Filed under: Rugby Union, Premiership
The Six Nations may be back, but the Aviva Premiership continues in what is another vital round of games for those challenging at both ends of the table. You can rest assured the national selectors will be keeping an eye on those fringe players who could yet stake a claim at the half-way stage of the championship. MATCH OF THE WEEKEND:
Sale Sharks v Leicester Tigers
Edgeley Park, Friday February 25. Kick off: 1945 GMT
This would have once got the pulses racing, a real top of the table clash. Leicester are still doing their job as they sit at the summit once again. However, it's a different scenario now for Sale. The Sharks appear to have lost their bite and are languishing at the wrong end of the table after a miserable season. Nobody will fancy them getting anything here and that challenge won't be helped with England flanker Tom Croft set for a first start after three months out.
Key man: Tom Croft (Leicester)
Key stat: Leicester have a miserable record when making the trip up north to Sale, having one just once of their last seven meetings.
Key quote: "We are not in the mire at present, but we are looking over our shoulders at Newcastle and Leeds." - Sale coach Pete Anglesea.
BEST OF THE REST:
Northampton Saints v Gloucester
Franklin's Gardens, Saturday February 27. Kick off: 1500 GMT
With Northampton's challenge on the wane, Gloucester have taken up the baton in their late charge. A win here at the home of the Saints would provide further evidence of their surge towards the summit. But Northampton haven't been helped since losing their international stars during the Six Nations. Having lost three out of the four games since the likes of Chris Ashton and Ben Foden have been absent, it's no surprise to see coach Jim Mallinder conceding they will assess their recruitment policy for next season.
Key man: Nicky Robinson (Gloucester)
Key stat: Gloucester travel to Northampton ahead of them in the table for the first time this season.
Key quote: "They told me I wasn't required, and while that didn't come completely out of the blue, it wasn't easy to take." - Wasps-bound fly-half Robinson.
London Irish v Harlequins
Madejski Stadium, Saturday February 27. Kick off: 1500 GMT
Having ended their dismal run, London Irish were downed once again last time out. Not they have to show here that their blip is over rather than back. Six defeats from their last seven games has seen them drop like a stone. Once title contenders, they are now perched in mid-table. But if their form has been poor, Harlequins' certainly hasn't. Having rocketed up the table, the Quins' pursuit of a play-off place will gather pace with another win here.
Key man: Mike Brown (Harlequins)
Key stat: Harlequins are the Premiership's form team following 10 wins from their last 11 games.
Key quote: "We have a long way to go and our conversion rate still must improve." - London Irish coach Toby Booth
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Source: http://www.fanhouse.co.uk/2011/02/25/aviva-premiership-tom-crofts-return-makes-sharks-task-even-ha/
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