Aviva Premiership Fixtures Round - 9
The Autumn International matches might be taking the headlines, but the Aviva Premiership is starting to heat up. Many of the top clubs will be missing players on international duty, but round 9 is shaping up to be an exciting weekend of matches.
Saracens v Exeter Chiefs Sunday 26th November @ 1500hrs
- In one of the biggest games of the season, reigning champions Exeter Chiefs go to Allianz Park to play European champions Saracens in a second v first clash. Exeter went top of the league after round 8 with an unconvincing performance against Harlequins, which they won 31 – 17. While undefeated at home since December, the Chiefs have lost twice on the road this season. They have been a disciplined team, only conceding 50 penalties so far this campaign. Steenson is in a fine run of form with 70 points to his name, and Olly Woodburn has scored 6 of the Chief’s 28 tries. Saracens lost to Gloucester Rugby 23 – 17 in round 8, and would very much like to put one over on the Exeter Chiefs after they lost in the Premiership semi-final to them last season. Saracens have been free-scoring so far this season with a total of 32 tries touched down. They will be without key men Farrell and Itoje who are on England duty. They have only lost two games this season. This should be a fascinating match.
London Irish v Wasps Sunday 26th November @ 1500hrs
- Bottom of the league London Irish welcome sixth-placed Wasps to the Madejski Stadium. The newly promoted Exiles have endured a torrid start to the season, losing seven league games in a row after a promising first-round victory over Harlequins. Fullback Bell will be looking to add to his haul of 72 points, leading try scorer Lewington has 3 tries to his name. In round 8, Wasps totally dominated Newcastle Falcons scoring six tries to win 40 – 10. They are enjoying a return to form after losing four games in a row earlier in the season. Wade and Bassett are both on 5 tries each while Le Roux has 4 assists. Wasps players Joe Launchbury, Daly and Hughes have been on England duty.
Bath Rugby v Harlequins Saturday 25th November @ 1245hrs
- Seventh-placed Harlequins travel to Bath in round 9. The Quins will still be smarting from defeat to the Exeter Chiefs in Round 8, where they put in a workmanlike performance but came back to the capital empty-handed. They have been an injury-hit team so far this season, and now have Mike Brown and Danny Care away with England. Quins top try scorer Yarde has recently left the club for Sale after on-going disciplinary issues. Bath Rugby beat London Irish 22 -18 in the last round of matches. Rokoduguni has scored seven tries so far this season for Bath, and Priestland has 65 points to his name. Surprisingly Watson and Joseph have been released by Eddie Jones and are available to play, Rokoduguni has been retained to face Samoa. Last season Bath ran out victors in this fixture.
Remaining Fixtures:
Friday 24th November
- Newcastle Falcons V Gloucester Rugby @ 1945hrs
Saturday 25th November
- Leicester Tigers V Worcester Warriors @ 1500hrs
- Sale Sharks V Northampton Saints @1730hrs
