THE concept of ‘The Clash’ appeals to me, with an expected crowd of 60,000 at Twickenham to watch Bath against Leicester a testament to the staunch support still commanded by two clubs who were giants of the English game.
They are not quite on that pedestal these days, with Saracens having stolen their thunder and both clubs still in transition after multiple changes of coaches and players.
Leicester and Bath have had titanic battles in the past – including cup finals at Twickenham which I was lucky enough to have played in and finished on the winning side. However, in the modern era Leicester have been on top more often than not, despite a couple of decent Bath results.
This time when they meet neither team will be fully loaded and at their premium best, but which of them improves enough to come out on top could have a big influence on the Premiership run-in by claiming fourth place – and a semi-final.
That said, I would not hold out much chance of either of these Leicester or Bath teams challenging for the title by getting a semi-final result at Wasps. The reality is that both teams are really looking at a top six finish to get them into Europe next season – and if I was the coach of either of them I'd rather the season ended a game early so you could start preparing for the next campaign.
Leicester still have among the most solid foundations in the English and European game. They have the stadium, the support, the tradition and history, and let’s not forget many clubs would love to be in the position they are in. Fourth in the league and an AngloWelsh Cup title may not be good enough for the Tigers – with Richard Cockerill and Aaron Mauger being shown the door – but that would be an enviable position for many other clubs.
Bu hikaye The Rugby Paper dergisinin April 02,2017 sayısından alınmıştır.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Giriş Yap
Bu hikaye The Rugby Paper dergisinin April 02,2017 sayısından alınmıştır.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Giriş Yap
England can find a little bit of cheer
SO HERE we are on the final day of England’s autumn international series with all of us hoping and expecting Steve Borthwick’s team to win today after three weeks of bitter disappointment.
Stop messing with Marcus - Campese
DAVID Campese believes England are going backwards under Steve Borthwick, who is ‘messing around’ with talisman Marcus Smith.
Being a Lion was the highlight of my career
I PLAYED 19 games and scored 219 points for the Lions, on the tours to South Africa in 1968 and New Zealand in 1971, but I never played in a Test and that was fair enough.
Cook's crew not fazed as they eye tilt at top half
THERE appear to be few signs of second season syndrome at Westcombe Park as captain Nick Cook reveals the group aren’t even contemplating the threat of relegation and are instead targeting a top-half finish.
Forwards pack a punch for the Reds
OLD Redcliffians produced a proud defensive effort to take a bonus-point win.
Tom 'Ailes' the achievements of inspirational skipper Riley
SEDGLEY Park No. 8 Tom Ailes says his team relish the competitive nature of National One and is confident the Tigers can rectify their rocky start to the season in weeks to come.
Strachan confident Ampthill will be firing again soon
FRASER Strachan is determined to put Ampthill’s leaky defensive showings behind them and gain some much needed confidence in the run up to Christmas.
It's a whole new ball game for Rigg
WILL Rigg’s ambition was to become a professional cricketer but it is the oval ball rather than The Oval that is his driver now.
Scarratt leads the way for Lightning
LOUGHBOROUGH won a wet and windy East Midlands Derby after having the bonus point in the bag by half-time.
Becconsall: We need to release pressure
WILL Becconsall says Exeter are not spooked by the threat of relegation as they look to turn around their Premiership campaign after starting with six straight defeats.
