Wasps set up semi-final derby, Exeter to meet Sarries
One of the most interesting final rounds of the Premiership ever interested from start to finish on Saturday. After they gave themselves a massive uphill task, Wasps responded with one of their most complete performances to secure top spot for the first time in their illustrious history. Not only was it vital in terms of league position, but also psychologically; they now know they can beat any side, whilst playing their own brand. Saracens, even with a slightly depleted squad, are a formidable outfit and a 35-15 bonus point win will have done wonders for Wasps’ (previously dwindling) confidence.
From the off, they took the game to the visitors. The back line, which served them so well earlier in the season, was reinstalled to brilliant effect. Despite Ben Spencer’s try, which had given Sarries the lead, the hosts were working their magic frequently, leading to two splendid Thomas Young tries. After the resumption, they stepped up in defence and ran in the tries. Christian Wade got the easiest try of his career to give breathing space, before Spencer grabbed yet another. The bonus was secured with a sublime Willie Le Roux pass to Elliot Daly, who showed electric pace to go down the wing. Young capped a fine performance with a third, with the huge crowd in jubilant mood.
They will face local rivals, Leicester Tigers, in what is sure to be a spicy semi. The East Midlanders were inspired – yet again – by the departing Freddie Burns. He scored 23 points from the boot as Tigers held off a spirited Worcester to hold on to the last playoff position. It was tight from start to finish, with Worcester out scoring their visitors three tries to one, but Tigers mental resolve came to the fore to rescue them once again. It is a massive achievement for a side who have had such a turbulent season, to find themselves playing knock-out rugby for the 13th straight season. Also, of all teams to face in the semis, Tigers will certainly be most happy with Wasps, however I’m sure Wasps will be thinking likewise about Tigers.
Sarries, meanwhile, will face Exeter. The Devonians – undefeated in the league since October – overcame a stubborn Gloucester 34-20, with a bonus point that proved to be inconsequential. The hosts led at half time, but Chiefs rallied, scoring three tries after the break. They finished level on points with Wasps, losing out on matches won. They seem even better equipped than last year to go the distance, but will have to overcome the severe mental barrier that is being able to beat the ‘Wolfpack’ in knockout rugby.
Harlequins qualify for Champions Cup despite defeat, Sale surprise
In what was a massive encounter for both Northampton and Harlequins, Quins came away with the bigger victory, despite a 22-20 loss. All they needed was a losing bonus point to qualify for next season’s Champions Cup, which they just about clung onto. It was a typically exhausting encounter, with the score flitting back and forth from James Horwill’s opener. Saints attacked for much of the second half, but to insufficient avail. Their designs on Champions Cup qualification now rest on Gloucester losing their Challenge Cup final on Friday. Even if they do make the playoffs, it will be a case of salvaging a hugely disappointing season.
Sale put a halt to any lingering hopes Bath had of making the playoffs, with a fully deserved 27-24 win. Denny Solomona scored his eleventh try since his arrival midway through the season, demonstrating the depth England now have on the wings. As for Todd Blackadder’s first season, it turns out to be slightly underwhelming, but with that Champions Cup spot, it leaves cause for optimism.
Newcastle capped a fine season with a dismantling of Bristol. The 39-27 victory nearly oh-so-nearly lifted them to seventh spot. Looking to next season, top 6 is a realistic target.
Ben Youngs withdraws from Lions Tour
Ben Youngs has withdrawn from the Lions Tour for personal reasons. The statement read, “The wife of Ben’s brother Tom has been battling cancer for three years and the family has now received the devastating news that the illness is terminal.
“We are a very close family and, as I am sure everyone can respect, time is now precious together,” said Ben.
Greg Laidlaw has been called into the squad as his replacement.
Ulster trip Leinster up, Scarlets lay down the gauntlet
Ruan Piernaar bid a tearful farewell to Ulster, guiding his side to a 17-14 defeat of chief rivals Leinster. Unfortunately for them, it wasn’t enough to overturn Ospreys in fourth place, but did manage to knock the blues off top position. The retiring Roger Wilson got the first try for the Northern Irish, before a Pienaar kick led to a wonderful Andrew Trimble score in the second half. Leinster picked up a penalty try to make the closing stages interesting, but it was not enough. After their surging early season form, it is a case of what could have been for Ulster.
The Dubliners will meet Scarlets in the semi, after they thoroughly trounced Ospreys. The Llanelli men really laid down a marker, whilst marking Ospreys as easy-pickings for Munster in the other semi, with a record 40-17 scoreline. Will Boyd and Steff Evans set them on their way, with three more added after the break. It should be a cracker of a semi in the Irish capital. I’m not sure you can say that about the other……..
Munster slid into top spot, when they comprehensively capitalised on Leinster’s loss. They put last season’s champions Connacht to the sword 50-14: a fair indication of the contrasting fortunes of both sides this season. Glasgow bid farewell to Gregor Townsend in a less than pleasing manner. They lost at home to Scottish rivals Edinburgh 29-18, but just about claimed the 1872 Cup on aggregate. Cardiff Blues ensured a Champions Cup playoff spot with a 26-24 win at Newport, who finish a lowly 11th. Treviso climbed above them and ensured they would compete at the European top table with a 19-3 Italian derby win, where Ian McKinley starred with the boot.
Castres and Racing learn ‘Barrages’ fate
Castres will face Toulon, with Racing against Montpellier in the first playoff round in France. A thrilling final day saw the Parisians edge Bordeaux 22-20 and city rivals Stade lose 27-26 to Montpellier. Castres lost 33-27 to Brive, whilst their next opponents, Toulon, saw off Pau with ease 32-12. Clermont secured second spot with a 30-26 win over table-toppers La Rochelle; both sides have a bye to the semis. Thierry Dusutoir bowed out in style as Toulouse smashed Bayonne 40-12 and Grenoble also put Lyon to the sword 53-21.
Blues and Waratahs in thriller
Needless to say, there were a number of high scoring games in Super Rugby this weekend. Waratahs were on the wrong end of a 40-33 score with the Blues in an entertaining game. Sunwolves continue to impress in defeat, this time 46-39 to Los Jaguares. Chiefs crushed Reds 46-17 and Lions did the same to Rebels 47-20. Highlanders also won a high-scoring affair 45-41 over Cheetahs, whilst fellow Kiwis Crusaders smashed Bulls 62-24 and Hurricanes followed suit 41-22 over Stormers. Sharks also beat Force 37-12.
Carnegie to meet London Irish for a place in the Premiership
London Irish and Yorkshire Carnegie confirmed they would meet in the two-legged final for a spot in the Premiership. It was with contrasting results though. Yorkshire relied heavily on their big first leg win as they lost 20-18 to Ealing at home, whilst Irish cruised in 39-22 over Doncaster.
Hero of the week
I made his side villains last week, fully in the expectation that they would wilt and finish with an away semi, but Thomas Young did everything in his power to reverse that notion and prove I was a touch premature with my predictions. A hat-trick in an all-action performance contributed hugely to Wasps’ success, making him a fully deserved hero.
Villain of the week
It was such a shame to see a team with the quality of Glasgow give such a limp performance to send off their most successful and important coach in Gregor Townsend. I know it had essentially been a ‘nothing’ end to the season, but it felt like they should have given more to a man that gave them so much.
Try of the week
The first two from Thomas Young were both great team efforts, but the build up – not to mention the remarkably skilful kick-assist from Danny Cipriani – made that one a particular feast for the eyes.
Discussion points
– Rate your team’s season.
– How will the semi finals go in the Pro12 and Premiership?
– A clean sweep for the NZ Super Rugby sides this weekend, which ones will give the Lions problems?
– Which new boys will we see in the Premiership next term?
– Can Racing upset the odds and go back-to-back?
By Joe Large
Photo by: Patrick Khachfe / Onside Images
I eat my words about Wasps fading a bit at the business end of the season! However it showed that no team, not even Saracens can rest 4 genuinely world class players in Itoje, Farrell and Vunipola’s and not have any drop in performance.
I expect an entirely different beast in the next 2 or 3 games from them!
Not to mention Wigglesworth, Ashton & Barritt. All credit to Wasps they smashed us fair and square but hardly think without 7 first team players in the squad you can call it a “slightly” depleted side.
Statement still stands
4 genuinely world class players and 3 other first choice players
Sarries were missing arguably their most physical players in Billy, Mako, Itoje and Barritt. Add in the two players usually responsible for controlling gameplay and territory in Wiggy and Farrell and you can see where they fell short.
Fair play to Wasps they played what was in front of them and did the job.
The semi finals will be interesting. It would be a tall order for Tigers to go away to Wasps and win, but I wouldn’t put it past them either!!
I’m going to voice a theory, I think Saracens are going to struggle next season, at least until the end of the year. they’re donating 6 key players to lions, plus Liam Williams joining next season
they’ve got 3 more games left for Saracens, which are all high stakes knockout games, followed by 5 test or near test level games (I’m assuming everyone in the squad plays approximately 50% the time).
thats 8 games at high intensity, think how drained the players are going to be. they will either be injured or not back up to full fitness until deep into the season. if you lose almost half a starting team to injury/fatigue you can’t function well!
True but they won’t be in the AI so if fit we will do better then than normally when half of the first team are with England!
Very exciting end to the season.
Due to the Derby feel of the Wasps v Tigers game I could see it going either way but Wasps must go in favorites.
I can see every permutation of the final possibly happening. Hoping for it to be Chiefs v Wasps though!
– Rate your team’s season.
Terrible, we need some new personnel next season and with Picamoles potentially leaving we might be worse off next season
– How will the semi finals go in the Pro12 and Premiership?
Wasps should win comfortably but the Exter Sarries games will be a close one. With a full complement of well rested players you would fancy Sarries to win but Exeter are peaking at the right time and are riding the crest of a wave
– A clean sweep for the NZ Super Rugby sides this weekend, which ones will give the Lions problems?
ALL OF THEM
– Which new boys will we see in the Premiership next term?
Most of the big name signings will already have been announced but I would like to see a few more players coming across the channel from France after seeing the impact it has had on Picamoles performance
– Can Racing upset the odds and go back-to-back?
No
What’s happened to Glasgow? I know they’ve been beset by injuries, especially at the start of the season, but which team hasn’t? Townsend has done a great job generally, but this season has been largely disappointing, with six or so games excepted (opening two, Leicester and Racing 92 games). Hopefully Dave Rennie can turn this around, but a lot of the chaps look like they could do with a break over the summer.
The performance of the team also leaves me quite concerned about how Townsend will manage Scotland, too. He’s clearly (and by his own admission) gotten tactics and motivation wrong several times this year. He should learn from it, of course, but it’s still troubling that, as is stated in the article, Warriors couldn’t even muster a decent send-off for him. No-one in the team looked close to Lions quality on Saturday.
Don’t mention the Lion’s
I mentioned it once but I think I got away with it
That’s a very good point about Townsend and Scotland. When he was announced and during the 6N’s, Glasgow still had everything to play for and were masked by thumping a Tigers team in disarray away. Now it’s all over they definitely had a bad season by their standards and a fair whack of the blame has to be placed at Townsend.
When you think SRU could have just kept the formula that was working for Scotland and kept Cotter at least until after the RWC, and given Townsend a few more years to get experience and make these sort of mistakes in a slightly less important arena (sorry Glasgow fans!)
For Scotland fans and in the interest of keeping the Home Nations competitive I sincerely hope we don’t look at the SRUs decision as foolish!!
– Rate your team’s season.
Bath: Given the injuries to some key players for a fair chunk of the season, I am pleased that Bath have qualified for Champions Cup next season. Having said that, it is disappointing that play-offs could have been secured with a win or two away at some of the weaker teams in the league (Bristol, Worcester, Sale). Bath need to show more guts and concentration, and put these games away in the 2nd half instead of capitulating and losing by a narrow margin. Shame Robbie Fruean seems to be leaving but excited to see what Underhill and Freddie Burns can do next season.
– How will the semi finals go in the Pro12 and Premiership?
As some mentioned previously, I cant see past a Wasps win v Tigers. Saracens at Exeter will be a tough game but an Exeter team in top form and at home will likely win.
As for the P12, its hard to look past 2 Irish teams at home, so a Munster Leinster final.
– A clean sweep for the NZ Super Rugby sides this weekend, which ones will give the Lions problems?
Canes, Crusaders and Chiefs. Blues and Highlanders should be do able for the Lions given their inconsistency.
Not to mention that the mid week side will likely feature a halfback pairing of Laidlaw and Biggar which is hardly a recipe for quick ball/expansive play and smells distinctly like warrenball
Well if keeping Warrenball for the midweek games means we get an expansive and attacking style for the tests, it will be a small price.
But I agree it doesn’t lend itself well to an exciting, 2-sided spectacle.
Urrggghhh – expect extemely slow ball from the ruck and lots of ‘tactical’ kicking that acheives nothing more than giving the ball back to the Kiwis to attack again…
Oh and lots of whinging as well
Bristol – better than last time they were relegated.