George Chuter’s Premiership predictions: ‘Absolute thriller’ London Derby and ‘fun’ at the Rec

James While 22 Mar 2024 7:05 PM

Premiership Rugby is back and George Chuter makes his predictions.

After a thrilling Six Nations, it’s back to the Premiership, and this week’s eToro expert is former Leicester Tigers, Saracens and England hooker George Chuter, a man who played over 250 times in the domestic competition.

We have teamed up with eToro, the official investing and trading partner of Premiership Rugby, to launch a new feature that will see us get predictions from a famous face before every Premiership round for the remainder of the season.

And just to make it a bit more fun, we’ll be making our own predictions for each game and tracking our performances week-by-week to see whether we can outsmart our illustrious guests.

Last time out, George correctly predicted four out of five winners and was 26 points off getting the precise winning margin – a mighty prediction overall. Meanwhile, the Planet Rugby team wasn’t as accurate in predicting the correct winner in three of the matches and were 20 points off the winning margin from those results.

Moving on to this week, Chuter previews the weekend’s action and provides his predictions.

Bristol Bears (LWLLW) v Northampton Saints (WWWWW)

Whilst there’s a number of notable absentees within the Saints side after their England campaign, the visitors field three of Steve Borthwick’s Test squad in their back five, with both Lewis Ludlam and Courtney Lawes flanking the scrummage.

Saints come into this game on a winning streak and are flying high on the top of the table with a seven-point advantage over their nearest rivals, whilst Bristol, although managing to win their last two games, are languishing in eighth with a mountain to climb to get to the top of the compressed qualification zone.

I expect this to be a wonderfully open game, with both sides possessing ambition and pace in the channels. But the key question is, can the Bears compete with Saints at the breakdown? If they do, then they’re in with a shout. Otherwise, it could be a hard day at the office for Pat Lam’s men.

Head to Head: It simply has to be Lawes versus Steven Luatua, two masters of their art and similar in style. Lawes will be keen to ensure he’s leaving his legacy at Northampton in his final season for the club as he continues to be world-class in every aspect.

One to watch: Lawes continues to produce standout performances for Saints and Borthwick will be watching on enviously despite the fine performances of Ollie Chessum during the Six Nations. Expect the Saints legend dominate again.

Chuter’s Call: Expect to see some fun with the ball in hand and entertainment galore as the Saints should run out winners in a high-scoring game, 38-24.

Leicester Tigers (WWLLW) v Gloucester (LLWWW)

Let’s not forget the biggest picture here; Ed Slater, an icon in the shirts of both clubs, is bravely fighting his MND battle but those following his social media will know he’s not in the best of place. I hope both teams put on a show for this great man of rugby and with Gloucester having a little bit of a springboard after their Premiership Cup win, I do expect them to come out with more confidence than in recent times.

Tigers have chosen to use their Test stars, and as a result, their physicality will be a real test for the Gloucester pack, who have an outstanding back row in Mercer, Clement and Ackermann that will go toe to toe with the Tigers.

But in the front five, there’s quality everywhere for Leicester, and I just feel my old club will be a little too powerful for the Cherry and Whites despite the motivation of the occasion.

Head to Head: Continuing with the back row, it has to be Zach Mercer v Jasper Wiese, a clash of very contrasting styles but with Mercer anxious to prove he’s got the physicality in his game that England are questioning.

One to watch: Ruan Ackermann provides a perfect foil for Mercer to roam and influence the Cherry and Whites attack. Gloucester missed him during the earlier stages of the Premiership, and it is no coincidence that their upswing in form has coincided with his return.

Chuter’s Call: I simply cannot see Gloucester getting enough front foot ball to get into this game. It’s 35-12 for me as the Tigers coast home on an armchair ride from their pack.

Exeter Chiefs (WLWLL) v Newcastle Falcons (LLLWL)

Neither side are in anything near form, with both only managing one win in their last five Premiership games. Exeter’s drop-off is a mystery- they’re a wonderfully physical side blessed with pace and power, but for some reason, they’ve not managed to get the results they deserve.

Falcons are always doughty and streetwise, and with the likes of Guy Pepper and Jamie Blamire, they have mobility and breakdown bite, but even with Chiefs’ poor form, this is a task out of their reach, and I expect Exeter to put them to the sword.

Head to Head: In my old position up front, we’ll see two very mobile men, Dan Frost and Blamire, lock horns in every way. Frost is a really dynamic all action player, but Blamire’s pace is well known to those that have seen him run in tries at Test and domestic level.

One to watch: Pepper has really taken his starting opportunities well for Newcastle and not only broken into the side but made the starting role his own. If Newcastle are going to stall the Exeter pack, he will be crucial.

Chuter’s Call: Home win again here, with Chiefs too powerful in the collision for the travelling Falcons. It’ll be around 42-10 as the Falcons struggle to get any form of foothold.

Saracens (WLLWW) v Harlequins (WWWWL)

Fourth plays second in a thriller of a London derby between two fiercest of rivals. Quins are in fine fettle and welcome back their England axis Dombrandt, Care and Smith at eight, nine and ten.

If they get opportunities, then there’s no better transition side in the Prem than Quins, and we will see a battle of possession versus opportunism in a close match.

Head to Head: Look no further than Owen Farrell versus Marcus Smith. They know each other’s games inside and out. With such contrasting characters and players, it’s all about front foot ball, and it will be interesting to see who comes out on top.

One to watch: I want to pay tribute to Owen Farrell, one of the most iconic players of the last decade. It’s far too fashionable to knock the Sarries ten, but nobody works harder or is more effective at driving his team forward. On the day of his 250th appearance, that will add a huge edge to the match and with the depth that Sarries have in the back five of the back this is all about if Quins can match their hosts at the breakdown.

Chuter’s Call: Such a hard one to predict, and Sarries need to score heavily if they’re to overcome Quins. 33-27 in an absolute thriller.

Bath (LWWLL) v Sale Sharks (LLLLL)

Third plays seventh in what should be a foregone conclusion down in the West Country, but anyone who has played against Sale knows just how powerful their pack is when on the front foot.

For me, there’s just too much in that Bath backline to see anything but a thumping win for them, although Sale are the arch spoilers and have some serious heavyweights in their pack, but they have a tendency to be predictable.

Head to Head: It can’t be anything other than George Ford versus Finn Russell, two men vying to be the Lions starting ten next season. And for once, you’d have to say that Ford is the man with form on his side, so whilst I expect Bath to win, the Sale ten might just have other plans.

One to watch: I’m pleased to see Bevan Rodd back in and starting as he is a vital cog in England’s plans moving forward. He is quite remarkable in terms of his handling skills for a loosehead prop. Bath’s Thomas du Toit will test him as the hosts field most of their Six Nations stars as they move towards qualification.

Chuter’s Call: If it goes to script then expect to see Bath’s superiority in the back division take them home. I’ll say 25-15, but if Ford gets on the front foot as he’s done for England I may very well be eating my words.