Top Four Race Intensifies: Saint's and Bath's Remaining Fixtures to Influence Final Standings
Rewritten Article:
Take a peek at the Premiership table, and you'll find that the leading team, Bath, and Challenge Cup finalists, have a sizeable 15-point advantage over second-placed Leicester Tigers, with Northampton Saints, Champions Cup finalists, comfortably 17 points ahead of slipping out of the top eight. With only three games left for each team, it's highly unlikely these standings will change drastically, as they've basically secured their positions.
The real drama unfolds for the teams below them. Bath heads into the final stretch with a crucial faceoff against Bristol Bears in the Principality Stadium, followed by hosting Leicester and a trip to Saracens—all three teams within the top four contention.
As for Northampton, they've got matches against struggling Exeter Chiefs and top four challengers, Saracens, and Gloucester, in their lineup. With both sides gunning for European finals—Bath on the 23rd of May and Northampton following the next day—their approach to their remaining and post-trophy-lift matches will significantly impact the rest of the league's top four hopes.
Premiership Twists and Turns
Consider Northampton going all out against Exeter and then strategically rotating their roster for their subsequent clash with Saracens and the final. Depending on the result, they might decide to rest against Gloucester in the last week of matches.
Similarly, Bath would want to maintain their momentum before their Challenge Cup showdown against Lyon, which could affect the average teams seeking semi-final spots.
This week, the clash between Leicester and Sale Sharks is the start of an exciting three-game sprint in the Premiership. Both teams have shown resilience this season, battling their way into contention despite adversity. The gap between second and sixth is a slim seven points, and a home-semi final isn't just a dream anymore.
However, the success of Bath and Northampton in Europe could sway the league's balance of power, either positively or negatively.
Television Turmoil
It comes as no surprise that England Rugby is facing the possibility of a television blackout for their Test match against the USA this summer. While their games against Argentina will grace Sky Sports screens, no broadcaster—including Sky, Premier Sports, and TNT Sports—will be bidding for the USA match.
This means that RugbyPass is likely to stream the game on its platform. On one hand, this broad exposure is promising for international rugby, but on the other, it underscores the relatively low European interest in the USA's rugby growth.
This scenario could serve as an omen for the 2031 Rugby World Cup, which will take place in North America.
Former England Sevens captain Ollie Phillips is the founder of Optimist Performance. Follow Ollie @OlliePhillips11
- In the final games of the Premiership, Northampton Saints may adopt a rotation strategy, prioritizing strength against Exeter Chiefs and then potentially resting players against Saracens and Gloucester, depending on the results.
- Bath, leading the Premiership, must maintain their momentum leading up to their Challenge Cup showdown with Lyon, as their performance could impact the chances of mid-tier teams securing semi-final spots.
- The upcoming three-game sprint in the Premiership, starting with Leicester Tigers against Sale Sharks, promises exciting contention as both teams have displayed resilience despite facing adversity, with only seven points separating second and sixth place.
- The success of Bath and Northampton in European finals could significantly influence the power balance within the Premier League, either positively or negatively.
- England Rugby's potential television blackout for their Test match against the USA this summer, with RugbyPass streaming the game instead, might serve as an omen for the 2031 Rugby World Cup, which will be held in North America.
