5 Talking Points as the Premiership play-off battle hots up

Published Sep 7, 2020

The Gallagher Premiership continues at pace this week with another round of games on Tuesday and Wednesday.

Here, the PA news agency looks at some of the talking points heading into a key group of fixtures

The play-off race is hotting up

With league leaders Exeter gone and over the horizon, four clubs are effectively battling for three remaining play-off places. Just five points separate second-placed Sale Sharks and Bath, in fifth. Wednesday’s games see Sale host Saracens, Bath entertain Worcester and fourth-placed Wasps tackle Leicester, while Bristol, in third, are at home to Northampton on Tuesday. Many twists and turns lie ahead.

Home comforts key for Sale Sharks?

Exeter look a class apart

Northampton Saints v Exeter Chiefs – Gallagher Premiership – Franklin’s Gardens — Exeter players celebrate their latest league win, a 22-19 success at Northampton (Mike Egerton/PA)

Astute squad management is vital

Sale v Bristol – Gallagher Premiership – AJ Bell Stadium — Bristol boss Pat Lam will be among Premiership rugby directors and head coaches carefully considering selection options (Nick Potts/PA)

Owen Farrell will take centre-stage

Whatever happens in the second midweek round of Premiership fixtures since restart, it is unlikely to challenge England captain Owen Farrell’s disciplinary fate for headline news. The Saracens fly-half faces an online hearing on Tuesday evening after his sending-off for a dangerous tackle during Saturday’s league defeat against Wasps. A ban appears inevitable, meaning he would miss Saracens’ Heineken Champions Cup quarter-final against Leinster on September 19.