premiership outcome 10-5-16

PREMIERSHIP RUGBY TABLE

POSITION	TEAM	PLAYED	WON	DRAW	LOST	FOR	AGAINST	BONUS POINT	POINT
1	SARACENS	22	17	1	4	580	376	10	80
2	EXETER	22	15	0	7	585	381	14	74
3	WASPS	22	14	0	8	598	397	12	72
4	LEISTER	22	14	0	8	509	495	9	65
5	NORTHAMPTON	22	12	0	10	455	392	12	60
6	SALE	22	11	2	9	456	459	10	58
7	HARLIQUINS	22	10	1	11	547	583	13	55
8	GLOSTER	22	10	1	11	429	423	7	49
9	BATH	22	9	0	13	435	460	12	48
10	WOSTER	22	7	0	15	420	597	7	35
11	NEWCASTLE	22	5	1	16	357	556	5	27
12	IRISH	22	4	0	18	328	620	4	20

 

London Irish being relegated is not a happy thing for me as I consider myself to be Irish but where is the talent ready for the Irish team and why isn’t Ireland using it in any way shape or form.

I am happy to see Newcastle being safe as I have been to that ground

Harlequins will have to go into a play off for the 20^th spot in the Champions cup. I am surprised to see sale in the champion’s cup next season but it will not be easy for them.

Gloster must be disappointed as they are a bigger club than this

Saracens v Leister will be a good semi but I am not that sure about Exeter v Wasps as Exeter are punching way above their weight at the moment

premiership rugby 9-5-16

PREMIERSHIP RUGBY RINAL DAY

WASPS 32-12 LONDON IRISH

EARLY YOUNG TRY PUTS WASPS IN CRUISE CONTROL

 

Wasps ran in six tries to thrash relegated London Irish, but victory was not enough to earn them a home semi-final in the Premiership play-offs.

Irish, condemned to life in the second tier before kick-off, momentarily led through Johnny Williams' try after Ruaridh Jackson landed two Wasps kicks.

Wasps led 21-7 at the break, with Christian Wade among the try scorers

http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/36196852

This seemed to just condemn London Irish to the Championship. It also does no harm to Wasps Championship potential and we can see that they are improving.  

WOSTER 19-43 SARACENS

ASHTON HAT TRICK PUTS SARACENS ON TOP

 

Andy Symonds and Cooper Vuna both went over for the hosts, either side of Neil de Kock's try for the league leaders.

Two tries from Ashton and Samuela Vunisa gave the visitors a 29-14 lead at the break.

Ashton and Ben Ransom touched down after half-time before Vuna claimed his second of the match.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/36196896

Saracens are showing why this is such a strong season for them and they have without a doubt the match of the year coming up.

NEWCASTLE 15-21 SALE

SEMOUR TRY SECURES SALE WIN

 

David Seymour went over to give the Sharks an early lead but, after Wasps-bound Danny Cipriani kicked a penalty, Latu's opener reduced the deficit.

Sam James touched down for Sale's second try, with Cipriani adding the extras, before Latu scored again.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/36196775

The win for sale secured their European spot for next season and showed why they are doing so well. As for Newcastle this is a game to look at for next season

HARLIQUINS 24- 62 EXETER

NOWELL HAT TRICK ALLOWS EXETER TO RUN RAMPAGE

 

The Chiefs, who host third-placed Wasps in the last four, also denied Quins a place in the top six following wins for Northampton Saints and Sale Sharks.

Exeter, who had been 17-10 up at half-time, ran riot in the second half as the Harlequins defence fell apart.

Henry Slade starred at centre, while wing Jack Nowell scored a hat-trick.

Dave Ewers, Phil Dollman, Will Chudley and Julian Salvi also crossed for the Chiefs, while James Short's brace and Slade's well-deserved score capped an emphatic display of attacking rugby at The Stoop.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/36196628

A win like this can only be a good thing going into the semi-final. Exeter are showing real form and with home advantage they will be ones to beat.

GLOSTER 20-28 NORTHAMPTON

NORTH DOUBLE SECURES CHAMPIONS UP FOR NOTHAMPTON

Northampton secured a Champions Cup place and fifth spot in the Premiership as they came from behind to beat Gloucester at Kingsholm.

George Pisi's early try put Saints ahead but Lloyd Evans and Ross Moriarty crossed to give Gloucester the lead.

George North went over just before half-time to reduce the deficit and his second try, plus second-half penalties from Stephen Myler, clinched the win.

Gloucester finished their campaign in eighth, nine points off the top six.

Greig Laidlaw had kicked two first-half penalties for Gloucester, as well as converting both of the home side's tries

http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/36196565

This was a very important win for Northampton as it sealed Champion Cup rugby for Northampton. This could be a vital thing for Northampton. As for Gloster this is a bad season and must look to next year for European improvements

BATH 38-27 LEISTER

ROKODUGUNI DOUBLE GIVES BATH SURPRISE WIN

 

A stirring second-half performance by Bath secured a thrilling victory and put an end to Leicester's slim chances of finishing higher than fourth.

 

Tigers, already sure of a Premiership play-off place, trailed to Semesa Rokoduguni's early breakaway score.

But they then dominated and led at the interval thanks to tries by Fraser Balmain, Peter Betham and Mathew Tait.

Bath, who stay in ninth, blitzed the visitors thereafter, running in four tries to one to earn a comfortable win.

Ollie Devoto, Francois Louw and Rokoduguni all went over in a barnstorming start to the second period, and after Will Evans touched down from close range for Tigers, Bath made sure of the points with a late Jeff Williams score.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/36196415

Leister were disappointing in this match but will have time to sort out their problems going into the semi finals in a couple of weeks.

 

chalenge cup last 16

CHALENGE CUP LAST 16

SATURDAY

CASTLEFORD V SALFORD

This is a match between 2 very evenly matched sides and home advantage might be a big thing in this match. I will go Castleford

 

I got this one right

 

OLDHAM V WARRINGON

This should be a very comfortable Warrington win so much so that Oldham should not be able to learn anything from the game whatsoever

I got this right and also by how much

SUNDAY

WAKFIELD V TOULOUSE

This game should be close but a win for Wakefield by no more than 10 points. I feel that their division does not show where Toulouse is as a team and they will improve

I got this one right

DEUSBURY V WIGAN

Wigan should cruise to a quarter final by at least 20 points and anything less should be seen as a failure by them

I got this right and by the amount they would win by also

 

HALIFAX V WIDNESS

 

 

 

Widness should win this match quite comfortably as they are playing in the better league and they are showing good form in Super League Halifax are doing ok but know that finishing in the top 4 of the championship is so important.

I got it right but not the manor of the victory

 

ST HELENS V HULL FC

I don’t really know what way this game will go and I think that the game will be a bit of an epic encounter as St Helens have been much the bigger and better clubs over the years. I think that Hull will win it but it will be a battle not won by more than one score.

 

So many questions on St Helens but this was the shock

 

 

PRO 12 FINAL DAY MATCHES 9-5-16

PRO 12 FINAL DAY

0SPREYS 26-48 ULSTER

VAN DER MERVE TRY PUTS ULSTER IN SEMIS

 

Scores from Paddy Jackson and Rory Best plus an opportunist Andrew Trimble try left Ulster 21-14 up at the break.

The Ospreys' first-half scores came from Dan Biggar and Josh Matavesi.

Chris Henry was gifted Ulster's fourth try and after two Tom Grabham scores, Stuart Olding and Franco van der Merwe added late tries for the visitors.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/36188002

This was a lot easier than people thought as a match. Ulster is the team that are on form and are showing some real form at this moment in time. A wide range of players scored tries in this match which to me shows that the others have got a bit to worry about.

ZEBRE 47-22 DRAGONS

CANN 22 POINTS PUT DRAGONS IN REAL TROUBLE

Zebre had not won in 10 games but five tries and fly-half Carlo Canna's 22 points secured a bonus-point victory.

Two second half tries from Rynard Landman and one from Wales wing Hallam Amos were not enough for Kingsley Jones' side.

Dragons finish the Pro 12 season as the lowest placed Welsh region.

Angus O'Brien's penalty had given Dragons an early lead but Zebre replied through tries from Andrea Lovotti and Kayle van Zyle.

Replacement Landman crossed early in the second half to give Dragons hope.

But tries from Leonardo Sarto, Bruno Postiglioni and Kelly Haimona saw Zebre extend their lead.

Landman and Amos added further tries for the visitors.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/36187694

If anything is going to happen in the next few years things must change at the welsh club. The Dragons are not getting better but losses like this could be the thing that change welsh rugby. As for Italian rugby there is still not that logical reason to defend it.

MUNSTER 31-15 SCARLETS

WIN GIVES MUNSTER EUROPEAN CUP SPOT

The Welsh region enjoyed plenty of possession, but could manage only five Steven Shingler penalties.

First half tries by Francis Saili and Rory Scannell gave Munster a 14-12 interval lead.

After the break touchdowns by Ronan O'Mahony, CJ Stander and a second for Scannell sealed a hard-earned victory.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/36187879

This win secured Munster a European cup spot with what to rugby fans would be considered a typical Munster performance and beating a team that they should beat but where have these results been all season.

LEINSTER 50-15 TREVISO

STRAUSS DOUBLE SECURES LEINSTER TOP 4 SPOT

Tries from Johnny Sexton and Richardt Strauss put Leinster in control and another score by the hooker helped extend the lead to 17-0 by the break.

Jack McGrath, Isa Nacewa, Mick Kearney, Noel Reid and Garry Ringrose added second-half tries for Leinster.

Marco Lazzaroni, Matteo Muccignat and Enrico Bacchin replied for Treviso

http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/36229561

Leinster needed a losing bonus point to reach the top four and they showed why they are the best in the Pro 12 as a side with this comfortable win. You would hope that they get a better draw than last year in Europe and they should.

EDINBURGH 17-21 BLUES

LEE-LO PUSHES BLUES TO 7^TH

First-half tries from Hamish Watson, Matt Scott and Tom Brown provided some cheer.

Rey Lee-Lo replied for the Blues, who powered back after the break with Cam Dolan and Garyn Smith touching down

http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/36207730

Edinburgh showed that they were not going to take advantage of this chance this year as the Blues were able to move up to 7^th ahead of the scots.

CONNACHT 14-7 GLASGOW

O HALARAN PUTS CONNACT ON TOP

The Irish province led 7-0 at the break courtesy of a converted Bundee Aki try, Glasgow levelling it when Gordon Reid piled over early in the second half.

The champions had Sila Puafisi sent off in the 50th minute for a reckless use of the head in a pivotal moment.

Tiernan O'Halloran then claimed a cross-kick to score the winning try

http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/36223895

Connacht are definitely the surprise package this year and again showed why but the question about what will happen next year is still a big one if Connacht can reach the quarter finals of the European cup maybe Pat Lam Should be looked at for the Ireland management role going to Japan

06-05-16 chalenge cup predictions

Rugby league challenge cup

FRIDAY

BATLEY V CATALAN

I cannot see this going any other way than a comfortable win for the French side this is a big day for them as 2 French sides in the last 16 is a very strong thing for French Rugby league

HUDDERSFIELD V LEEDS

Both teams are at the bottom of the table and a win for Leeds could be the inspiration that they need to get there for form together and have a push for the top 8. I am going Leeds more in hope than in expectation

SATURDAY

CASTLEFORD V SALFORD

This is a match between 2 very evenly matched sides and home advantage might be a big thing in this match. I will go Castleford

OLDHAM V WARRINGON

This should be a very comfortable Warrington win so much so that Oldham should not be able to learn anything from the game whatsoever

SUNDAY

WAKFIELD V TOULOUSE

This game should be close but a win for Wakefield by no more than 10 points. I feel that their division does not show where Toulouse is as a team and they will improve

DEUSBURY V WIGAN

Wigan should cruise to a quarter final by at least 20 points and anything less should be seen as a failure by them

HALIFAX V WIDNESS

Widness should win this match quite comfortably as they are playing in the better league and they are showing good form in Super League Halifax are doing ok but know that finishing in the top 4 of the championship is so important.

ST HELENS V HULL FC

I don’t really know what way this game will go and I think that the game will be a bit of an epic encounter as St Helens have been much the bigger and better clubs over the years. I think that Hull will win it but it will be a battle not won by more than one score.

Chance of a shock

Hull FC beating St Helens, Salford beating Castleford and Huddersfield beating Leeds  

Chance of a big shock

Toulouse beating Wakefield  

rugby final day pro 12 and premiership 6-5-16

It’s the final day in the Pro 12 on Saturday as well as in the Premiership in England what exactly is up for grabs. First the pro 12

First Munster play the LLanethli Scarlet’s where both teams are playing for something as Munster are playing for a Champions Cup place and the Scarlet’s are playing for a Semi final spot I THINK MUNSTER WILL WIN . To do that the scarlet’s will have to win and hope that Ulster loose to the Ospreys in Wales. I THINK THE OSPREYS WILL WIN THIS MATCH . All we can do as Ulster fans is hope that they win that way nothing else matters. The Ospreys can catch Munster with a bonus point win.

Harlequins play Exeter knowing a win will secure a Champions Cup I think they will get it  Spot but if they do not get the bonus point win sale could come behind them with a win over Newcastle I THINK SALE WILL GET THE BONUS POINT. falcons. Gloster then with a bonus point win and sale getting nothing could nick 7^th position but this is unlikely