With the Six Nations just around the corner, players need to be performing at their very best to confirm a place in international squads.
The transfer of Jac Morgan and Dewi Lake from the Ospreys to Gloucester was completed and the new arrivals were immediately made aware of the task ahead when Leicester demolished Gloucester 45-14 on Saturday (Dec 20).
Introducing new players is fine, but maybe they will be followed by a new coach? The pressure is firmly on Gloucester Coach George Skivington.
Strong attacking performances featured in all the Premier League games.
Northampton are a delight to watch. Coach Phil Dowson, already on England’s radar as a future national team coach, has re-modelled his squad and has an electric back line supported by the mercurial Henry Pollock. Northampton easily brushed aside big-spending Sale 47-21 last Saturday. Sale needs to win a trophy soon, as I suspect money will dry up and coaches will leave.
Exeter broke through the Saracens’ stronghold with a late score to win 24-30. Exeter coach Rob Baxter is a shrewd operator who has managed the introduction of new young players well and, in Henry Slade’s case, reinvigorated the more experienced players, producing a compelling blend. Not many teams win at Saracens.
A crowd of over 60,000 attended Bristol’s win over Harlequins at Alliance Stadium on Saturday. Harlequins are a “soft” team who seem to have more coaches than players. Bristol captain Ellis Genge, a loose-head prop, collected a restart and galloped 40 meters to score. Yes, a loose-head prop!
I loved the moment when the ground announcer played, “Come on without, come on within, you’ve seen nothing like the mighty Quins.” Quins were losing by 40 points at that time. 14-40 to Bristol, the final score.
If the new owners of Newcastle, Red Bull, needed a taste of what’s to come then opponents Bath delivered it. A few minutes into the second half Bath unloaded six first-team replacements onto the field, most of whom were Internationals.
Many are wondering how Bath can afford such luxury. A new stadium is also on the cards. Bath’s win puts them firmly in the top position. The current top 4 is:
1. Bath
2. Exeter
3. Northampton
4. Leicester.
Wherever you live, enjoy your rugby.
The Global Rugby Coach, Mike Penistone, is a globally renowned professional rugby coach based in Phuket who is also an ambassador for the Asia Center Foundation, a charity for disadvantaged children. For more information visit: www.rugbycoachingconsultancy.com.