Time for Sharks to stop Faf-ing about

It is over 19 years since Bristol last beat Harlequins in the league at the Twickenham Stoop. But Saturday’s match represents as good an opportunity as any to break that winless run given the depth of quality they have in their squad.

Ben Earl and Kyle Sinckler are given a mandatory two-week rest, but the Bears welcome back inspirational captain Steven Luatua (4/1 anytime try-scorer) and their Fijian game-changer, Semi Radradra and we expect them to drive their side to victory.

Quins have emerged from the last fortnight in Europe with a number injuries and appear a little on the bench as a result. Look to the Bears to exert their dominance after a tight first half.

Chiefs to pass the test

Down in Devon, Gloucester could be on the receiving end of a lot of pent-up frustration as Exeter look to bounce back from the disappointment of their cancelled Champions Cup game against Toulouse.

Now that they have passed the necessary medical tests, the Chiefs are sure to be fired up for the visit of the Cherry & Whites. And as the visitors are not immune to having points put on them, we would expect the Chiefs to defy the 18-point handicap.

Gloucester will have their tails-up after their last-minute win against Ulster, but the Irish outfit really should have put the game to bed well before George Barton crossed the line.

Exeter possess the ruthless edge that Ulster lacked and will not make the same mistake.

Warriors can defy handicap

Northampton go into their home game against Worcester on an unprecedented run of 12 consecutive defeats in all competitions.

There have been clear signs of improvement in losing to Bristol, Bordeaux-Begles and Leinster in the last three weeks. But to back Saints at -7, given the form they are in, seems madness.

Also, when you look at the stats, Worcester are due a big game, and this could be it. 

Worcester have made more metres and clean breaks than any other team in the Premiership but have failed to finish off their chances. 

Had they done so and kicked more than 55% of their attempts at goal, Worcester would have scored far more points than they have done to date.

As a defensive unit, Saints are fairly porous and they could be just the opposition that Worcester need to finally click as an attacking force.

The likelihood is that the Warriors will also have a strong platform up front to play off, as they are 100% on their own put in at scrum time compared to Saints’ 71%.

Both teams have a couple of important returness with Dan Biggar and Lewis Ludlam back for the home side and Nick Schonert and Matt Kvesic running out for the visitors following their respective injury lay-offs.

Curry ready to spice up Sharks

Faf de Klerk leads Sale Sharks out against a Wasps side that has struggled in this fixture of late.

The Sharks have failed to reach anywhere near their potential so far this season and the abrupt departure of Steve Diamond rocked the players and staff.

However, now that the aftershock of his departure has subsided, Sale can get on with the job in hand and show their mettle.

Such confidence in the Sharks has been misplaced in the past but with the calibre of team they have put out this weekend, Wasps will do well to win at the AJ Bell on Sunday.

While Sale are too inconsistent at present to be regarded as serious title challengers, they welcome back one player who is never off his game: Tom Curry.

Jack Willis’ absence in the Wasps matchday 23 deprives us of what would have been a fascinating duel at the breakdown with Curry, but it enhances the chances of a home win, by 6-10 points in our opinion.