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THE SEASON RESUMES: WHO WILL TRIUMPH?


Baxter: surprises?

By P G Tips
July 21 2020

The Premiership season restarts next month with preparations and the fixture list disrupted by the Corona pandemic. Squad makeups have been affected too- some radically, by clubs reducing wage bills and the early implementation of close season transfers. The runners and riders could either be stronger for the season run-in or weaker as a result. The current top 4 seem to be the obvious play off candidates, but who of these will win through, and what of Bath’s prospects of a top 6 finish? Let’s take a look.

Exeter Chiefs

At first glance Chiefs have not strengthened as comprehensively as some of their rivals, with more leavers than joiners, including the departure of dynamo scrum half Nick White and veterans like Steenson and Kvesic. That view though overlooks the patient long-term squad building that Rob Baxter favours. The signings may not be many but are significant, Sam Hidalgo-Clyne in for White, Jonny Gray beefing up an already formidable pack, promising Argentine Facundo Cordero to strengthen the backs and Josh Hodge as back up to Stuart Hogg. With a 5 point lead and 9 rounds to go, few would bet against Exeter holding their play -off place, or topping the table. They will have been working on their relentless keep-ball driving game and, with Slade, Nowell and Hogg to call on for flashes of magic, Baxter is likely to have some sharp surprises up his sleeve. Look a good bet to go all the way.

 

Sale Sharks

Perhaps the surprise package of the season, Sharks currently sit 2nd, with Bristol breathing down their necks. Theirs has been among the most eye-catching recruitment with Manu Tuilagi adding to an already physical midfield (backed up by Exeter’s Sam Hill for good measure) and Cobus Wiese adding further Springbok heft to an uncompromising pack. The prospect of Tuilagi partnering Rohan Jense van Rensburg, (described by one COML poster as “a pair of super tankers”) behind Oosthuizen, De Jager and the Currys will delight all who like their rugby raw and powerful. They will certainly be a handful and strengthened as they are should comfortably make the play-offs. Whether Steve Diamond can coax out of his squad those little moments of class to turn the tightest of games is yet to be seen. Will leave many opponents bruised, but can they replicate the class of ’06 and take the title? To be proven.

 

Bristol Bears

Surely the big winners in the late season transfer merry-go-round. Sinckler and Earl add star names to an already fast and furious pack. Behind them Malins and Radrada boost the power and guile of the backs. Bristol have played with admirable (some would say at times foolhardy) ambition this season and the newcomers can only enhance their quest for big eye-catching wins and plenty of bonus points. Ashton Gate has become an intimidating stadium where even Saracens and Chiefs will have to work hard for a win. The Bears have few tough away ties to go. If they resume as they left off should be very strong challengers at the play-off stage.

 

Northampton Saints

Saints began the season brightly, notching 6 wins in their first 8 games. Their form since early January though has slumped, home defeats to London Irish and Bristol paving the way for a thumping at Exeter. Although 4th in the table they are only just in positive territory- 7 wins from 13 fixtures. Of the incomers, Nick Isiekwe on a season loan is the only noteworthy name, while Cobus Reinach, the engine of so much of their attacking play has departed for France. On top of that, they have lost talismanic flanker Tom Wood to injury for at least 3 months. With Exeter and Bristol on their away ties roster they will need to work hard to stay in 4th place. Should have enough to see off the challenge of Wasps, but could be vulnerable if Bath or Harlequins hit their stride.

 

Bath

Bath, in 6th, have the same win-loss ratio as Northampton, but lag in the table for dearth of bonus points. Recruitment has been sparing, although Ben Spencer can add dimensions to the attack, both with a swift and long pass and a potent running threat. Will Spencer and Juan Schoeman add depth up front, but there is no news of a 10 to aid, or contrast Rhys Priestland, despite Stuart Hooper revealing in early June that Bath were looking for a ball playing back who could play 10 but not exclusively. The “interesting options’ he mentioned have not led to an announcement, so any addition there may have to wait until the 2021 season.  With a 5 point gap to make up and 5 of the remaining 9 fixtures away, Bath look unlikely to break into the top 4. They do though have a few advantages to build on. Of the opening 4 fixtures: London Irish, Leicester, Northampton and Wasps, 3 at least look highly winnable. A good start to the resumption could give the flying speed needed for a tilt at the top. With the inevitable fixture congestion caused by a 5 month delay, clubs will have to trust their strength in depth. Bath claim a lot of faith in the young players coming through from the academy. They may get their chance to shine, against the opposition’s youngsters. Now would be a good time to show their mettle. Hope springs eternal and Bath have a habit of putting on a late season sunshine surge. Will it be enough? What will be the effect of empty grounds? I believe Bath will find their parlous bonus point position a handicap and will miss out on the play-offs, but I’ll stick my neck out and predict they will sneak 5th place.

 

The Winner?

Looking at the run-in, squads and their enhancements and respective form before the break, I think the current leading 4 will be there at the play-off stage. I expect the order to change slightly, with a reinforced Bristol overtaking Sale into 2nd place. They should win their home semi, then meet Chiefs in the Final. That will be the limit of their exploits though as I expect Exeter’s experience, their pack strength and a little flash of flair from one of their Lions’ backs to be too much.

 

Exeter to win the title, with Bristol runner up. Exeter, Bristol, Sale, Northampton, Bath and Harlequins to qualify for the Champions Cup.

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THE SEASON RESUMES: WHO WILL TRIUMPH?
Discussion started by Comeonmylovers.co.uk (IP Logged), 21/07/2020 13:36
Comeonmylovers.co.uk
Comeonmylovers.co.uk
21/07/2020 13:36
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Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2020:08:10:16:06:58 by P G Tips.

BathMatt53
BathMatt53
21/07/2020 13:58
Thanks PG.

(btw Steenson extended to the end of the extended season and will retire after that).

[23/24 adoptee: Will Butt]

OldMarovian
OldMarovian
21/07/2020 15:03
Very interesting post and a great summary of the current situation.

It would be a good return for Bath to finish top 6 and I think the mid-table will be less conjested after the break (in comparrison to last season) as I think half the clubs are basically trying to manage their resources till next season as they have little or nothing to play for so gaps may open up meaning the odd off-day or two won't result in a dropping points that would have made the difference between 4th and 7th.

Chiefs are surely favourites but there are three big issues for them. in terms of playing style if the NH referees follow the SH referees in clearing up the breakdown then Chiefs will have to find a new way to play. As importantly two of their closest rivals; Bristol and Sale have both strengthened their packs and arguably have greater flair and better backs than Chiefs. Sale had to work very hard to throw away two likely wins against them before the virus break, butchering a quite spectacular number of opportunities. Bristol have won at Sandy Park.
Second issue is how far they progress in the European Cup. Of the current top four Northampton struggled against Chiefs last season and have done little to bolster their forwards so I see an easy progression to the European SFs for Chiefs. Beyond that though they will have to pick their best team which will almost certainly mean compromising the team they field in teh Premiership.
Third is whether International call-ups conflict with Premiership games as seems likely. Will Rowe force a club vs Country decision on his Internationals if the top 2 seeding in the Premiership is in doubt?

I'm hugely excited about both Bristol and Sale. As above I beleive both have the packs to get parity or close to with Chiefs at set-piece and arguably superior in the loose. Manu is wasted at Tigers he is exactly they sort of player who if fit and available could make the difference in a final. Sale have choked a few to many times against Chiefs whereas Bristol beat them at Sandy Park this past season. I feel these two will end up playing each other in one SF with Bristol progressing.

Lots to like about Saints team including the numerous Academy players and the open style of rugby they play but Boyd still hasn't quite worked out that this isn't SR and if you pack don't at least front up the best teams will beat you quite easily. I think they're good enough to get 4th but will be steam-rollered in both their European QF and the Premierhsip SF against Chiefs.

I'd love to see Bristol beat Chiefs in the final but feel it may be a season too soon for them.

Bathovalballer
Bathovalballer
21/07/2020 23:41
Excellent revue PGT and one I concur with mostly. However, I have a sneaking feeling that Sale's power across the park both upfront and behind, could prove to be the winner of the tight, physical games and prevail against Exeter who have their ambitions on two fronts which is likely to take a toll on their stars. If Sale make the playoff final, they will win, just.

Adopted player 2020/21 Beno 'the Transformer' Obano


Adopted player 2019/20 Jonathan 'JJ' Joseph.The Jink Joseph.
Adopted player 2018/19 Adopted player 2018/19 Semesa 'The Rock' Rokoduguni

MESSAGES->author
woodpecker
22/07/2020 10:03
This has probably been discussed at length somewhere else, so please just point me there, but I checked the Gallagher website and it only goes up to round 17 before the semi, on 9th/10th October, how does that work?

warrenball
warrenball
22/07/2020 10:36
Bath don't seem to be mentioned very much, the discussions seems to revolve around the prospects of other teams, are we really that negative about a sudden upsurge in Bath's performances? The coaches have been lucky to have an extended break to refine the coaching set up after their experiences in the first half of the season, so we should now see the full power of a revitalised Bath.

MESSAGES->author
hasta
22/07/2020 11:24
I'm quietly optimistic. We haven't had too much turnover turmoil (although saying goodbye to Francois is a blow). We've got JoCo back plus Watson/JJ not with England, additional distribution options in Matavesi/Redpath, plus a significant improvement at 9. Our pack was good all season and Stuart/Ewels/Underhill/Faletau won't be away. We have three very winnable games in the first set of four. Should really be targeting 14/15 points in August.

TomReagan
TomReagan
22/07/2020 23:36
Quote:
warrenball
Bath don't seem to be mentioned very much, the discussions seems to revolve around the prospects of other teams, are we really that negative about a sudden upsurge in Bath's performances? The coaches have been lucky to have an extended break to refine the coaching set up after their experiences in the first half of the season, so we should now see the full power of a revitalised Bath.
I like the optimism, but of course every club can say the same thing of its coaches. Looking at the Prem football some sides came back from lockdown revitalised, others were, to use that cliche loved of sports commentators about now, 'Mentally on the beach'. Fitness, commitment and desire were very different depending on the club. It's a unique situation and the football teams weren't dealing with changes of personnel, unlike with rugby. I don't know what to expect, but dare I say it, I'm not that interested. I know they have to play behind closed doors, but sport without fans struggles to excite me, and judging by the football I've watched on Pick (A rare chance to watch live football for me) many of the players seem to be feeling the same, as many games were like training sessions (tonight's Liverpool v Chelsea game a welcome exception). Hopefully the rugby will excite and my pessimism will be unwarranted...

Satchmo
Satchmo
23/07/2020 17:16
I am quietly optimistic about the restart of the season. Personally I like the focus on youth and give the youngsters a go. The onus is now on SH, Hatley, Dempsey and co to prove themselves. I think they will given time and on paper (at least) it is an exciting opportunity for all. Clean slate,drop the ego's and be bold and play positive rugby. Lets hold thumbs for the start of a new era.

warrenball
warrenball
23/07/2020 18:07
Tom, I think I said the we 'should' see a revitalised Bath, not that we 'would' see that happening - it is part of how we judge the success of our coaching team now they have had plenty of time to put their master plan into action and with a full squad. As for the rugby I have a very low expectation, so should be pleasantly surprised.

Boldangrey
Boldangrey
03/08/2020 20:45
Excellent review, PG, but one important point you don’t seem to have mentioned is the strength of the squad.
Two matches in a week will put huge pressure on the players. A high attrition rate will make things very difficult to predict.

Rich.
Rich.
04/08/2020 10:14
Interesting read and comments. Another two factors IMO to add will be the pitch and weather conditions and 'natural' skill-set. So Bath, for example, have recently upped a level in the final games of the season when pitches are firmer and there are no players missing due to internationals. I'd also expect to see at least Bristol, Northampton and Wasps benefiting from what will hopefully be dry and firm conditions.

As for natural skill level, it was interesting to see that even in New Zealand it took about 3-weeks for the players in super rugby Aotearoa to click regularly with passing, catching at speed while under pressure. So there are some Prem players and teams who will struggle for longer than that. The Bristol v Bath match at the start of the season was very impressive in terms of skill level execution by the Bristol players so very early in the season (and with only one practice match that many of them like Piutau and Morahan did not even play in). So teams with players who can achieve that without weeks of practice will have a big advantage. There will, for e.g, be a fair few passes by some forwards going to ground etc at the start and that could be crucial.

That fact it seems top 8 will go into Champions Cup 20/21 means all bar Sarries have a chance and have all to play for and, at least till they are out of the 19/20 Champions Cup Sarries will be using the Prem matches to get themselves ready for the Cup matches so won't be lying down.

MESSAGES->author
shipwrecked
04/08/2020 10:30
I agree with BnG, that the workload on the players is intense. I also think though that the recent pitch replacement is going to have an effect as well.
The original surface almost required kicking for territory the current one just begs the backs to pass and run doesn't it?

Its going to be like two separate seasons, I wonder if our players will have adapted to the new pitch or will we get exposed on our own ground by fast flowing rugby from the opposition?

https://i.ibb.co/t3wMLGB/Sam-Harris-185.jpg

Sam Harris

Opinion is based on assumptions, whereas fact is based on observation or research.

Bath Supporter Jack
Bath Supporter Jack
04/08/2020 10:57
BATH every time!!!

P G Tips
P G Tips
04/08/2020 14:05
Quote:
Boldangrey
Excellent review, PG, but one important point you don’t seem to have mentioned is the strength of the squad.

Yes & no BNG. I did not spell it out but made reference:

"With the inevitable fixture congestion caused by a 5 month delay, clubs will have to trust their strength in depth. Bath claim a lot of faith in the young players coming through from the academy. They may get their chance to shine, against the opposition’s youngsters. Now would be a good time to show their mettle."

I am quietly optimistic that our youngsters will come good- but have little knowledge of the rising academy prospects of other clubs. Hopefully our strength in depth will be up to the task.

A curve ball though has been thrown in since I wrote the piece - the 8 Nation Tournament. Will that involve full strength England & Wales teams? If so Bath loses star players.

Or "experimental" teams? In which case Bath stand to lose rising stars like Obano, Dunn, Stuart, Mercer (possibly Stooke), Redpath, McConnochie.

Either way, strength in depth its double tested!

PG

P G Tips
P G Tips
04/08/2020 14:10
Quote:
Rich.

That fact it seems top 8 will go into Champions Cup 20/21 means all bar Sarries have a chance and have all to play for and, .

I must have missed that Rich!

What is the source?

PG

MESSAGES->author
woodpecker
04/08/2020 14:34
Its ten days until it starts but prem site still not showing any times?

[www.google.com];;

Rich.
Rich.
04/08/2020 15:15
PG - There was this on the official EPCR site back in June.
'As previously communicated, new Heineken Champions Cup and Challenge Cup tournament formats for the 2020/21 season are being considered as a consequence of widespread fixture disruption caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. A 24-club Heineken Champions Cup with eight representatives from each of Europe’s leading league competitions is one of the options under discussion'
The link to that is [www.epcrugby.com]

There's no update on that site but I've read a number of things of late which imply it is happening - e.g. in the Wales On Line article on Jamie Roberts this week he talks about playing in the Champions Cup for Dragons in the 20/21 season - and that would only happen if they go the 24 team route (8 teams each from Prem, Proi 14 and Top 14)

As for the 8 Nation Tournament I suspect Jones will want the whole big squad for the whole period of time so Bath will lose the main squad players and the others - though: (a) I guess some may be released back to their clubs at the start of weeks and (b) I don't think that tournament clashes with the Prem other than perhaps 1 week at the start of the 20/21 Prem season (??)

P G Tips
P G Tips
04/08/2020 17:51
Thanks Rich.

I guess your last para partly explains why we have seen no confirmation on Premiership matches beyond the initial 4 rounds.

Let's see how things develop!

PG

MESSAGES->author
hasta
04/08/2020 23:37
I also suspect that the the Prem are seeing what happens with multiple games in a week, whether Covid cases increase, if they're allowed to start doing test games with fans...

The semis are scheduled for 9/10 Oct. The final would clash on the weekend with England vs BaaBaas 24/25th October. So basically every England player not in the final would have plenty of time to prep.

John Tee
John Tee
12/08/2020 08:52
I think Bristol will figure and Saracens will skew a few results unless they have imploded ...
It will be paramount for all teams to hit the ground running.
Will the shake up at Glaws restore fortunes..

Top 4
Chiefs
Bristol
Sale.

Saints/Glaws for final place is my guess

BathMatt53
BathMatt53
12/08/2020 09:04
Gloucs are 9 points off 4th and have Bris, Exe, Sarries and Saints all to play - there is no chance they will get top 4 IMO. Saints have exe twice and Bristol but otherwise look OK. I think that Wasps may be close tbh.

[23/24 adoptee: Will Butt]

MESSAGES->author
hasta
12/08/2020 09:29
Sarries have Heineken Cup to look forward to, so will be interesting to see how much they cotton wool wrap their stars.

MESSAGES->author
shipwrecked
12/08/2020 09:57
Quote:

Ooops, thats open to abuse! Not at all sure about the wisdom of that one.

https://i.ibb.co/t3wMLGB/Sam-Harris-185.jpg

Sam Harris

Opinion is based on assumptions, whereas fact is based on observation or research.

9215
9215
12/08/2020 10:59
Quote:
hasta
Sarries have Heineken Cup to look forward to, so will be interesting to see how much they cotton wool wrap their stars.

Can’t remember where I read it but I think they said they’re going to need the prem games to get players match fit for it

MESSAGES->author
woodpecker
12/08/2020 11:04
OK the wrong code, but amazing that 5 players fit enough to play tested positive:

Six Hull FC players and two members of the Super League club's coaching staff have tested positive for coronavirus, with 11 Salford Red Devils players who came into contact with them set to isolate for 14 days.

They were informed of their positive tests by Public Health England on Tuesday evening, as were Salford Red Devils, who beat Hull last Sunday.

Both teams have cancelled their scheduled training sessions for Wednesday.

Five Hull FC players who were involved in the 54-18 defeat to Salford tested positive, in addition to a sixth who was not in their matchday 17 - while a sixth member of Sunday's playing squad is having a retest after an inconclusive result.


So they did lose, but still.....

9215
9215
12/08/2020 11:08
I don’t quite understand how only 11 Salford players came into contact with them if they played a match against them

MESSAGES->author
shipwrecked
12/08/2020 11:10
Quote:
9215
I don’t quite understand how only 11 Salford players came into contact with them if they played a match against them

Two of them missed tackles, they will be dropped as well!

https://i.ibb.co/t3wMLGB/Sam-Harris-185.jpg

Sam Harris

Opinion is based on assumptions, whereas fact is based on observation or research.

MESSAGES->author
woodpecker
12/08/2020 11:10
Quote:
9215
I don’t quite understand how only 11 Salford players came into contact with them if they played a match against them

A Rugby Football League statement read: "The RFL is now analysing Sunday's match to determine how many players from each team will also be required to self-isolate under the test and trace procedures that have been agreed with Public Health England.


That really is the definition of asymptomatic of you can play a game of proffesional RL and not notice.



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2020:08:12:14:34:57 by woodpecker.

BathMatt53
BathMatt53
12/08/2020 15:20
I am hearing that the top 8 of the prem will be in next years champs cup? (i.e. within the 24 teams up from 20).

[www.bbc.co.uk]

[23/24 adoptee: Will Butt]

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