The Aviva Premiership Preview

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Jason Hennessy

Jason Hennessy

Jason is the editor here at RugbyLAD and a proud Limerick man.
Jason Hennessy

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The Aviva Premiership returns this weekend as the new season comes at us full-tilt! A lot of big name signings floating around this year- Northampton’s capture of Lions sensations George North & Alex Corbisiero to name but two. Conor O’Shea’s Harlequins have brought in experienced lock Nick Kennedy from Toulon while Saracens have signed highly touted No. 8 Billy Vunipola, brother of Lions Prop Mako from Wasps. This season is no doubt shaping up to be one of the most fierce and competitive in recent years.

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First up Captain Will Welch hopes Kingston Park does not fling its arms wide open to two former faces as Newcastle Falcons begin their return in the Aviva Premiership against Bath Rugby on Friday night. We reckon the newly promoted Falcons will edge this one. Prediction: Newcastle by 3-7

 

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Declan Danaher admits there is no bigger or better stage to test his theory that London Irish can put last season’s struggles behind them than the London Double Header at Twickenham. Saracens might just be too much to handle however. Prediction: Saracens by 5-10

 

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Gloucester Rugby boss Nigel Davies is desperate to shake off the Cherry and Whites unwanted tag of Aviva Premiership slow starters when they open their league campaign against Sale Sharks.
Gloucester Rugby have lost in round one of the Aviva Premiership in the last three seasons and Davies is not looking for a repeat performance against Steve Diamond’s Sharks this weekend. We reckon they can break the duct. Prediction: Gloucester by +5

 

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Exeter Chiefs captain Dean Mumm admits it will be a tough ask against last year’s Aviva Premiership finalist’s Northampton Saints, but would love to get a first away win of the season under their belts on Saturday. Northampton have perhaps made the best signings this year in North, Corbisiero and Fotuali’i and should prove too much for the ExeterLADS… Prediction: Northampton by 14-20

 

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He was afforded a longer summer off than he was hoping for but Chris Robshaw is eager to prove there is no rust to his game as he leads Harlequins out at Twickenham this Saturday. Quins face an away trip to London Wasps, a game we reckon they can steal. Prediction: Quins by 3-7

 

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Leicester Tigers won their opening clash of the 2012-13 campaign against London Welsh – their first victory on the opening weekend since 2008. We reckon they can go two for two this weekend with a win over Worcester Warriors. Prediction: Tigers by 14+
Fri 6th Sep 13 19:45 PR Newcastle Falcons   v Bath Rugby Kingston Park
Sat 7th Sep 13 14:00 PR London Irish   v Saracens Twickenham Stadium
Sat 7th Sep 13 15:00 PR Gloucester Rugby   v Sale Sharks Kingsholm
Sat 7th Sep 13 15:00 PR Northampton Saints   v Exeter Chiefs Franklin’s Gardens
Sat 7th Sep 13 16:30 PR London Wasps   v Harlequins Twickenham Stadium
Sun 8th Sep 13 14:00 PR Leicester Tigers   v Worcester Warriors Welford Road

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