CHRIS ROBSHAW’S PREMIERSHIP PREDICTIONS: TWICKENHAM CLASH TO GO ‘RIGHT DOWN TO THE WIRE’ AND THE ‘ARCHITECT’ OF BRISTOL BEARS’ SUCCESS

Former England and Harlequins captain Chris Robshaw sits down with Planet Rugby’s James While to offer his predictions for the upcoming round of Premiership action.

We have teamed up with eToro, the official investing and trading partner of Premiership Rugby, to launch a new feature that will see us get predictions from a famous face before every Premiership round for the remainder of the season.

And just to make it a bit more fun, we’ll be making our own predictions for each game and tracking our performance week-by-week to see whether we can outsmart our illustrious guests.

In Round 15 of the Premiership, we took on Nick Easter, and the former England number eight nailed his predictions correctly, calling the winner in four of the five games, with Exeter Chiefs’ defeat to Bath being the wrong call. Meanwhile, Planet Rugby managed to get three out of the five winners correct.

Let’s see what Robshaw has gone for.

Bath v Saracens

You never underestimate a Friday trip to Bath especially given their form. They’re always able to challenge physically and this match will be no different. It’s all about the basics – set-piece platform, kicking and territory control and gainline power, something Saracens have been delivering for a decade or more.

One for the fly-halves to own the scoreboard, for the packs to ensure there’s no easy outs from promising positions and one where I expect a little upset, with Sarries just having too much in terms of experience for the brilliant Bath side.

Head-to-head: Whilst I was tempted to go with the fly-half duel, something that may prove crucial, you’ve got Ben Earl v Sam Underhill – two key components of England’s back-row – going toe-to-toe in a clash of styles.

Players to watch: I’m hedging a little here and I’ll give you a second head-to-head – Owen Farrell and Orlando Bailey will determine their side’s result, no doubt whatsoever. A thrilling match-up.

Robbo’s Call: It’ll be a tighter battle than you might think but both sides score tries galore too. 35-31 to Saracens, a vital away win for them.

Harlequins v Northampton Saints

This is such a tough one to call and the match has everything you’d want in a Premiership fixture. Similar attacking styles, brilliant defences – it’s so close to predict, especially if Saints come out firing, knowing it could be the last match at Twickenham for some of their players if things don’t got to plan in the run-in.

Both sides rely upon ruck speed as the central theme to their attack so that gainline battle is going to be absolutely key.

When you look at both starting XVs there’s so little to choose between them and Twickenham will see a wonderfully open game of rugby with attack at its core.

Head-to-head: Two players that are the heartbeats of their teams at nine – Danny Care and Alex Mitchell. They are great mates, have worked closely together with England and both love front foot fast ball. A clash of two brilliant scrum-halves.

Players to watch: For Saints, Courtney Lawes is a man I know well and was honoured to play with many times for England. He knows he hasn’t many matches left at HQ and he’ll want to stamp his authority around the rucks, where he’ll be up against one of the best stealers around – the man known as Wev – Will Evans.

Robbo’s Call: Saints need the hottest of starts and real momentum to stay in this game, but I feel Quins have too much in nous and game control. I reckon it’ll be close – 36-31 to Quins but going right down to the wire with some thrilling rugby promised.

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Leicester Tigers v Bristol Bears

On form, this is Bristol’s to lose with Leicester coming in with two losses in their last three. But you never underestimate a trip to Welford Road and the physical challenge won’t diminish despite the form guide. Tigers can still qualify mathematically but they’ll need a five-pointer here to keep their hopes alive.

Bristol are a hard team to predict but they are on a high after their thrashing of Falcons; it’s often about their set-piece starting well and giving a platform for Harry Randall to get that wide passing game into gear. Both teams love tempo and that will be a feature of an exciting encounter.

Head-to-head: At the base of the scrum two great signings, who are both leaving their clubs at the end of the season, will see Magnus Bradbury meet Jasper Wiese. Both men are as physical as you like but if Wiese gets trucking with ball in hand it could be a tough day for Bristol.

Players to watch: Bristol’s Randall is absolutely on fire at the moment and he’s the architect of all of their attacking ambition. For Tigers, Dan Kelly will have an eye on the England trip to New Zealand and will want to impress.

Robbo’s Call: Provided Bristol get set-piece parity, their confidence will drive them home in an attractive match but it will be close – 25-20 is my thinking.

Newcastle Falcons v Sale Sharks

Falcons are a proud side who fight hard – their thrashing last week will have hurt them greatly and I expect to see them answer their critics in an improved performance.

But Sale are on the upward slope in form – winning their last two matches. They need another maximum in terms of a bonus point win and they’ve got the power and set-piece to cause Falcons a lot of issues. I expect them to go all guns blazing, and if they do that, Falcons simply don’t have the power to compete.

Head-to-head: Brett Connon v George Ford is the man in the shadows versus the man in the spotlight. Both men have a great kicking game, but Ford is a tactical master and if Sale give him front foot ball, things could get messy.

Players to watch: I’m a big fan of Guy Pepper who is Bath-bound next season. For Sale, there’s no better utility back in the Premiership than Rob du Preez, despite his somewhat questionable hair choices!

Robbo’s Call: I am sorry to say this but I can only see one-way traffic in this match and Sale will pull away in the second half to take it 38-15.

Gloucester v Exeter Chiefs

Gloucester’s inconsistency and ability to close a game out has been almost infuriating this season. They’ve a supremely competitive team but they simply don’t seem able to get though the tight encounters.

Chiefs have gone about their business quietly and under the radar. Massive in defence, a powerful rolling maul and real patience to get over the line when the opportunity presents itself are their hallmarks and this game will be no different. It’ll be big, bruising and confrontational and whoever wins that set-piece and gainline battle will take the match. Given their need to perform, I reckon Chiefs will have enough, but it’ll be an abrasive encounter.

Head-to-head: At 13, we see two wonderful outside centres up against each other. The master of defence, Chris Harris versus the unpredictable Henry Slade. Both are magnificent craftsman of different styles, but I enjoy watching them both immensely.

Players to watch: Dafydd Jenkins is a remarkable player for his age. Phenomenal work-rate and abrasive as you like. He’ll be up against Lewis Ludlow in the lineout who is one of the best in the game. They may play in different positions, but in that area of the set-piece, both men are crucial for their teams.

Robbo’s Call: If it goes to script then expect to see Exeter grind out a win they really need to keep them in the race. It won’t be pretty, it will all be about owning the scoreboard and nailing kicks, but I think they have enough to take it by 22-17.

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2024-04-26T12:29:03Z dg43tfdfdgfd