he general view on here is a little strange, with many wanting to see us shake of the (incorrect in my view) tag as an inconsistent side. Many seem to think we have a much better team/squad and bulking up the pack will bring success. This was generally seen as Smudgers Achilles heel by many.

However in a strange twist the general opinion seems to be top 5 more than top three, despite achieving that with an “inconsistent side and a weak pack”.

So this got me thinking, to finish higher than last year will we need to win more games or will all teams take more points off of each other? Another option is of course to pick up more bonus points, but for the point of this I am ignoring them.

So here is what we did last season and what I think might (which means it will not) happen this.

BATH H W A L
Bath were the surprise team of last year with everyone expecting the bubble to burst however it did not until the very end, maybe the system has been worked out maybe not, hard to see much improvement again HW AL

GLAWS HW AL
Had a slightly off-season by their standards, very hard to beat at CG. Much the same this season HW AL

QUINS HW AL
Much improved team towards the end of last season with a very strong academy, could do well if they can win a few on the road but seem a bit short of really good signings. HW AW

TYKES HW AW.
Really struggled towards the end of last season, don’t see this being much different
HW AW

TIGGS HW AW
Seem to have found their old form I would be very happy and surprised to do the double over them again. HW AL

IRISH HL AW
Our only home defeat of last season and by all accounts a fortunate away win. Strange side we always seem to bring out the best and worst in each other HW AL

WASPS HW AL
Last years best side by a mile, managed to peak at the right time. Lost causeway is a very hard place to win, fortunately so is Franklins gardens HW AL

FALCONS HW AL
Despite having some very good backs and some hard forwards they seldom deliver on a regular basis, but are more than a match for anyone on their day, still think we might improve here HW AW

SALE HW AD
I always expect more of Sale again a very hot and cold team, could struggle with the unrest at the club. Could possibly sneak a double HW AW

SARRIES HW AW
A very lucky win last year, some day they will have to come good. HW AL

WORCESTER / ROTHERHAM HW AW
I think that Worcester will be stronger than Rotherham and may surprise a few hopefully not us. HW AW.

Going by that and assuming we do not lose at home that gives us one more win but one less draw than last year and I think that is probably with my Saints goggles on, but will that be enough?

Where will the extra points come from?