The pick of the Round 16 matches, the last before the Six Nations break, brings Saracens up against Sale Sharks.
Its unique feature is the venue, Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
It forms part of an innovative arrangement agreed between Spurs and Sarries. This is the sixth time the ‘Showdown’ has been hosted in the 62,000-seater stadium, but the first time a women’s match will take place there.
This move highlights both the strength and the weakness of rugby’s position: the ambition to attract ever larger crowds, but at the same time the lack of dedicated rugby grounds to match the ambition.
Double-headers
This will be a double-header. Saracens’ men’s team will take on Northampton. Organisers have long since learned that placing the women’s game first is the sensible option. And that is how Sarries have planned it.
Anyone coming?
As of Tuesday 24th, 40,000 tickets have already been sold. This is a tidy gain for Spurs as well as Sarries. These days big stadiums need to pay their way; open them up as often as possible.
Sarries strike lucky
It’s pure chance that Sharks are the visitors. Once the basement-dwellers of the PWR, they are now on the crest of a wave; five wins on the trot.
And last time out Sarries lost at home; they aren’t invulnerable. It was Gloucester-Hartpury who undid them, to take a 9-point lead in the league. Sarries are still almost certain of a home semi-final, since Chiefs lie a further 10 points behind them. But Sharks can now see fourth place as a distinct possibility.
They are building an ever bigger fanbase. How many supporters will make the long trek to north London for this unique occasion? Plenty, we must hope.
Among the many personal tussles the No 10 dual between Zoe Harrison and Holly Aitchison should be worth a watch.
We have seen a host of memorable games already this season. This match should prove one of the best.
Match details:
Kick-off: 14.30
Tickets from £34
Coverage on TNT
The men’s match starts at 18.00
