Premiership semi-finals are on the horizon and the league is into the enterprise finish of the season. A number of golf equipment are able to making the highest 4 to compete within the knockout rugby for the trophy.
Defending champions Saracens are amongst them however they’ve fierce competitors.
So who’s within the working for the Premiership semi-finals? Have a look beneath.
Premiership semi-finals possibilities: Northampton Saints
Present place and factors: First with 49 factors
Video games remaining: Northampton v Leicester, 20 April; Harlequins v Northampton, 27 April; Northampton v Gloucester, 11 Could; Bathtub v Northampton, 18 Could.
Northampton Saints have been a powerful facet this season and have thus far solely misplaced 4 video games. Gamers like Fin Smith and George Furbank have propelled the staff to the highest of the desk however their competitors are scorching on their heels.
Northampton are additionally nonetheless within the Champions Cup which provides extra rugby to their schedule. However each high staff needs to stay in competitions for so long as attainable and so they have squad depth able to pulling off a double.
Bathtub
Present place and factors: Second with 44 factors
Video games remaining: Exeter v Bathtub, 20 April; Bathtub v Saracens, 26 April; Newcastle v Bathtub, 10 Could; Bathtub v Northampton, 18 Could.
Bathtub have had a resurgence this season, because of half to marquee signing Finn Russell. That’s the reason the information of his damage has come as an enormous blow to the squad. The staff haven’t put a timeline on his return, saying the Scotland worldwide needs to be again “as quickly as attainable”.
He has been key for this marketing campaign and comes good when the staff are in robust spots. However Bathtub will probably be hoping they’ve constructed sufficient of a basis to hold themselves by the remainder of the season. With or with out Russell.
Saracens
Present place and factors: Third with 42 factors
Video games remaining: Saracens v Gloucester, 20 April; Bathtub v Saracens, 26 April; Bristol v Saracens, 11 Could; Saracens v Sale, 18 Could.
Saracens had been knocked out of the Champions Cup within the final 16 and by fairly a margin. They’re removed from the staff who claimed three Champions Cup wins with their performances in European rugby missing. Nevertheless, they’re nonetheless deadly within the Premiership and now have extra time and relaxation to prep for his or her remaining league matches.
Their run-in is much from straightforward with their hardest remaining match more likely to come in opposition to Bathtub.
Harlequins
Present place and factors: Fourth with 42 factors (behind Saracens on level distinction)
Video games remaining: Sale v Harlequins, 21 April; Harlequins v Northampton, 27 April; Exeter v Harlequins, 11 Could; Harlequins v Bristol, 18 Could.
Harlequins have proven they’ve the grit to get outcomes with their 42-41 win in opposition to Bordeaux. They may need that successful momentum to spill into the Premiership, particularly as they face some robust opposition within the closing phases.
Their most tough match will come in opposition to desk leaders Northampton. To take factors off of them would enhance their very own semi-finals hopes and doubtlessly assist to keep away from them within the play-offs.
Bristol Bears
Present place and factors: Fifth with 40 factors
Video games remaining: Bristol v Newcastle, 21 April; Leicester v Bristol, 27 April; Bristol v Saracens, 11 Could; Harlequins v Bristol, 18 Could.
Bristol have had a very good season, particularly after a bruising marketing campaign final season. Their run in turns into difficult within the final two rounds although as they face defending champions Saracens and Harlequins. In the event that they handle to take factors off of 1 or each of the groups their bid for a high 4 spot would enhance tenfold.
They’ve solely misplaced two extra video games that Northampton this season, that’s how tight the competitors is that this marketing campaign.
Exeter Chiefs
Present place and factors: Sixth with 40 factors (behind Bristol on level distinction)
Video games remaining: Exeter v Bathtub, 20 April; Gloucester v Exeter, 28 April; Exeter v Harlequins, 11 Could; Leicester v Exeter, 18 Could.
Exeter fell to a heavy defeat in Europe in opposition to Toulouse and they are going to be hoping it doesn’t dent their title hopes. Regardless of being sixth they’re solely 9 factors behind the highest of the desk.
The membership have carried out nicely, particularly after some large names like Jack Nowell left final season.
Leicester Tigers, Sale Sharks and Gloucester are additionally able to getting a high 4 spot however would wish a number of outcomes to go their manner to take action.
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