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Although this is a Southern Hemisphere website, I thought a few contributors might be interested in a brief analysis of the Guinness Premiership teams ahead of the new season.
Bath
Last season Bath played some excellent, loose rugby the genesis of which lay in a heavy duty pack and the siege gun boot of Barkley. Steve Meehan delivered big results (the first silverware in a decade) with comparatively frugal resources. However, Butch James has now been consistently playing rugby for an age, and Barkley and Borthwick have left for new pastures.
There is still uncertainty over the Rec and Bath does not have a high percentage kicker following the departure of Barkley. Hape is certainly not a like for like replacement, either. This should prove a trickier season, especially given the recruitment of other clubs. But Meehan is a clever strategist and Bath should continue to punch above their weight.
Mid-table finish, realistically aiming for top 6.
Bristol
No Heineken Cup distractions this year, and no EPS members. But then no real impetus in terms of player recruitment either.
It should be a difficult season, but there is a lot to improve, specifically defensively and in the lineout. Talismans Perry and Ward-Smith are fit, which is a huge plus.
A lot depends on how Adrian Jarvis fulfills the playmaker role as Bristol reverted to conservatism last season.
They could be a surprise team, but are likely to finish 10th or 11th.
Gloucester
Having capitulated yet again in the knock-out stages, Dean Ryan is surely drinking at the last chance saloon. Gloucester’s season will depend on how they cope with their missing England players.
Barkley is an excellent acquisition and will help Gloucester win those tight games.
Other than that, it is business as usual. The promising youngsters will be a year older and potentially this could be a big year for the Cherry and Whites.
Regular season winners.
Harlequins
A big turnaround midway through last season. Evans, Taione and Tiesi look like inspired signings.
Despite a comparatively lightweight pack, I think Harlequins will get better and better. Evan’s boot will be able to solve any territorial problems, too.
Easter, Skinner and Strettle are not in the EPS, so there should be continuity throughout the season also. The only problem could be the draining Heineken Cup.
Despite that I think Quins will finish above Jones’ expensively assembled Saracens and position 4th or 5th.
Leicester
If Meyer attempts to play the same brand of rugby that he utilised at the Bulls, Leicester will be left behind.
Leicester has a stodgy, one dimensional squad that has been hit hard – 12 players – by the EPS and they have lost some key squad members.
No more driving maul ploys, too. They should still finish in the top four though.
London Irish
The loss of Brian Smith is key. It is up to Toby Booth to now handle the big seat. The ELVs should suit the Irish lineout, especially with the kicking of Geraghty, Hewat and Catt, and the running of Armitage, Ojo and Tagicakibau.
A good squad who will not have the Heineken Cup to contend with, this could be their breakthrough season in the league.
Potentially 4th or 5th.
London Wasps
Dallaglio and Waters gone, Cipriani injured until October. Only two new players – old stagers Betsen and Mark Robinson – and countless EPS members.
This could be a transitional season for Wasps, especially with McGeechan having to contend with his Lions work on the side. Wasps are traditionally slow starters and if that occurs this season I can’t see them having the gumption to track back the required points over a long season.
Wasps are the masters of overachieving, but not this year.
6th or 7th. Possibly even 8th.
Newcastle
Relegated. What a waste of time from Hayman. Sad to see him up there really. Tu’ipulotu is another player who should be at a better club. Steve Bates is massively out of his depth and he has not made any attempts to improve their woeful pack. Lost too many key players, poor replacements, poor scrum, and no cutting edge in the backline.
Awful.
Lost and out of place in the depths of North England.
Northampton.
Big spending, superb stadium and a bright young thing at coach, Jim Mallinder.
A step up from Division 1, and bringing in a host of new players brings separate problems.
However, not much is expected from Northampton so they could pull off a few surprises. They still have no top gun kicker and I cannot see them achieving anything of note.
I would expect a typical Northampton campaign: disjointed, callow midfield, poor kicker and lacking fitness. Chris Ashton will not find tries so easy to come by this season.
Fighting it out with Bristol for 10th or 11th. 9th at a push.
Sale
Massive underachievers last year. Released some mediocre players (Mayor, Day, Bonner Evans, Vilk) and signed some far better players (Tait, Peel, Ormsby, Abraham). Good squad depth, multiple kicking options, an excellent scrum, adventurous, intelligent backs and a powerful back row unit.
The only question mark is over the coaching of Saint-Andre, specifically his insistence of playing MacAlister at 13. Far too much kicking last season. Sale needs to perform like a team this year, and not a collection of very good players.
Potential winners, but 2nd or 3rd.
Saracens
Eddie Jones, poor signings (Owen and Borthwick), retirement of Hill and the choice of Farrell as joint captain. It’s not good for the Fez heads.
Van Heerden won’t arrive for a while and Jones has already set his stall out by choosing Chris Jack at blindside flanker for the first game of the season.
Very inconsistent last year and I am firmly convinced that a man like Jones will not be able to avoid agitating such a large squad over such a long season.
Certainly bottom half.
Worcester
My pick as surprise package of the season.
Excellent lineout and scrum, good running backs and an excellent stadium. Therefore, no off-pitch worries.
Ruddock now has a season behind him and Worcester will want to build on last season’s promise.
Miles Benjamin, in tandem with Rico Gear, will most likely improve upon his exploits last year.
The only problem is a lack of fly-half and midfield creativity.
Nonetheless, Latham’s left boot should thrive under the ELVs, especially with Worcester having such a strong lineout. Ably led by Pat Sanderson.
Likely to finish 7th.
Join The Roar rugby editor Christy Doran, former Wallaby Matt Toomua and a cast of regular and special guests as they look at the biggest issues in the game on The Roar Rugby Podcast. If you’re looking for great odds on the next game check out Aussie bookmaker PlayUp. Chances are you’re about to lose. Set a deposit limit.