In a novel end-of-season arrangement, all four matches will be played on the evening of Friday 21 February, starting at 19.45.
Gloucester-Hartpury v Harlequins (TNT)
Leicester Tigers v Exeter Chiefs
Loughborough Lightning v Trailfinders Women (Youtube)
Saracens v Sale Sharks
Bristol Bears watch on.
This looks like the Friday equivalent of a Super Saturday. I’m sure Friday feels honoured.
In one sense the drama is over; we know the four semi-finalists. In another, there is all to play for. Quins are desperate to ensure a home semi against Sarries, but the odds are stacked against them. They might possibly have the beating of Glos-Pury away, though it’s unlikely; but will Sarries allow the bottom club, Sharks, beat them on their own turf, as they’re warming up for two knock-out matches? I won’t answer my question.
This cramped final round is a reminder of the reorganised PWR schedule, to allow everyone time to prepare for the World Cup.
That is another reason why the foot will be kept on the pedal: every player within sniffing distance of an RWC place will be going all out to curry favour with the selectors.
That could include players from Australia, Canada, Ireland, Italy, Japan, New Zealand, Scotland, South Africa, Spain USA, Wales and even England. A few Red Roses manage to squeeze into teams occasionally.
Top-spot
The G-H v Quins game is the highlight. They sit first and third in the table (Sarries just squirmed past Quins last week), but between them they have lost seven matches. That’s all the proof we need that competition is as tough as it has ever been. Many G-H fans will be praying that Emma Sing will outperform Ellie Kildunne. Mo Hunt will have her work cut out to prove she’s still first- choice No 9 ahead of Lucy Packer.
Of the 32 contracted Red Roses (plus 8 on transition contracts), some are much less sure of preferment than others. Once this round is over, only the play-offs remain in which to shine. Beyond them there will be a moment’s rest, then endless rounds of training sessions. Probably the number of participants will remain high, well above 30. That was John Mitchell’s policy last year, and his initial squad this year showed no change.
So there’s a chance for everyone. The one difference is between real and training matches. That is where these last few games are so valuable for the players.
A sad footnote
We have to gird ourselves for news of the unwelcome end-of-season retirements. Already I’ve noted Rachel Malcolm and Rachel Johnson (from PWR only!), and now Rowena Burnfield bids adieu. In one sense only she was unfortunate: the two London clubs she first played for, Richmond (where she was captain) and Wasps, both fell under the axe, requiring a change of address. She was your archetypal workhorse lock forward, and Trailfinders have paid the warmest of tributes to her.
