Atkinson, Thorley; Cipriani, Heinz; Honeck, Marais, Balmain, Slater, Mostert, Ackerman, Kriel, Morgan; Hanson, Rapava-Ruskin, Dreyer, Grobler, Polledri, Simpson, Harris, Banahan

Northampton Saints Spoiler

This is as good a Saints team as they had since they won the Premiership. Boyd is an astute coach who has made an impact on Saints and the way they play. He has brought a confidence and a certain zing to their play; he has also recruited well – strengthening the front row and bringing in a defensive leader of a centre. I’m cautious about getting carried away as Saints did not really finish that far ahead of a large chasing pack for fourth place last year but they improved over the course of the season and have been given a lot of game time to youngsters who have taken to top level rugby extremely well. There is good reason for Saints fans to be confident this year but their success last year will have ramifications in losing players to the RWC and having a bigger target on their backs. Boyd will have to work hard to avoid ‘second season’ syndrome for himself and his young charges but there is every chance they will be able to build on last year’s success.

He may be surplus to Hanson’s requirements for the World Cup but that should mean that a fresher and very motivated Owen Franks turns up at the Gardens’ in November. He will form a near perfect selection of tight-heads with Paul Hill looking to show why he was such a force as a youngster and the young tyro in Painter nipping at their heels. On the other side, Alex Waller went from stalwart to walking scrum penalty and van Wyk was instrumental in reversing a worrying trend for Saints scrums to go backwards. I imagine Waller will have worked hard in the off season and the pair, as well as Ben Franks, are decent. At hooker there are a lot of questions on the futures of Hartley and Haywood who would still presumably be first choice if fit and firing. I would hope Dylan could have at least one more season and Haywood is still young. If there are problems there though, Marshall and Fish were both adequate last year and should improve. There is a good stable of locks at Northampton: aside from Lawes, Ribbans has impressed but needs to stay fit and Alex Moon had a very good year – with Courtney and Ratuniyarawa away you would presume they would be the pairing at the start of the season, thought I’d expect Alex Coles and new recruit Lewis Bean to be in the equation too. In the backrow, Saints have some great players but there appears to be some missing balance when compared with other teams. Brüssow still has a fair bit to offer, same with Woody but both are getting on a bit. Gibson and Harrison are both excellent Premiership quality players and Ludlam had a great season last year and is riding that wave to Japan. Other than that, Lawes will play quite a bit at 6 and Mitch Eadie can play but I can’t see much in the way of a big carrier who can make yards in the tight and with the loss of Burrell as a crash ball option they may lack variety in attack. There was talk of Tyler Paul coming in but I haven’t seen anything more of that.

I’m going to start at 13 for Saints: Hutchinson, Procter and Dingwall – what amazing options to have. I totally get Boyd going back to the ‘Canes to get Proctor as a replacement for Horne as a defensive leader in the 13 shirt but he probably didn’t bank on Hutchinson and Dingwall being as good as they were. Headaches galore but injuries, rotation and versatility should see all three kept happy. Francis had a very good year last year and deserves his England place, hopefully Andy Symons will be back fit again this year to cover for him. Another injury returnee is Harry Mallinder and the question will be have he and Boyd worked out where he is going to play? Will be cover Biggar at 10 or will young Grayson be given that responsibility? Will he cover 12 or is his defence a bot suspect? Will he go to 15 or has George Furbank claimed that (alongside Tuala)? Mallider’s talent deserves a place in the team but where? On the wings Naiaravaro and Collins can continue their little and large double act supported by Ollie Sleightholme. Biggar and Reinach are a great double act in the half backs but both are away for the RWC and the excellent Alex Mitchell will miss the start of the season with injury so Henry Taylor starts at 9 I think – alongside Grayson that would be a big ask for both. So, lots of potential and when everyone is there, a lot of good selection headaches but with injuries at internationals there’ll be plenty of bad headaches too.

The squad is better that last year. I can’t see them getting spanked by Sarries in the same way as they were at the start of last season and I think they could do really well. Yes, players will be missing but I think that their youngsters will stand up and produce and I’m back Saints for a top 2 finish this year but then out in the semis.

Possible best XXIII: Mallinder, Collins, Procter, Francis, Naiaravaro; Biggar, Reinach; van Vyk, Hartley, Franks, Moon, Ratuniyarawa, Lawes, Ludlum, Harrison; Haywood, Franks, Hill, Gibson, Brüssow, Mitchell, Hutchinson, Furbank

[Tervueren]

That is quite a read, thank you, actually will probably end up being more than a single read. Would be very interested to read any others you have.

Thanks

[Brandnewtorugby]

Quite some research gone into that, many thanks.

[mike909]

Thanks for the effort - good read

Exeter was interesting as one of favourite and injury prone players is Sam Hill - who I believe ought to be pushing for being first choice 12 for them. Last season, when he had the chance - there were glimpses of the excellent U20's England player that I saw quite a few times.

Exeter are very lucky for centres with DeVoto too, again another player who I don't think has had a "go" with England - multi talented and inventive.

[Jac A]

Cheers, I'll put a few more up soonish.

Mike - I agree that Sam Hill is a good player and underrated. This time last year I would have had him starting but I think Devoto has really kicked on this year and shown that he can use his physicality to good effect as well as having a deft touch.

Hill is unfortunate in a way - he doesn't have the outright pace of a top 13 (see Daly, Joseph, Slade, Marchant etc) nor the kicking and playmaking game of a '2nd/5' style 12 (Francis, Jimmy, Faz) so I'm not sure he has the 'USP' as it were to be an international (certainly under Jones). He is a very good Prem level centre though and to have that kind of quality outside of your 'starting' XV shows great depth.

[mike909]

For me, he's like a quality Brad Barritt, His fit is down to the rest of the team. Devoto has done well and was for me worth an England squad place, ahead of one or two

I think Hill has more pace than expected and has top power and is a good organiser. But, sometimes, you can just be in the wrong place at the wrong time! Outside Danny (not Farrell or Ford!) he'd have been a good choice for me with a different England back three (my Wade fixation!) - but what so I know

For Exeter, I think when the best back three is around - he fits well into the team. Needs Nowell fit.

[Jac A]

Yep. I'd agree with that. I was going to say he reminds me most of a Brad Barritt. Agree on Devoto for England too - I'd be interested to see him get a shot (though at heart I'm a big Ryan Mills fans)

It would be interesting to see what Hill would look like outside a player like Danny - look at the change this year in Atkinson.

[mike909]

Its a funny one isn't it! 12T has looked like the player many suspected was there - with Danny taking responsibility for direction. I would have liked Hill at Wasps outside Cips with a different 13 and Wade to take advantage of the space created. But its all to late for that!

My preferred England squad backs would be rather different from the current one! Not seen enough of Mills to have an opinion - will keep an eye.

[Jac A]

I've been sat watching Italy v SA and tapping away at the next part of my preview of teams for this season. Thought I'd share.

Harlequins
Spoiler

There is a season - churn, churn, churn. Wasps fans have become accustomed to a high level of player turnover each season but this year they’ve been out-done by the West Londoners. I’m sure that Quins’ fans will lament many of the departures, but it would appear that on the whole, they have ended well in credit in terms of player quality. I think Gustard is a good coach; I’m not a fan of the ‘game changers’ nonsense and all the stuff like the bear but he looks as though he can both build and coach a quality side. This side looks like it is starting to build, but it will take more time to get the consistency. There are leaders in the team and I imagine they train as hard as anyone in the league but they don’t look quite the finished article to me.

Exeter, Saracens, Leicester – they’ve all got a stellar first choice prop pair but Marler and Sinkler is the best in the league in my opinion. I honestly think that with Sinks nailed on first choice England TH, Marler would be my choice at loosehead for the added dog and clear-out work – I’m not sure you want two props who play like fly-halves. Anyway. Quins. Great pairing. But they will be away for a fair bit of the season (though who knows what Joe’s plans are). Behind them the likes of Collier, Auterac and Botta are not in the same league. At hooker it looks even more ‘meh’: Baldwin was decent (haven’t seen much of him recently), Elia, Crumpton and Buchanan aren’t going to set the league alight either. How Quins manage the front row without Sinks and Marler could well define their season as on paper they look well off the pace of the other top 4 challengers in this area without their two stars. In the engine room there was a complete clear-out. Only the redoubtable Matt Symons remains and is now accompanied by Stephan Lewies, Glen Young and Tevita Cavubati. Lewies is everything you’d expect from a South African No5, good at the lineout, runs straight lines, fairly unsubtle and should be good, the others I’m less impressed with and depth here may be another issue, of course Dombrant or Kunatani could fit in here but I think that would be a waste of their talents. In the backrow, Quins have a lot of options, a lot! They finished last season with good performances from Robshaw, Dombrant, Clifford and Kunatani but James Chisholm was excellent earlier in the year, Bothma has a certain physicality and then they also signed Will Evans and Tom Lawday and still have Lamb and White. I would trust Gustard to get the best out of these talents and generally to make the right calls for who plays but it’s going to be a juggling act.

The Care/Smith half-back partnership should go the whole season and be one of the best in the Premiership. Landajo will be a decent back-up to Care and Lang likewise to Smith. Not a lot more to be said here – they work well together and have the right mix of youth/experience, flair/control, pace/precision – they’re good. Quins’ centre combinations are decent if not earth shattering. Tapuai/Marchant backed up by Saili, Lasikie and now Campagnaro (who remains class just made of glass). Again, not a lot to say, Marchant seems to be getting a bit of England recognition now so may miss some 6Ns but it’s a solid enough set to choose from. Back three again will give Gustard a headache. Mike Brown will, I imagine, be as good as ever, Earle was great last year, Ibitoye still has a lot of promise, Murley showed some real talent, Chisholm and Morris are good back-ups and then you sign Goneva! There will be tries, that’s for sure.

They are a good side and now they are Gustard’s side. They did well last year and other than their props they shouldn’t be that effected by the RWC. Gustard will get the best out of this group and I could see them really challenging for the title – just not this year. In fact, I think they may end up in the group behind the top 4 scrappers and could drop down the table a little to 6th or even 7th.

Possible best XXIII: Brown, Goneva, Marchant, Tapuai, Earle; Smith, Care; Marler, Baldwin, Sinkler, Symons, Lewies, Clifford, Robshaw, Dombrant; Ellia, Auterac, Collier, Young, Kunatani, Landajo, Lang, Murley

Bath
Spoiler

Consistently inconsistent is the term - I think. Bath have some wonderful players and a real depth of quality of some positions and they should be better that they have been recently but they just can’t find that something to maintain the quality over the whole season. It may be backroom issues have had an effect on the pitch and maybe that might be better this year with Hooper at the helm. It may be that they seem best by injuries. It may be that they can’t decide on a style of play. Honestly, I don’t know and I don’t know how much of an issue it will remain this season. Hooper as DOR is bold, he has very little coaching experience presumably even less management experience but there must be a reason he got the job. He does have good coaches under him and Hatley’s return will be a big boost to the forwards. On paper the Bath team is very strong but they will be affected by the RWC and 6Ns which will hit their back row and back three hard.

Neal Hatley has a great selection of props to work with – Obano, Catt, Boyce, Noguera and Thomas, Stuart, Judge plus Nixon and Vaughan (who must have been a bit miffed to see Stuart and Boyce arrive) – I think that is a rough pecking order but could easily change. Lots of depth and quality there, scrummaging, carrying, work rate all covered. It’s a similar story at hooker – Dunn the first choice, a nuggety ball of tackling energy who does the basics well, then I’d hope that Jack Walker would be second choice ahead of Ross Batty. Walker seemed to have a lot of potential but was hard hit by injuries, hopefully he can kick on from last year. Bath are also looking good at lock. Stooke and Ewels are a great combination, offering a solid lineout, hard running and tackling and soft hands when needed. Josh McNally is big and brutal and if he can sharpen some of his skills could be a great signing. Levi Douglas made an impact at the end of last season and will be looking to develop further, then they also got the experience of Williams and Garvey who can both paly second row if needed. The back row is, like a few teams, stacked with quality. Louw, Underhill and Faletau are all high-quality internationals, however, they have all had their injury worries and they have international commitments. Zach Mercer may not have got the international recognition yet but he has grown into a top Premiership backrow at either 6 or 8, Tom Ellis is underrated by may outside Bath and Josh Bayliss has looked good. Again, Williams and Garvey can play in the backrow too and young Miles Reid may get some game time with the star names away or broken. If the like of Underhill and Faletau can stay fit then Bath’s backrow is as good as anyone’s and could be really important to getting some consistency.

I’m going to start with the three-quarter line and full back – Joseph, McConnochie, Cokanasiga and Watson – that’s pretty decent - speed, stepping, power, bomb disposal, it’s got everything you need and will score a lot of tries. Trouble is, they’re all away with England and then with the 6N they may miss 40% of the season. Backing them up are some good players but they aren’t quite at the same level. Rokoduguni is obviously very talented but has a subdued season last year by his standards, Brew, Homer, Davis, Adkins are all very fine players but they are not players that would be getting regular game time at a top 4 team. Jamie Roberts can certainly still do a job but misses that start of the campaign also. I like Max Clark as a player and think he could be very good, Wilison, Wright etc are decent quality too and will do a job when required. It’s at half-back that I think Bath struggle. Will Chudley is very ok but I can think of at least 12 scrum halves in the Prem I pick above him, I’ve never been that keen on Cook and Green looks decent but hasn’t really been tested yet. At 10, Priestland has been ok but nothing more and Burns is a good player but can’t play a full 80 and still makes the odd howler. This then is where they may struggle and where their inconsistency may come from. Even with a great pack and scintillating outside backs, without a top quality 9 and 10 silverware will elude them.

They have the quality to be a top 4 side, no doubt. There forwards are a formidable group but I can’t see them improving and I think other side will over take them. They are never going to be in trouble but the bottom half of the table is a distinct possibility.

Possible best XXIII: Watson, Cokanasiga, Joseph, Roberts, McConnochie; Burns, Chudley; Obano, Dunn, Thomas, Stooke, Ewels, Mercer, Underhill, Faletau; Walker, Catt, Stuart, McNally, Louw, Green, Priestland, Clark

Sale
Spoiler

You know what, I’m not sure what to think. I’m torn on Sale in so many ways: I like the club in general and always have, I like that they develop so many young players and give them great opportunities, I love that they provide union to the North West (ish), I love watching some of their plays. But… I don’t like Steve Diamond, I don’t like the importation of truckloads of Saffas and I don’t like how difficult we’ve found it to win at theirs! Trying to be as objective as possible, they have built a strong squad – a good mix of youngsters, experienced English and South African players who are just outside international squads and a bit of stardust. Last year they had a good team but lacked a top class front 5, this year they have improved here and built some depth. It’s often said that they can struggle on the road and I think that has been down to the tight five – you need dominant forwards to win away usually – this year could see a big change and a big improvement.

Starting with the front row. Harrison, Webber and John was ok but the quality dropped off after that, they now have the big names (12 and 10 letters) of Cooper-Wooley and Oosthuizen plus the angry warthog Akker van der Merve. Gloucester’s Franco Mostert was one of the standout signings last year and Sale have clearly gone, yeah we’ll have one of them too! De Jager is a different player, not quite the work rate but a top lineout operator and a bullocking runner, cutting superb lines. With fellow lineout nauses Beaumont and Evans, the massive frame of James Phillips and Dan of the du Preez swarm they’ve got a lot of options in the second row. Sale join several other clubs in having outrageous depth in the back row. The Curry twins have shown the huge class at a young age and Jono Ross has been is one of the top tacklers in the league, the add the du Preez brothers and Mark Wilson to that mix as well as Beaumont and the young Sam Moore. I really struggle to pick three starters from that and it will allow Diamond a lot of choice and allow him to give them all rest and recovery time. Like any pack with a significant number of South Africans, the Sale pack will be powerful and uncompromising. They will provide a much better platform for the backs than they have had in recent times.

In the backline, Sale haven’t made many additions but they haven’t needed to. Hammersley is the big one and it’s a very good signing. Hitting his peak, Hammersley had a good year last season in a disappointing Falcons side and his arrival will gives Sale a proper replacement for Haley. I thought they might miss Faf during the RWC but the short term signing of Papier covers 9 excellently for them. They have choice at 10 between AJ and Rob du Preez, different styles but both good players and good goal kickers not to mention young Keiron Wilkinson. In the centres, van Rensburg is literally a very solid player and Sam James has developed into a very good player who may well get international recognition in the next world cup cycle. Luke James has a lot of experience for a youngster and Cam Redpath could have a real breakout season this year. Sale are also well stocked in the back three. Solomona, Yarde and Ashton are all England internationals who will probably not be called up much if at all and they are joined by McGuigan, Hammersley and young Arron Reed. Lots of choice, lots of quality and lots of potential. If you look at my projected best XXIII below there are almost no youngsters – Wilkinson, Redpath, Luke James, Tom Curtis and Arron Reed could all be very good players and could all have a big part to play this year and this kind of player development means I can’t be so annoyed at buying in SH players.

I dunno here. Part of me thinks they could be top 4 but the competition is fierce. Top 6 for sure but I genuinely don’t know what will happen with Sharks this year but I think I will enjoy watching them (I’ll just have to ignore Steve Diamond as best I can!).

Possible best XXIII: Hammersley, Solomona, James, van Rensburg, Ashton; du Preez, de Klerk, Harrison, van der Merwe, Copper-Wooley, Beaumont, de Jager, Ross, Curry, du Preez; Webber, Oosthuizen, John, Phillips, Wilson, Cliff (Papier), MacGinty, McGuigan

[Jac A]

Wasps
Spoiler

Wasps appear to have been written off by most this year. Last year was not good but that ground has been raked over a fair bit now. The team has lost some key players, that much is clear – after the earlier losses of Mullan and Wade, now le Roux, Daly and Hughes are gone

Personally, I feel happier with our front row options that I have done in a long time. Admittedly losing JCW and Will Stuart was a blow (particularly Stuart) but I felt Brookes was our best TH last year and think he and JTA could be a redoubtable combination. Alo and Owlett are not proven performers but provide a bit of depth that should mean we are not scratching around in the way we were last year. On the other side I am hopeful that Chesty can recover and have something close to a full season, Harris did a decent job last year but Si is a better in the scrum and a handful in the loose. He and Zhvania (and who doesn’t love ZZ) look a good pair and are ably backed up by Harris and West. Hooker is stacked too. Taylor needs an injury free season, Cruse is very solid and a great defence player, Oghre hopefully getting some game time and that’s without mentioning Ashley! There has of course been a lot of grumbling about the second-row options. Of course, I’d love a big Saffa like Synman but we have to balance the cap. Launch will of course miss a big chunk so Rowlands, Gaskell and Matthews will do the bulk of the work. There were questions last year about why Matthews wasn’t used much, I think he may have been given a bit of a rest – he’s played a lot of games for Quins and maybe some time learning the plays and having a break will allow him to play better and for longer (just a thought). Added problems now are the retirement of Garratt and Will Rowlands’ injury. Tim Cardall however could have a big season. He carries, has a good engine, decent in the lineout and I think may get plenty time to show his class this year. TV3 looks like he’ll need to swap out some cardio for some carbio and bulk up a bit more for the Premiership and I don’t see him getting much time yet. Flament however could be another surprise package – I know forums can be negative at times but I had to smile when, during the 7s games he was likened to Launch, Itoje and Simon Shaw! I’m looking forward to how he develops. Even without Nathan the backrow looks good. Eight players, none of whom you’d be disappointed to see starting. Jack Willis was missed last year and hopefully can have another big season. Brad Shields offers a huge work rate, good lineout skills and leadership. Thomas Young would be the first name on the team sheet for me every day he’s fit. Carr has already had a good start, is a top bloke and a top player. Then there’s the return of Al Rieder, Morris who impressed last season more than I expected, Tom Willis looking good in a poor England U20s team and Valianu who again has already shown himself to be a redoubtable and dynamic ball carrier.

Dan Robson will be missed at the RWC but that will be to the benefit of Wasps at the start of the season. I’d have loved to focus on the parallels of Vellacott’s arrival with that of Dan’s a few years ago, similar ages, similar difficulties getting game time at Gloucester, both nippy and sniping fringe players, coming to play along an incumbent whose international opportunities have been affected by injury but that is not to be and it’s gutting. Hopefully Porter and Wolstenholme can take the opportunity they will get. I am optimistic that the arrival of Fekitoa, the return of Gopperth and a full pre-season will allow Sopoaga to shine this year. I’m interested to see how Searle and Umaga are managed this year though. Jacob has shown he has the skills but it’s clear he wants the game time. In the centres we have depth but outside of Fekitoa, de Jong and an aging and now injured Gopperth we are short on established quality. Similarly, in the back three we are in a position of quantity over quality in my opinion. I’m not overly sure how many of our wingers would get into any other Prem teams starting XV. Bassett looked a little jaded last year but is a very solid option at 11 and Watson showed his class and had a great run but are they top 6 standard? I wouldn’t say so. Beyond them, Kibirige and Odogwu couldn’t really break into their teams last year – they may come good but I wonder how much of a difference they will make. Sirker could be different and special and I hope that he gets his opportunity. I think he may have to wait a bit but it will be up to him to force Dai’s hand when he does get a sniff, we all know he can run and score but I’d expect he’s been working on high balls and defensive positioning. Minozzi will be different to le Roux but he could offer something similar to what Cordero offered Chiefs and that would be fantastic, while he’s away Miller will, I’m sure be dependable and ideally offer the attacking play we know he can.

Overall, I’m optimistic but we are once again in transition and the teams that finished around us have for the most part strengthened well. We will have a strong set-piece and that will be key, our back-row remains very good and we will score tries. I also think that our defence has shown improvement and contrary to what some think I think Costello has done a good job. I don’t think there is enough there to finish top 4 and even then, the rest of the table is likely to be very tight. I’m hoping we will improve our league position but any improvement in performance will be a positive.

Possible best XXIII: Minozzi, Watson, Fekitoa, Gopperth, Bassett; Sopoaga, Robson; McIntyre, Taylor, Brookes, Lauchbury, Gaskell, Shields, Young, Carr; Cruse, Zhvania, Toomuga-Allen, Rowlands, Willis, Vellacott, de Jong, Miller

[Marlow Nick]

Thanks for some excellent analysis

[Jac A]

Bristol
Spoiler

The more I have look at the teams this year the more I have realised how close this season could be -and how little idea I actually have of what will happen. Bristol (I really don’t want to call them the Bears but may have to for some variety) are a case in point. Some have them involved in a relegation fight, others have them challenging the top 4. Pat Lam is clearly a man with a plan. He has a style and the team certainly try to play that way. Very few departures and a couple of big names coming in could give them the more dominant scrum that would allow a better platform for the backs to throw the ball around as they want to. The first XV for Bristol is very good, in fact that is almost top 4 quality. Where they are still a little lacking is depth and that may stymie their ambitions to be in the mix at the end but I don’t think they can be worried about being too near the bottom.

Harry Thacker had a cracker of a season last year, as many predicted, size didn’t matter and he showed his class to the delight of everyone who put him in their fantasy team. Behind him Shaun Malton is ok but Will Capon is part of a group of young hookers that are going to be competing for international honours and he may get a break through this year. The big name prop is of course John Afoa who appear to want to keep going until he draws his pension – which can’t be long. Max Lahiff has come in and if he stays fit could be a good signing for them. On the loosehead, Woolmore and Yann Thomas will compete for the 1 shirt. Behind them are less stellar names, Thiede, Armstrong, Lay but it’s an alright group. There is no shortage of locks at the club – Joyce and Holmes are very solid players who won’t let the side down but they will be behind Attwood and Vui which is an ace partnership. Chris Vui was one of the standout 2nd rows last year and added to the grunt and experience of Dave Attwood they will be good in the set piece and loose. There are a coupld of decent youngsters too in Hawkins and Batley. On the flanks, George Smith is gone, but during his time a young Welsh openside developed and prospered – sounds a little familiar… Dan Thomas had a good year last year and I predict more of the same, if not better, with the unremittingly excellent Steven Luatua at 6 and bog Nathan Hughes looking to prove a point to Eddie Jones at 8 – that’s quite a backrow. If that trio can stay fit and available for most of the year, they will do well, if not then sadly the talent beneath is not of the same standard. Jordan Crane is decent enough and I’ll admit to knowing very little of Jake Heenan but I think Lam will be hoping his main 3 loosies stay together.

Half back selection was interesting for Bears (ahh!) last year. Most people were expecting Nic Stirzaker to be Bristol’s starting 9 last year but he hardly got a look in as Randall and Uren showed some absolute class. I fully expect this to continue this year with them rotating about but if you had to put them in boxes, Uren offers more control and Randall more pop and fizz. Similarly at 10, Madigan was the star name on the big bucks but Callum Sheedy got the nod more often than not and did not look out of place. Madigan’s position will come under more pressure from Ioan Lloyd, only 18 but already looks assured. The centres is probably the ‘problem’ position for Bristol. Siale Piutau, Will Hurrell and Piers O’Conor are decent enough but are not top 4 quality and there’s not a lot else, former Wasps Charles Piutau and Alapati Leiua can cover 13 but they’re better in the back 3. I would imagine it’s the area Lam would most want to strengthen. Back 3 has no such problems. The aforementioned Charles P will be hoping for plenty of game time and along with Leiua they have Daniels, Morahan, Edwards, Pincus and two players I’m looking forward to watching more of: Mat Protheroe and Tyrese Johnson-Fisher – the former Oakham school flyer who went to try his hand at American Football before returning to rugby.

Despite all the positives I think a lack of depth will cost Bristol this year and I predict a similar year to last. Mid table, safe and playing some spectacular rugby but lacking consistency.

Possible best XXIII: Piatau, Leiua, O’Conor, Piatau, Morahan; Sheedy, Uren; Woolmore, Thacker, Afoa, Attwood, Vui, Luatua, Thomas, Hughes; Malton, Thomas, Lahiff, Holmes, Crane, Randall, Madigan, Protheroe

Leicester
Spoiler

Lots of non-Leicester fans seem to think they will continue their downward spiral this year. There is one thing that does suggest that – Murphy as DoR has not impressed. I think the only reason he is still in post is because too many people had been sacked before and it would have looked silly. Mike Ford has now come in and Steve Borthwick will be arriving which suggests that Murphy does not have the total trust of the board. However, this is utter speculation of something which I know very little about and I will just leave it that I don’t rate Murphy. But, and it’s a big but, I love their recruitment this year.

Tigers have always been about their forwards – crushing, brutal and dominant, they relied on bullying teams up front to get the ball to allow their backs to play. In recent years that has been lacking. I’m sure there’s been due deference to their service etc but I imagine most Tigers fans are very happy to have exchanged Kitchener, Fitzgerald and Williams for Lavanini, Green and Taufua. Considering the near continuous presence of a Leicester lock in the England team for around 20 years it seems shocking that not one Leicester lock has played for England in this world cup cycle. The two new locks along with Will Spencer and Harry Wells suggest are more formidable Tigers second row than we have seen since Slater and Parling and will surely have a massive impact. Lavanini was born to be a Leicester lock and the underrated Green is one of the best lineout forwards around. The front row looks alright. Dan Cole had his best season for a while last year but will be missing for a fair bit of this campaign, along with his loosehead mate, Ellis Genge. Togetehr they are a great duo but Bateman, Gigenia, Heyes etc mean that there is cover, if not as good as the England pair. Hooker is odd, both Tom Youngs and Polota-Nau are experienced internationals but their throwing isn’t great and they have underperformed recently (Tom Youngs personal circumstances noted). To me, Jake Kerr has looked the best option but I think experience will win out. On paper the backrow looks formidable but with Dave Denton’s retirement it looks as thin as the paper too. Guy Thompson had a great season last year and Tigers fans seem to have taken to him like Wasps (he’s still one of my favourites). Sione Kalamafoni carried tirelessly last year and will do again I’m sure. Added to this are two great signings, obviously Taufua but also Hanro Liebenberg, a young South African with a resemblance to Vermeulen in his play. Behind that foursome are Tommy Reffell and new signing Jordan Coghlan who I know little about which looks a bit shallow. But like Bears, if their first choice stay fit then they could be awesome.

Clearly their backs can’t be that bad as Eddie Jones has taken four of them to Australia. The issue lies more with those that are left. There a lot of churn in the back line as the likes of Smith, Tait, Toomua, Joe Ford etc have left. However, there are a lot of talented youngsters and some new arrivals. Ben Youngs has plenty of detractors but will be our most capped back and possibly overtake Jason Leonard too so must have something. He will of course miss a lot of the season and I’m not sure on what the status of Sam Harrison is, I though he was off but he might be staying, who knows? Hopefully Leicester! Ben White is a decent young scrummie and this could eb a big year for him to show his worth. At 10, George Ford was huge last year, absolutely superb, but again, away a lot so Noel Reid looks in pole position to play pivot but will be harried by McPhillips and Hardwick. A couple of weeks ago I’d have said it was close between them but Reid had a great PRC and looks assured. Tuilagi will play his part and Reid can also play 12, but I’d imagine a lot of the time Eastmond and either Taute or Viljoen will be the centre partnership and it could work well with a good mix of hands, feet, skills and brute force. A back three of May, Holmes and Veianu is quite tasty. But they’ve got so much more than that: I’d expect a lot more from Olowofela this year, Aspland-Robinson and Thompson will get some game time plus George Worth had some very good outings at 15 last year - I would also love to see 18 year old Freddie Steward get a couple of games – he is a big lad with some skills and could have a great future.

Rivalry/dislike for Tigers notwithstanding I would like to predict that they will do well but I can’t see them breaking into the top 4 again and there is a lot of competition just below that. Mid table but better and ready to get back to their best the following year.

Possible best XXIII: Veainu, Holmes, Tuilagi, Eastmond, May; Ford, Youngs; Genge, Youngs, Cole, Spencer, Lavanini, Taufua, Thompson, Kalamafoni; Kerr, Bateman, Heyes, Green, Liebenberg, White, Reid, Olowofela

Worcester
Spoiler

Warriors fans must be fed up with being made relegation contenders every year. They have a good team and some nice players and have put together some good performances. They certainly aren’t weak. But they can’t escape the fact that they have lost a lot of good players: Heem, Te’o, Adams and Singleton all gone. Some good players have come in but do they have the experience in scrapping for survival in the Premiership? Not really and maybe this might be the year they do go down. I expect that they will only go down with a considerable fight though and certainly trips there will not be easy.

Another big blow is the MCL injury to Nick Schonert which puts a lot of pressure on Conor Carey. On the other side, I like Ethan Waller and Callum Black is ok but there is not a lot of quality in the Worcester front row which will be a big issue. At hooker, I like Annett but he Matt Moulds and Joe Taufete'e are similarly lower quality than almost every other team. Lock gives a slightly better picture, the two Kitcheners and Michael Fatialofa are good Premiership quality players and Anton Bresler is totally reliable. Like most teams they have a good back-row. Ted Hill has already got an England cap and is almost a perfectly designed 6, I’m sure he will get more in the future. Sam Lewis likewise is an excellent 7 and had a great season last year. They also boast Marco Mama, GJ van Velze and Cornell du Preez to give some good selection headaches.

In the backs, Hoogaard will surely continue to give excellent service though I’m unconvinced by both Heeney and Kitto. Duncan Weir was a good signing and is generally a reliable kicker if not the most creative. Jonno Lance seems to have one good game and then be anonymous for a while so Wier is the best bet. I do like Jamie Shillcock too and hope he gets a few chances. I’m a big fan of Ryan Mills, I think he is a great 12 but with no Te’o I can’t see many other candidates for the 12 jersey, maybe Will Butler but he is young and untried. By comparison at 13 both Beck and Venter are very decent shouts and will battle it out along with young Ollie Lawrence who could be a special player, I’ve been very impressed whenever I have seen him. The losses of Adams and Heem will hit their back 3 hard. Nanai is a super player and could tear it up, but he will need the ball and we know that sometimes these players work out, sometimes they don’t. Ed Fidow on the other hand I liked the sound of as a signing but have been totally unconvinced when I have watched him recently. Tow Howe had a good pre-season but I think he may be down the pecking order behind the likes of Perry Humphries who doesn’t inspire much. Chris Pennell will, I’m sure continue at full back, but seems to have lost a yard of pace.

There are some good players and defiantly some good youngsters but it will be a tough season again. I think that the experience within the squad and the star dust from the tyros may be enough to keep them up though.

Possible best XXIII: Pennell, Nanai, Beck, Mills, Fidow; Weir, Hougaard; Waller, Annett, Schonert, Fatialofa, Kitchener, Hill, Lewis, du Preez; Taufete’e, Black, Carey, Bressler, Mama, Kitto, Lance, Venter

London Irish
Spoiler

I’m afraid I can’t write much on Irish. They have signed a load of galacticos in O’Brien, Coleman, Kepu, Naholo to go with some other very good players: Phipps, Jackson, Rona, Mafi, Dell, Fainga'a and Reid and have the usual Irish selection of youngsters in Loader, Parton, Brophy-Clews and Nott. I’m sure we will learn more about them as the season goes on but I fear that the big name players will play too few games and not have the time to gel before the damage is done and that injuries will reveal a lack of depth that is common in newly promoted sides. There are lots of players I am excited to see and I certainly don’t think that they will be whipping boys but I do think they will be going back down.

Possible best XXIII: Veitokani, Naholo, Rona, Hepetema, Loader; Jackson, Phipps; Dell, Fainga'a, Kepu, Coleman, Botha, Mafi, O’Brien, Tuisue; Porecki, Hobbs-Awoyemi, Hoskins, Ioane, Cowan, Meehan, Stephenson, Tikoirotuma

[Jac A]

I've added the last four teams for anyone interested - afraid I haven't much to say on London Irish though. Though I should do this before we actually kick off.