Saracens vs Sale Sharks
Tom Sansom’s prediction: (Chief Rugby Writer)
“Both sides enter the second round of the Premiership with a win, yet it was Saracens that recorded the more convincing victory of the opening weekend. Sale won by a whisker against Harlequins, with the one-point margin going down to the wire thanks to the boot of George Ford and an initial uncharacteristic Leigh Halfpenny missed penalty.
“Saracens put in an impressive performance against Gloucester, with their five try win laying down a marker in the opening round. The new Sarries fly half Fergus Burke stepped up into Owen Farrell’s boots, but had a mixed bag from the tee. Burke added two penalties, but missed three conversions in the 35-26 win. I expect another nail-biter for Sale fans, but I can see the Sharks falling onto the losing side of the score-line this week at the StoneX for a narrow Saracens win.”
Charlie Elliot’s prediction: (Sale Sharks Reporter)
“Both Sale and Saracens will be hoping to build on opening-day wins, with Sarries looking convincing against Gloucester despite two late tries that flattered their opposition. Sale, on the other hand, scrimmaged well to win 12-11 to Harlequins, with their points all coming from George Ford penalties.
“I think both sides will step it up a gear this week and it will be interesting to see how Gus Warr stands up to the long kicking game provided by Elliot Daly and Ivan van Zyl, as he did well last week with Quins targeting him. My prediction is that it will be a tightly fought contest with Saracens’ home advantage pushing them over the line to a 25-21 victory.”
Northampton Saints vs Exeter Chiefs
Ben Grundy’s prediction: (Northampton Saints Reporter)
“A game for the forwards to shine at the Gardens on Saturday. It will be down to who can dominate the set piece and find the space for the backs. Exeter have dangers of their own in the likes of Feyi-Waboso, however, I think Northampton have the stronger squad going into Saturday and will benefit from a home-crowd advantage. I think Phil Dowson’s men make a big statement with a bonus point win and the score will be 28-15 Saints.”
Tom Sansom’s prediction: (Chief Rugby Writer)
It was a heartbreaking way for the Chiefs to start their new season last weekend, as a last minute Leicester Tigers try snatched the points out of their grasp. Rob Baxter’s men will be looking to rally back for their second round, and take home the bragging rights from this West Country derby against the blue, black and whites.
However, the Chiefs are currently in the midst of an injury crisis, with multiple first XV stars out of action. The likes of Henry Slade, Dafydd Jenkins and Duane Vermeulen stay on the sidelines, whilst Northampton boast a stunning back-line of blistering England internationals. The advantage has to sway towards the Saints for this one, with Phil Dowson’s men eager to lay down a marker at Franklin’s Gardens, with a solid eight-point win to climb up off the bottom of the Premiership table.