World Cup news has overshadowed the weekly routine of the AP 15s. But life goes on
Things are hotting up nicely
The traditional Top 2, Sarries and Quins, have now suffered five losses between them. FIVE. That marks a step-change in the brief history of the league. The leading positions look like this:
Table P W L B Pts
Saracens 12 10 2 11 52
Harlequins 13 10 3 11 51
Loughborough 13 10 3 8 48
Wasps 12 9 3 8 44
But more to the point, fourth have already beaten first and third have beaten second. Will the play-offs follow history with the favourites pulling through each time? Both Lightning and Wasps have the fire-power to repeat the performance. But – and it’s a very big but – will they have all their stars still available for the remaining five rounds?
It’s highly unlikely.
There are two calling cards on the doormat, to the GB 7s and to the Six Nations. Both Giselle Mather and Rhys Edwards must agree that if those key players are missing, that reduces their chances. One of the secrets of Sarries’ and Quins’ success has been their strength in depth.
Round 14 Fixtures (March 6):
DMP Durham Sharks v Loughborough Lightning
Harlequins v Gloucester-Hartpury
Saracens v Bristol Bears
Wasps v Exeter Chiefs
Worcester Warriors v Sale Sharks
Both the leaders are safe home bets, though G-H outplayed the Bears last week. Lightning should enjoy a trip north. The game at Sixways is the hardest to predict: Warriors ought to see off the newcomers with something to spare, but they have found victory more elusive than expected this season. They scored two delightful tries last week, but their defences proved fragile.
Once more the juiciest tie is at Twyford Avenue. In the reverse game Wasps came away with a 10-point margin of victory. On that day they had an exceptionally strong side out, only two of their Irish caps missing. Exeter likewise had most of their big names on show, and since then they have grown used to winning.
Kelly Smith achieved an outstanding record last weekend with her 50th try in the Prems. It may take her rivals quite a while to catch up. As defences grow meaner, so it becomes harder for backs to make their mark as readily as in the past. But Smith has remained one of the sharpest blades in the cutlery service.
Meg Jones was the deserving winner of the Allianz Player of the Month for February. She has been in commanding form. One commenter suggested she was the obvious choice for No 10 in England’s next outing. If only the selectors’ task was that easy: outstanding as she has been, she faces the fiercest competition from Helena Rowland and the sitting tenant, Zoe Harrison. Once more England look a bit light in the centre, Amber Reed not yet returned to full working order. Both Harrison and Jones are options there.
The news of Jade Konkel’s temporary departure from rugby to train as a firefighter will hit Scotland more severely than Quins. She has been a central factor in their pack’s performances for several seasons; it won’t be easy finding a replacement of her quality. So that makes a potential two fire-quenchers in the Quins’ pack alongside Shaunagh Brown; another world first?
With the postponement of the World Cup each nation has to decide on the best route forward. The stunted Six Nations is still in place, meaning that most if not all of the Celtic players will be answering the call to arms.
