The regular season of the 2022-23 Gallagher Premiership comes to an end this weekend.
Saturday 6 May
Bath | Draw | Saracens
With Saracens having already sealed first, Bath could just get one over Mark McCall’s side at The Rec here. Depending on how many first-choice players are selected for Sarries, they could well be exposed in certain areas, and Bath, who’ve picked up three wins from their last three, will be eager to capitalise.
Get on Bath to bag a rare win over Sarries here.
Bristol Bears 38/100 | Draw 20/1 | Gloucester 2/1
A five-game winning run in February and March wasn’t enough for Bears to salvage a knockout spot, and their poor form early on in their campaign and ultimately came back to bit them. They occupy eighth and will likely have to settle for Challenge Cup rugby yet again next season.
The Cherry and Whites have endured another season to forget and look set to end their campaign in dismal fashion, having copped six losses from their last six.
Bears should clear the handicap.
Leicester Tigers | Draw | Harlequins
The third-placed Tigers are level on points with Saints and will cement that spot with a win over Harlequins here to set up a semi-final encounter at the AJ Bell.
Quins, another team that peaked too late in the season, are currently seventh but can challenge for a higher place with a good result. Leicester though have more to play for and should be fired up at home.
Tigers on the minus.
London Irish | Draw | Exeter Chiefs
The Exiles will be eager to hold on to fifth-place after a memorable season when they tackle sixth-placed Chiefs. Irish came oh so close to securing a playoff position for the first time since 2009 but just missed out in the end. Unfortunately, off-field issues hanging over the club, with players and staff having yet to receive their April salaries, could hinder their performance.
It’s something of the end of an era for Chiefs, with many stalwarts leaving at the end of the season. That added motivation should get them over the line here.
Chiefs on the plus.
Sale Sharks | Draw | Newcastle
Sale should have no problem seeing off troubled Newcastle here. The Sharks have sealed second and may be wrapping certain individuals in cotton wool ahead of the last four, yet should still be too much for a 11th-placed Falcons lineup currently 10-points back of the rest.
Sale on the minus.
