I've amended my predictions slightly but sorry Kingol, cannot see much challenge from Gloucs or Newcastle this season. Both have lost several international stars and replaced them with solid journeyman and unproven youngsters. My predictions are not set in stone, just targets that are realistically achievable with a margin for error and comparable to results achieved in recent years.kingol22 wrote:expecting 2 bonus points from gloucester and newcastle is not really realistic also i dont think a bonus point against leeds will be easy i expect them to be the dark horse next year and really push the top 6 for hc places.
Gloucester have lost several experienced international forwards including Delve, Bortolami, Eustace and Somerville and replaced them with experienced former Tigers Brett Deacon and Jim Hamilton alongside England youth international Matthew Cox (their only 3 confirmed signings). The Shed are even less optimstic than last year!
Newcastle have lost a dozen players including talismanic skipper Carl Hayman and Mark Sorensen as well as flying wing Tom Biggs to Bath. Who's come in to fill their boots? A dozen journeymen, mostly from Championship and only one international in Scottish back-rower Ali Hogg. They've decent half-backs in Young and Gopperth but doubt the pack (bar maybe Golding) will pull up many trees and provide enough ball to threaten opposition defences. Only Leeds and relegated Worcester scored fewer points last season. Off the park, they have a new inexperienced coaching staff, dwindling funds and rumours abound over their long-term viability as a club. Their plans of ground expansion to meet RFU demands that top-flight stadia should have a 15,000 capacity have been opposed by local government and as performances drop so do their attendances, especially with the renaissance of Newcastle Utd in an area dominated by the round ball.
I fear a chasm is slowly developing between the top 4-6 clubs (Tigers, Saints, Sarries, Bath, Wasps, Irish) in regular contention for Europe and the rest.
Can anyone see another side REALLY breaking into the top 4 this season?
I also worry about over-exposure on TV with over half the games being televised live in a sport that is has been growing attendances steadily. The best way to grow the sport is by encouraging paying spectators to go to the games - televised sport in front of empty stadia is not a good advert for rugby and I fear clubs must price tickets competitively and schedule sensitively to attract the best support possible.
