2017/18 Aviva Premiership Round Three

First topic message reminder :

Friday, 15th September

Northampton vs Bath 19:45 (BT Sport)
Worcester vs Exeter 19:45
Sale vs London Irish 20:00

Saturday, 16th September

Leicester vs Gloucester 15:00 (BT Sport)
Newcastle vs Saracens 17:00 (BT Sport) <-- This one's in Philadelphia

Sunday, 17th September

Wasps vs Harlequins 15:00 (BT Sport)

Pundits extrapolating from first round results ended up with egg on their faces, most notably the premature Northampton obituaries, and Gloucester revival claims. The third round will give us a bit more perspective on what trajectory teams are really on.

If Saints only managed to get themselves fired up for last week's match, then Bath will expose them. Still, it's Franklin Gardens, and Northampton will feel a win will get their season well underway. Worcester look vulnerable but caused Wasps more problems than expected. However, Exeter looked back in gear last week, and you'd think will have too much for the Warriors. Sale against London Irish looks tasty, as the Sharks have started poorly, and another home loss would start alarm bells ringing.

Leicester are one of three winless teams, so will be keen to show they aren't misfiring, while Gloucester will be smarting after reverting back to type last week. Saracens haven't lost to Newcastle since 2009, and will be favourites in the US. Still, the Falcons are no mugs this season but might have preferred a genuine home fixture. Wasps are top of the table, and take on Quins at home, which ought to make them favourites. Quins derailed Gloucester last week, though, so shouldn't be over-awed.

Apologies, i did indeed miss Marcus Smith off that list as well.

I must admit im glad to see Yarde has started the season so well. He is a cracking winger, who lost a lot of form following his switch to Quins and has taken a lot of stick from the fans. But in this kind of form he is a real attacking weapon for any team.

GeordieFalcon wrote:Apologies, i did indeed miss Marcus Smith off that list as well.

I must admit im glad to see Yarde has started the season so well. He is a cracking winger, who lost a lot of form following his switch to Quins and has taken a lot of stick from the fans. But in this kind of form he is a real attacking weapon for any team.

From what little I saw, did a fair bit defensively as well, try saving tackle on Marcus Watson as an example

Yes, the kid did well. Aside from the above mentioned 'getting bounced by Wade' - but even then he got stuck back in.
Size is an issue - He is about the same size as Wade, seems a bit smaller. But he still has growing to do and lots of time to improve - certainly doesn't shy away from the tackles like we've seen others do in the past.

Its like that Gloucester no.9 from the U20s - Randall. He seems undersized even at age grade - But he properly gets stuck in too.

Smith is a diminutive figure but so is Ford and he managed fine. Certainly a better tackler than other bigger flyhalfs England have had.

Smith has the courage and should fill out a bit in the next few years.

Can I just express my disappointment that I haven't seen a single "Bath torn to Ribbans" headline today?

Sub-editors ain't what they used to be.

Apparently, this is the first time in Premiership history that no team is unbeaten after three rounds.

Poorfour wrote:Can I just express my disappointment that I haven't seen a single "Bath torn to Ribbans" headline today?

Sub-editors ain't what they used to be.