In the Gallagher Premiership, there are two intriguing regional semi-finals. In the East Midlands the Prem’s top team Northampton Saints will play host to nearby neighbours Leicester Tigers.
Tigers recently demolished the Saints in Leicester and will have no fears travelling to Franklin’s Gardens. The encounter on Friday night (June 12) is already a sell-out, and night matches always have that extra atmosphere and intensity.
Saints will be keen to redress that heavy defeat. There is sure to be drama, and history suggests that home advantage leans towards a Saints win…. as an ex-Tiger, I’m not so sure!
In the Southwest Bath takes on a rejuvenated Exeter Chiefs. Bath’s fly half Finn Russell may well be the deciding factor. He is currently nursing a calf injury and may not play. Russell is a big-time player. If he plays, Bath wins. If he doesn’t, Exeter wins.
In Super Rugby the dynamic Wellington Hurricanes entertain the Blues from Auckland in the first semi-final. The Hurricanes have had a fantastic season playing rugby, as we all like to see it played. The Blues have their own All Black players, but when it comes to fluent, rhythmic performance, it’s the Hurricanes for me.
In the URC, Leinster has reached the final against the Bulls of South Africa. There is some concern about Leo Cullen’s management of Leinster, as he gets them to the finals, but they have lost the last five! I think he will win this one.
In France, the Top 14 is still finalising the Top 6 for the playoffs. It must be a Toulouse versus Bordeaux final.
Sure to be a riveting weekend of rugby all round.
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.