With only four rounds left before the playoffs, the race for the top four in the Gallagher Premiership is heating up. While Bath are cruising at the top, places two through four remain wide open. Here’s what to expect in Round 15.
Friday, 25 April
Sale Sharks vs Saracens
Sale are coming off a high-scoring away win over Harlequins and are starting to hit their stride at just the right time. That victory made it three from three in the league, and with another home game before a tough trip to Leicester, they’ll be eyeing maximum points again.
Saracens, meanwhile, eased past Gloucester in the previous round but remain stuck in fifth, trailing on points difference alone. A win in Salford would be a huge confidence boost for Mark McCall’s side, who’ve been shaky by their own high standards this season.
Prediction: Sale to edge it
The Sharks are building momentum, and home advantage should swing it their way.
Saturday, 26 April
Bath vs Newcastle Falcons
Bath are flying. With Bristol slipping last week, the league leaders now enjoy a commanding 15-point cushion at the top. They’ve won eight on the trot in all competitions and look unstoppable at the moment, especially at the Rec.
Newcastle, on the other hand, are winless in four and sitting rock bottom. It’s hard to see them troubling a red-hot Bath side, who’ll be looking to put on a show for their home crowd.
Prediction: Bath to cover the spread
This one could be one-way traffic.
Leicester Tigers vs Harlequins
Leicester’s victory at Ashton Gate has them tied on points with Bristol and firmly in the hunt for a home semi-final. Michael Cheika’s men are hitting their straps and know a win here is crucial with Bath and Sale still to come.
Harlequins have now lost three straight and are six points off the top four. Their form has dipped at the worst possible time, and a trip to the East Midlands doesn’t offer much hope of a turnaround.
Prediction: Leicester to win
Tigers will take care of business at home.
Northampton Saints vs Bristol Bears
Saints may be tempted to keep one eye on next weekend’s Champions Cup semi-final, but that could cost them against a Bristol side with everything to play for. After last week’s defeat to Leicester, the Bears have slipped to third and can’t afford another setback in the playoff chase.
If this turns into a shootout, as both teams are prone to, it could play into Bristol’s hands. The Bears might just fancy their chances of stealing a vital away win.
Prediction: Bristol to sneak it
The Bears could catch Northampton cold.