Aviva Premiership Round-up - Round 13

Sinoti Sinoti scored the try of the round with an individual
solo burst as Newcastle stunned champions Exeter

The Aviva Premiership started 2018 with a bang as round thirteen saw a number of thrilling encounters and important results up and down the country. The results leave just seven points between Wasps in 3rd and Harlequins in 9th as teams break from domestic action for European fixtures.

Worcester Warriors 25-46 Bath Rugby

                Bath began the new year by ending their slide in form in emphatic fashion with a six try victory over Worcester Warriors. Bath were in clinical form as they continued to trouble the Worcester defence throughout the game. A Fotuali'i double put the game beyond doubt before Worcester fought back but fell just short of stealing a losing bonus point. The result sees Bath end their three game losing streak and compel themselves back into contention for the top four.

Leicester Tigers 19-15 London Irish         
                Leicester earned a hard fought victory over a battling London Irish side, thanks to an electric perform for Johnny May and a try for Manu Tulagi on his 100th appearance. Johnny May put any concerns about his ability at full back to bed with a confident performance that saw Tigers win their first league game in five attempts. A losing bonus point for Irish could prove invaluable but they are still seeking their first away victory in the Premiership since Feb 2015.

Northampton Saints 22-19 Gloucester Rugby    
                A last minute penalty try gave Northampton a much needed win over Gloucester at Franklin's Gardens. While it looked like Gloucester had consigned Saints to 8th successive defeat, referee Ian Tempest, after initially deciding the ball was grounded short, spotted Andy Symons pulling down the maul and awarded the penalty try. The win will give great delight to interim head coach Alan Gaffney, while the Cherry & Whites will rue the chance to cement their place in the playoff places.

 Sale Sharks 30-29 Harlequins   
                Joe Marler was sent off after 60 minutes, as Sale came from behind to pip Harlequins 30-29. Marler saw red for a dangerous clear out, making contact with the head of TJ Ioane. Harlequins were leading 22-17 at the time of the card but Sale came back and a Faf De Klerk penalty 5 minutes from time was enough to give Sale the win. The victory sees Sale leapfrog Harlequins in the table and move up to 7th.

 Newcastle Falcons 28-20 Exeter Chiefs
                Newcastle stunned league leaders Exeter with a sintilating first half display and sealed a 28-20 victory. Falcons continued to demonstrate their dangerous backline, with the pick of the tries a 60m solo dash from Sinoti Sinoti. The win, their sixth consecutive victory in all competitions, kept them in the top half of the table. Exeter battled back in the second half but had given themselves a mountain to climb, falling to their first league loss since September.

 Wasps 15-38 Saracens 
                Saracens, rejuvenated by the return from injury of Itoje & Vunipola, put together an impressive 38-15 victory over Wasps at the Ricoh arena. Eddie Jones will be pleased to see Vunipola back in fine form in time for the Six Nations, only outdone by an outstanding display from Alex Goode, bagging himself two tries. Saracens raced to a 18-3 lead before Wasps pinned them back to 18-15 at half time, but Saracens power and precision was too much for the Wasps defence. The bonus point win sees them apply pressure on Exeter at the top of the table.

The Aviva Premiership takes an extended break, as clubs continue their European competitions and Anglo-Welsh fixtures. With the Six Nations looming large on the horizon, clubs with fewer internationals will be keen to capitalise on opportunities for points when the Premiership returns in February.

NFL - Astounding 2nd half comeback sees Tennessee into divisional game

The Tennessee Titans produced a second half fightback and shocked the Kansas City Chiefs in the opening 2018 play-off game. The AFC South runners-up were 21-3 down at the half, before scoring 19 unanswered points in the second half to upset the Chiefs fans at Arrowhead Stadium. Marcus Mariota passed for over 200 yards, including a touchdown pass to himself, while Running Back Derrick Henry had a career high 156 rushing yards.

Magic Marcus Mariota continued to cause problems for the Kansas City defence.

Kansas City had regained their early season form toward the end of the regular season coming into the post season on the back of four straight victories. They began the game in the same form they finished the season, racing to a 14-0 lead before the end of the first quarter. The first touchdown, a one yard run for Kareem Hunt after big plays from tight-end Travis Kelce and wide receiver Tyreek Hill.  Following a quick three and out, the Chiefs went straight back at it with a 13 yard pass to Travis Kelce.

The Titans had only secured their playoff place as runners up in the AFC South with victory over the Jaguars last weekend, having spluttered toward the end of the regular season. Marcus Mariota finally got his opportunity to get the Titan offence going forward in the second quarter; but Kansas corner Marcus Peters intercepted a pass intended for Delanie Walker inside the Kansas City red zone. 

The Titans were soon back driving forward before a huge sack on 3^rd and 4 just before the two minute warning forced Tennessee to take three. However, the Chiefs continued to work the sideline with Aaron Smith and put together a scoring drive with just 3 seconds left on the clock in the half - Demarcus Robinson finishing a 14 yard pass with neat footwork to get in for the touchdown. The drive was not without its problems for the Chiefs as they lost influential tight end Kelce to a nasty collision resulting in a concussion. However, they led at the half 21-3.

Tennessee needed to score early in the second half, and they duly did. The elusive quarter back, Mariota, rushing for a vital first down on the drive, before receiving his own catch for an 8 yard touchdown to open the half. As Mariota scrambles left and aims a pass towards Corey Davis in the end zone, the ball is deflected back from the Chiefs defence and collected by Mariota himself who dives for the pylon, one of the most fortunate plays you are likely to see.

Shortly afterwards it looked like Tennessee had shot themselves in the foot as a fumbled punt return handed the Chiefs short field. But, unable to keep Hunt or Hill firing like the first half, they were forced to kick a field goal which bounced off the left upright and away. As the fourth quarter began Derrick Henry scored a touchdown with an electric 35 yard run through the middle of the Kansas defence. Tennessee elected for the two point conversion to get the score within three, but an unorganised attempt left them 21-16 down with 14 minutes still to play.

With Kansas receivers falling to convert for Aaron Smith it gave Tennessee the opportunity to drive for the lead for the first time in the game. Once again, Marcus Mariota starred in the game winning drive, scrambling as the pocket collapsed for a 25 yard rush, before threading a 22 yard pass into the end zone for Eric Decker to give the Titans a 22-21 lead. Again, an unorganised 2 point conversion failed, giving Kansas the chance to drive to regain the lead.

The Kansas drive led to a 4^th and 9 attempt but was broken up by a rejuvenated Titan defence with just 2 minutes left on the clock. The Chiefs thought they had earned themselves a reprieve as a fumble was returned to the house, but was brought back as the runner was clearly down by contact before the ball was stripped. It created a 3^rd and 10 for Tennessee where a conversion would see them enter victory formation. The two Titan stars combined as Derrick Henry rushed left for 20 yards aided by a crucial block by none other than, quarter-back Marcus Mariota.

The result stunned the passionate fans at Arrowhead stadium as the Chiefs gave up a 21-3 lead at the half. The Titans owe a huge amount to their defensive players who continuously stopped Kansas in the second half, as well as the elusive and dynamic running of Derrick Henry and the, at times, uncontainable Marcus Mariota. Many will have written off the Titans at the half, but the fightback will give pause for thought for either New England or Pittsburgh in the Divisional round next weekend. The Titans, led by the magic of Marcus Mariota are not to be underestimated.

London Irish future stars continue undefeated start in RFU AASE League

London Irish's representative in the RFU's AASE League, St Paul's College made it three wins from three on Wednesday (20th) with an impressive 32-22 victory over Beechen Cliff. A dominant first half performance was backed up by a spirited defensive effort to stop a resurgent Beechen in the second half. With victories over Truro & Penwith on the opening day, and away to Filton, St Paul's find themselves joint top of the table with rugby powerhouse Hartpury.

St Paul's (blue) attacking the Beechen Cliff line on the 4G at Hazelwood

St Paul's, buoyed by their first two wins, came firing out the blocks at Hazelwood. With pressure applied at the breakdown from the first kick-off & winning the early collisions St Paul's were quickly into the lead in the first few minutes. They raced to extend their advantage with a 15-0 lead with tries from the wing, lock & prop. Beechen had only scraps to feed off for most of the first half but scored two opportunistic tries, and St Paul's fly-half also crossed the line before half time to give themselves a 20-14 lead at the break.

Beechen Cliff began to find their feet in the opening exchanges of the second half, scoring the opening points with a penalty. The St Paul's forwards soon reasserted their with a powerful driving maul finished by the number 8. Neat handling from Beechen narrowed the scores again with a try in the corner. With just 3 points between the sides St Paul's continued to defend superbly to repel the determined Beechen attack, much to the delight of the jubilant squad on the sideline. St Paul's sealed the win shortly after with a 90m breakaway try from the winger, who scored in the corner to seal the 32-22 win.

The win leaves St Paul's unbeaten in the AASE league and with a very impressive performance in both attack and defence, they'll be hoping to progress to the semi-finals later in the season. While the whole squad should be proud of their performances so far there have been standout players in the form of both locks in leading the side at the breakdown and in the tackle and from the no.8 who has scored twice at home already. Also the scrum half has shown great skill & vision, as well as pace and nimble feet across the back three.

There is an excellent comradery evident within the squad with every thumping tackle, dominant scrum & mazy run greeted with cheers and support from their fellow squad members. Several of the group's strong performances are likely to put them in contention for game time representing London Irish U18 later in the season. It's clear Richard Pryor and his team have created a really strong bond within the squad which will serve them well in the difficult games to come.

Next week will see by far the biggest test for St Paul's as they travel to last year's Champions and so far undefeated Exeter. With Exeter coming off a bye-week St Paul's will hope their passionate fast start against Beechen can be repeated to put them in the driving seat next week. With a bye the following week, St Paul's will play their final home game at Hazelwood against the always impressive Hartpury on Wednesday 11th October, before finishing away at Henley. St Paul's have put themselves in prime position for a place in the latter stages of the AASE league, but with difficult tests to come, they will have to continue with the positive and supportive atmosphere they have so far created.

Ones-to-watch – Singha 7’s Preview

With pre-season training well underway for the 2017-18 Aviva Premiership, this weekend sees the traditional 7s curtain-raiser at Franklin’s Gardens. This seasons new format has all 12 teams compete over two evenings of high pace action, similar to the HSBC International 7’s circuit, with a bowl, plate & cup final taking place on Saturday evening. This tournament has become a real platform for some of the teams to display their future stars alongside some 7’s specialists to create a highly skilled & exciting competition.

The action begins live on BT Sport 1, Friday 28th at 5:45pm

Pool A

Newcastle Falcons
The Falcons send a youthful squad with a number of academy contracted players, hoping to reach the heights of their 2011 outing when they defeated Saracens in the final at the Stoop.
Cameron Cowell – Having been with the England senior 7s squad over the summer, Cam Cowell will create excitement with his electric pace, he will bring real quality 7’s experience to the Falcons side.
George Wacokecoke – The powerful young Fijian, who has had experience with a number of premiership academies, is looking to ground himself with Newcastle. Expect to see him carrying hard and leaving defenders trailing in his wake.

Leciester Tigers
Tigers have a mixture of youth and experience with a number of internationally recognised 7’s players alongside players from their new link with Loughborough University.
Andrew Boyce – Captain of the Loughborough University side that were narrowly beaten in the BUCS Super Rugby Final. The explosive back-row will be hoping to catch the eye of Leciester coaching staff
Tom Ffitch – The England academy 7’s player will be part of the experienced core of the Leicester squad that will challenge defences and create space out wide for players to utilise.

Wasps
It appears Wasps have misread the invitation to the 7s tournament and have named a very strong senior side who are the stand out favourites to win the competition.
Marcus Watson – The Olympic silver medallist is set to make his debut for Wasps having signed from Newcastle. He will provide important 7s knowledge to an explosive backline, as well as his own fancy footwork.
Christian Wade – The easiest selection as ‘one-to-watch’. Last season’s Aviva Premiership top try scorer and plenty of 7’s experience too. Expect his name to be on the scoresheet again and again.

Pool B

Gloucester
Gloucester have taken the opportunity to demonstrate their highly talented and exciting academy prospects, with plenty of age-grade international experience, expect quality performances.
Harry Randall – The starting scrum-half at England U20’s, in a position where competition is rife. He is a real bright spark for Gloucester & England in the future. Expect him to excel in this format of the game.
Mason Tonks – Having played a big part in Gloucester’s U18 season last year, and having since picked up experience with England 7’s, the powerful runner will be a real weapon for Gloucester.

Harlequins
Much like Gloucester, Quins also have given many of their academy prospects the chance to show off their talent. Quins are always highly professional when it comes to 7s competitions.
Gabriel Ibitoye – A familiar name to those who follow England U20’s. The try scoring winger frequently uses his pace & power to trouble defences. He wont miss opportunities if they come his way.
Jonas Mikalcius – A powerhouse of Lithuanian winger. As a more senior member of the squad, and with some crucial 7s experience already, expect to see him causing havoc for tacklers.

London Irish
Irish will be delighted to be back facing Premiership opposition having been promoted from the Championship. They complete the pool of clubs with exciting academy talent on show at Franklins Gardens.
Ben Loader – One of Irish’s new academy players will be hoping to show his power and skill in front of the coaches. Having been one of the standout players in Irish U18 group, the 7’s game should give him the opportunity to excel.
Ollie Hassell-Collins – Like Ben Loader, another young exciting academy prospect on the Irish production line. The winger is likely to make the most of his nimble footwork and pace to make an impact.

Pool C

Sale Sharks
Sale have recently highlighted their commitment to their academy players with a number of long term contracts. Several of these players make up their squad for 7s tournament.
Paolo Odogwu – One of the stars of last season’s tournament with 8 tries from just three games. Expect more of the same as he has embedded himself in Sale’s senior squad and is ready to shine.
Nic Dolly – Having played an important part in Sale’s successful U18 side last season, he was selected to join England U18 too. He is one of the academy players who have committed to a 5 year contract.

Bath Rugby
Bath have a mixture of youth players from Bath University and guest players from various sections of the armed forces, hoping to combine dynamism and power to a youthful squad.
Levi Davis – The winger has represented Bath in the A-league on a number of occasions, as well as playing for Bath University. His powerful running will combine well with those from the armed forces.
Sikeli Rokovunicagi – Likely to be a forced to be reckoned with. The Army are known for creating some of the most dangerous and explosive 7’s players on the circuit, and this could be the next one.

Worcester Warriors
Worcester also combine some powerful academy back-row players with some vital 7s experience to create an entertaining squad.
Max Stelling – Adding 7s experience to the Worcester squad from his time with England on the HSBC 7’s circuit, his flair and ability is likely to create space out wide.
Will Butler – Another of the England U20 stars on show at the Singha 7’s. The electric centre has both the physical ability and rugby brain that can prove vital in the 7s competition, there are high hopes for this young player.

Pool D

Northampton Saints
Home advantage could prove useful to a Saints side full of academy graduates and current academy prospects. A mixture of youth and experience might prove key.
Jamie Elliot – One of the more senior members in the side with over 100 appereances for Northampton at just 24 years of age. The centre will be keen to prove himself as injuries in the last two seasons have hampered progress.
Ollie Sleightholme – Following in his father, Jon’s, footsteps into high quality rugby. With 7’s experience, including a silver medal for England at the recent Commonwealth Youth Games, he has the makings of a talented player.

Saracens
Saracens strength in depth is undeniable, and it extends right through their academy. Their squad contains a mixture of promising youth and experienced 7s players.
Tom Whiteley – The young flyer has already proven himself on the 7s stage at Rosslyn Park, where he has also turned out for their senior side. Expect his skills to be on show as he fights for places in  the Saracens squad.
Matt Gallagher – The England U20’s full-back is yet another from the talented pool of young England backs. The Academy Player of the Year at Saracens is a very high accolade indeed, and the 2015 winner will be sure to show off his pace and skill this weekend.

Exeter Chiefs
Current Aviva Premiership champions and runners up in last year’s 7s competition, Exeter will hope to go one better with a mix of university, academy and first team talent.
Max Bodily – A nimble winger who played a part in Exeter’s run to the Anglo-Welsh final last season. With an eye for the tryline, he’ll be hoping to impress and break in to the first team squad this season.
Tom O’Flaherty – Exeter’s new signing from the Ospreys. The winger, described by Rob Baxter as having ‘bags of potential’, will be hoping to impress the boss and get off on the right foot for his new club.

Imperious All Blacks boss opening test against Lions

New Zealand ran out 30-15 winners in the first test at Eden Park, with some thrilling rugby on display from both sides. The Lions put in their best performance of the tour so far but still came up well short of a superior All Black side. New Zealand started the strongest and showed their class early, and while the Lions fought bravely, the All Blacks always had enough to see out the win.

Kieran Read: Optimising All Blacks work-rate and skill level

                The number one ranked side in the world showed that they are still a class above any other side in the world from the kick-off. They played the early part of the game at pace and continued to show silky handling skills with offload after offload stretching and challenging the Lions’ defence. Throughout the squad players were all capable of playing at this high tempo, including players like Kieran Read who was returning from injury. The All Blacks also dominated the contact area, which was vital for them to do to create quick ball. Despite Lions putting their bodies on the line, New Zealand continually broke tackles or made ground in the tackle. It wasn’t till Itoje came on in the second half that they began to get knocked backwards in the tackle. That is an area that the Lions will need to deal with before the second test if they want to hold onto any hope of winning the series.

However, the build-up play is only any good if you can finish your chances. Here is where the two sides looked poles apart. When offered opportunity, the All Blacks continued to apply pressure and came away with points. They kept the scoreboard ticking over and from early on it was clear they would amass a big score no matter how well the Lions defended. On the flip side, the Lions had opportunities created from their dangerous backline but were unable to finish them. Often snuffed out by superb New Zealand cover defence, but too often stopped by handling errors or a lack of speed in the supporting players. This lack of finishing has been haunting the Lions throughout the tour and, most worryingly, carried on into the test matches.

It wasn’t all bad for the Lions. You could argue this was their best performance of the tour so far, maybe with the exception of the Maori game the week before. The shock of the team announcement earlier in the week perhaps hinted at a more expansive and attacking game plan for the Lions and it seemed to show. They stretched and worried the All Blacks, and fought back bravely early on to keep themselves in the game. However, there were still too many individual errors in attack and defence. Slightly switching off cost the Lions 14 points, with a mistake under the high ball and a quick tap penalty, and removing those mistakes would have created a much tighter game. The Lions will also be disappointed with the high penalty count, with a number of those coming around the breakdown, with offside at the fringes allowing New Zealand an attacking platform they don’t need to be gifted.

                It was a fairly comprehensive victory for New Zealand all being told. They were commanding, they were clinical and they were classy. Yet, at times, they were stretched and when the game tightened up after half-time, there were opportunities for the Lions to take the lead. There are clearly things to work on for the Lions, finishing chances, cutting out errors, winning the contact, but they are all fixable. Slight alterations to the starting fifteen, with Itoje & Lawes likely to bring that power in the tackle, could see the game tilt in the Lions’ favour. New Zealand were substantially the best side without a doubt. But the Lions are still improving, and don’t need to improve a lot more to be in with a shout in the second test next Saturday. It’s all to play for.

Work to do for a lacklustre Lions side in New Zealand

The British & Irish Lions eked out a 13-7 victory over the Provincial Barbarians in the first game of their tour of New Zealand. Having only arrived in Auckland three days ago there was scarce time to prepare for the fixture, and it seemed to show. A disappointing performance with a number of individual errors and failure to finish chances let down the side, yet there were a number of bright lights in the form of the Lions debutants with Sinckler, Te’o & Moriarty.

Lions begin to purr but lack any real bite

The Lions were taken all the way by the Provincial Barbarians side who kept them honest in defence and put pressure on throughout the game. Their expansive and quick paced game epitomised what New Zealand rugby is all about. For a representative side, they also played well together as a team, something which was lacking in the Lions. However, they were let down by a few individual errors, but several of the Barbarians will be hoping that their performances will have been noticed by Super Rugby franchises. Indeed maybe the best fly-half of those on the pitch came in the form of Warren Gatland’s son, Bryn, as he bossed the invitation side.

The Lions, albeit with a bar set very high, fell well short of what was expected. There was a lack of organisation going forward, with players seeming to attack on their own and support arriving much too slowly. Much like the Barbarians, there were far too many individual errors. Most worryingly for the Lions, those errors came from key players in crucial positions as Hogg & Sexton struggled. The defence was strong in part but too many missed tackles meant that try saving tackles were needed, and, in credit, they were made when necessary. It was a side that have clearly travelled half way around the world, and are at the end of an intense club season. Indeed for some of these international players they will have only had one month off from competitive rugby last July, in the previous two years.

There was also a certain level of insight into the style of play we can expect from the Lions & Warren Gatland. As expected, it was direct. It was no surprise that big ball carriers like Moriarty, Sinckler & Te’o stood out as they suit a more direct style of play. Whereas a frustrated Watson and an absent Seymour had very limited opportunity with ball in hand. While the squad is still gelling together and adapting to one another it may be a reasonable style, however they will hope to add some magic to their attack as the tour progresses. And they will need to, as the New Zealand test side will not be at all phased by such a direct style of play.

It was not all doom and gloom for the Lions. First and foremost, they won. No matter the manner of the victory, winning was crucial for this opening game as a loss would have brought down the whole camp. With no less than 13 new Lions in the match day squad, it was vital experience for those new players and the excitement and passion in playing in the Lions jersey was most evident in these players. There were a number of individual performances, as previously mentioned, that also give reason for promise and are a likely to ignite competition for test places in the squad, which will only spur on performances throughout.

Fortunately for the Lions there are still 400 minutes of rugby to be played before the first test at Eden Park. There were both positives and negatives in individual performances for the Lions, but that was the problem, they were individual performances. There was a lack of cohesion. There aren’t any drastic changes to be made. Time is the best way forward for this Lions side. Time to gel together, understand patterns of play and work together as a team. However, as the Barbarians made clear, there won’t be any freebies on this tour, it’s time to get to work.

Match Preview: Exeter Chiefs v Saracens

“Two households, both alike in dignity. In fair Verona, where we lay our scene. From ancient grudge break to new mutiny, where civil blood makes civil hands unclean.” While the Devonshire city may seem far removed from Northern Italy, there is plenty to liken the semi-final clash between Exeter & Saracens to a Shakespearean classic.

A titanic battle between two English powerhouses is set to take place in a repeat of last year’s final, as Exeter host Saracens at Sandy Park on Saturday. The fixture has all the makings of an explosive drama. Saracens, a dynasty of success and pragmatism, seeking a back-to-back Europe & league double face the beauty & romance of plucky underdog come mighty force, Exeter, hoping to avenge their 28-20 loss at Twickenham last year.

Saracens, the visitors, are hot off their Champions Cup victory over Clermont last weekend. They, once again, produced a professional performance, where rock-solid defence and clinical attack combined to overcome a dangerous Clermont side. It’s that style of performance that continues to serve them so well for season on season. While third in the league may not seem as impressive as Saracens lofty standards require, they have always produced on the big stages when it matters, whether it be at Thomond Park, Welford Road or the Stade Mayol. However, this may prove the ultimate test of the Wolfpacks mental strength.

                With the hangover of their European success, and a significantly shorter turnaround than Exeter, the vital preparation in the Saracens machine may be hard pressed. There are also a number of Saracens players that have been rightly called up to represent the Lions & other international duties this summer. With tour dates looming, it could play of the minds of some of Saracens key star players. Then there is Saracens inconsistent away form in the league this year. While they did win early in the season against a stuttering Exeter side at Sandy Park, there have been unexpected loses against Worcester and Gloucester and a disappointing loss to Wasps, albeit with a weakened side. A trip to Sandy Park could pose a major threat, although, if there is any team in the world capable of overcoming these obstacles, it is, without a doubt, Saracens.

                Exeter’s remarkable rise through to the tier of the Aviva Premiership is well documented. Since winning promotion in 2009 they have continued to improve year on year. Under Rob Baxter, Exeter have built an incredible squad with solid performers throughout and bright talent constantly produced through the Exeter academy. No-one epitomises this better than Jack Maunder, the academy scrum half has forced himself into first team reckoning and has, quite rightly, been shortlisted for young player of the season and called up for England’s tour to Argentina. Since promotion, Exeter have continued to progress up the league, last year falling at the final hurdle against Saracens.

                This season, despite a slow start, Exeter have continued to shine and played some scintillating rugby in the process. With 15 try bonus points, the most in the league, Exeter pose a real attacking threat whoever the opposition is and are peaking at the right moment. Sandy Park has also been a real fortress for the Chiefs, having not lost at home in the league in 7 months. The strength in depth has shone through this season, with plenty of competition for places as well as a very strong showing in the Anglo-Welsh Cup, being pipped in the final by Leicester. Exeter will have gained crucial experience in last season’s final loss, and, if the trend is to continue, will be pushing to make the next step this season to be crowned champions.

                While the winner of Wasps and Leicester will create a worthy opponent in the final at Twickenham, this semi-final has all the makings of a final in itself.  Two households, both ferocious and clinical at the top of their game. An ancient grudge, with a score to settle from last season and a brutal 13-13 draw at Allianz Park in January. Hopefully no blood will be spilt, but expect neither side to take a backwards step. It has all the makings of one the great games of knockout rugby in the Aviva Premiership, and for either side, a loss would be a tragedy.