Premiership Rugby round 9 review

Well that's round 9 done and dusted with, I wish I could say it was a cracker but if I'm being honest it wasn't. More of that later.

Bristol v Sale

We started off at Ashton Gate on Friday night and I was expecting Bristol to go out and continue their excellent attacking display from the Leicester game. Instead, and fair play to Sale their defence stifled them and Sale's attack then went and did a job. I thought Ford was outstanding at fly half likewise the team defensive effort was job done.

With this one I can't help but be a bit disappointed as to how one sided it was. A good crowd had turned up at Ashton Gate and fair play to Sale but Bristol were disappointing. Sale's defence was up quick putting pressure on. Sale dominated in a 38-0 victory which I don't think anyone saw that margin of victory coming.

Bath v Saracens

Saturday afternoon started at The Rec and Bath put a marker down. Saracens weren't helped by a red card to Toby Knight who I thought was unlucky as Lawrence was dipping and on another day it could've been a yellow. But Bath dominated the game and Will Muir bagged a hat trick. Bath are really putting a marker down and I think now they have a gap at the top of the table they're going to be very difficult to stop. For them it becomes all about knockout rugby at the end of the season, even though we're in December still I can't see a way they don't make the play offs. Bath winning 68-10, the scoreline shows how one-sided the game was.

Northampton v Newcastle

Things weren't any less one sided at Franklin's Gardens where Northampton were dominant against a poor Newcastle side. Northampton had their bonus point in the first quarter. I'll state the obvious but Northampton look a much better team with Alex Mitchell running the game from scrum half.

As for Falcons, Steve Diamond said in his post-match interview as things stand they won't be spending anymore next season unless investment comes in. Their current priority is player retention. I want to see a strong Newcastle but also understand they have to live within their means which is sensible. Unfortunately for them one person they would've loved to have held onto is Jamie Blamire who will be at Leicester next season.

Harlequins v Leicester

Harlequins made their annual visit to Twickenham for the big game and saw them come up against Leicester. This was two sides who had a disappointing round 8. Luckily for the neutrals this one was a cracker, with Dan Cole scoring a rare late try and Handre Pollard kicking the conversion to secure a 34-34 draw in front of a sold out Twickenham.

Exeter v Gloucester

Sunday afternoon saw Gloucester travel to Sandy Park to take on Exeter Chiefs who were looking to end their win-less Premiership run. Gloucester gifted Exeter their first try by not stopping a quick lineout and then over throwing a five meter lineout for the impressive Dan Frost to score.

Credit to Exeter, their defence was excellent. As for Gloucester it's one that they'll want to forget about as they never really got off the bus in the first half. They'll also be concerned about injuries to Alemanno and the returning Jamal Ford-Robinson along with a failed HIA for Christian Wade.

Verdict on the round

I've got to say this was a big chance for The Premiership to shine with sold out stadium's and not much football on so neutral's may have been taking more of an interest. However three one sided games aren't good for the league. I know it was a mixture of injures, rotation etc but in my opinion this is an opportunity missed to show how competitive and exciting The Premiership is. I know how good this league is and unfortunately this round wasn't a reflection of that.