After an extra early break for Christmas shopping the league gets under way again.
There are four appetising contests:
Saturday 29 November
Sale Sharks v Exeter Chiefs KO 14.00
Trailfinders v Saracens KO 15.00
Loughborough Lightning v Leicester Tigers KO 15 00 (at Northampton)
Sunday 30 November
Bristol Bears v Gloucester-Hartpury KO 12.00 (Ashton Gate)
This line-up will reveal much about longer-term prospects.
Sharks had an easy start to the season, seeing off Tigers. Since then they have failed to live up to their hopes and my expectations. Despite having to make the longest trip the league offers, Chiefs will surely prevail.
Trailfinders’ aim must be to hold Saracens in check as long as possible. They are quite capable of scoring against them – even several tries – but it’s defence that counts.
The confrontation of the two No 8s, Abi Burton and Poppy Cleall will be worth watching. I hope my selections prove correct.
The so- called ‘Leicestershire’ derby gives Lightning the chance to rise above Trailfinders into fourth place, more in keeping with their former standings.
For their one offering of the weekend TNT have chosen the Bears v Glos-Pury game (I wonder why), starting at 12 midday (I wonder why).
The big draw for Bears’ fans at Ashton Gate will be the presence of Ruahei Demant. If she actually plays, that will be a huge tribute to her, after a long haul from Kiwiland. More probably, she’ll watch on and learn.
The same goes for Maia Roos, who has just signed on for TF.
I can see only one result in Bristol; the only unbeaten record will remain intact.
Once more I wonder about PWR’s approach. The publicists will be delighted to have so many world stars on view. But in Round 4 I spotted only three Trailfinders players qualified for England in the starting Fifteen plus four on the bench. Is that within the regulations?
It’s Quins’ turn to sit out. It means no rugby for them between 16 November and 6 December. They are unhappy, but every club faces similar delays.
