Premiership 2005-2006
The Premiership season is about to begin so it is time for predictions. Looking at the last few seasons and current squads I see the table splitting in to four sections.
Top Table
Leicester, Wasps
These two have set the standard time and again, and they will continue to do so season. I don't expect either team to get as far in front as they did last year but they will be the teams to beat for the title.
Challengers
Saracens, Sale, Gloucester, Bath
These four teams have the squads to push the top two all the way.
Sale are the only team to really perform at the same level as the top two, but they could not sustain their performance during the international weekends. Sale have lost two players, Redpath and Baxendell, who I think were crucial to the high quality back play of the last few seasons. Without these two I think Sale may struggle to produce the dynamic play of recent years. On the plus side they have brought in Taylor and Taione who will be able to bring something new to the team, if they stay fit. Wigglesworth also impressed me at the end of the season, and I look forward to him showing some form this season.
Saracens I think could be a real contender this season. Their squad looks good, and their coach seems to be doing the right thing. I will have to wait to see if the produce the performances required.
Gloucester, I don't like the way they play and I don't like the coach, but their squad is too strong to be ignored, and I expect a temporary freshness to their play following Melville's departure.
Bath still have one of the best packs, it is just their backs that let them down. If they click in attack then they could produce some good wins, otherwise they will just be a very frustrating team to play.
Mid Table
Leeds, Northampton, Newcastle
All these teams have something about them that will ensure they avoid the relegation zone, but they still have enough doubts to keep them from being challengers.
Leeds are the most exciting, although they were close to relegation last season, they produced some great performances at the end of the season. Their pack looks very good, but it was their backs that underperformed, the off season signings have been astute and Marshall in particular could prove to be the missing link.
Northampton are too underpowered up front to trouble opponents consistently, but their backs could be superb. Robinson, Spencer and Reihana, with Cohen and Lamont could be destructive, if they get the ball. I expect good early season performances and then to struggle when the mud comes and teams start to find their weak spots.
Newcastle have just enough to keep them up. I don't expect much from them, and alot relies on Wilkinson.
Relegation Zone
London Irish, Worcester, Bristol
Irish are a real conundrum; if they ever perform they could be dangerous. This team could make a real mess of predictions, but they won't
Worcester have not done enough during the off season, they are very awkward to play against but are not good enough.
Bristol sadly are destined for the drop. I have not seen much of them but history is against them despite Worcester's heroics last season. I like the coach's philosophy and I hope it works; it is probably time to expand and split the Premiership to allow teams like Bristol an opportunity to develop.
Leicester
Wasps
Saracens
Sale
Gloucester
Bath
Leeds
Northampton
Newcastle
London Irish
Worcester
Bristol
Top Table
Leicester, Wasps
These two have set the standard time and again, and they will continue to do so season. I don't expect either team to get as far in front as they did last year but they will be the teams to beat for the title.
Challengers
Saracens, Sale, Gloucester, Bath
These four teams have the squads to push the top two all the way.
Sale are the only team to really perform at the same level as the top two, but they could not sustain their performance during the international weekends. Sale have lost two players, Redpath and Baxendell, who I think were crucial to the high quality back play of the last few seasons. Without these two I think Sale may struggle to produce the dynamic play of recent years. On the plus side they have brought in Taylor and Taione who will be able to bring something new to the team, if they stay fit. Wigglesworth also impressed me at the end of the season, and I look forward to him showing some form this season.
Saracens I think could be a real contender this season. Their squad looks good, and their coach seems to be doing the right thing. I will have to wait to see if the produce the performances required.
Gloucester, I don't like the way they play and I don't like the coach, but their squad is too strong to be ignored, and I expect a temporary freshness to their play following Melville's departure.
Bath still have one of the best packs, it is just their backs that let them down. If they click in attack then they could produce some good wins, otherwise they will just be a very frustrating team to play.
Mid Table
Leeds, Northampton, Newcastle
All these teams have something about them that will ensure they avoid the relegation zone, but they still have enough doubts to keep them from being challengers.
Leeds are the most exciting, although they were close to relegation last season, they produced some great performances at the end of the season. Their pack looks very good, but it was their backs that underperformed, the off season signings have been astute and Marshall in particular could prove to be the missing link.
Northampton are too underpowered up front to trouble opponents consistently, but their backs could be superb. Robinson, Spencer and Reihana, with Cohen and Lamont could be destructive, if they get the ball. I expect good early season performances and then to struggle when the mud comes and teams start to find their weak spots.
Newcastle have just enough to keep them up. I don't expect much from them, and alot relies on Wilkinson.
Relegation Zone
London Irish, Worcester, Bristol
Irish are a real conundrum; if they ever perform they could be dangerous. This team could make a real mess of predictions, but they won't
Worcester have not done enough during the off season, they are very awkward to play against but are not good enough.
Bristol sadly are destined for the drop. I have not seen much of them but history is against them despite Worcester's heroics last season. I like the coach's philosophy and I hope it works; it is probably time to expand and split the Premiership to allow teams like Bristol an opportunity to develop.
Leicester
Wasps
Saracens
Sale
Gloucester
Bath
Leeds
Northampton
Newcastle
London Irish
Worcester
Bristol
posted by AJ Thomas at
1:49 pm
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