Christian Wade equals record as prem talking points cover leicester-northampton fallout and gloucester’s real deal
Leicester and Northampton clash
A sell-out crowd watched Leicester and Northampton play a physical match in difficult weather. Henry Pollock and Ollie Chessum were among those involved in a major scuffle just before half-time.
Leicester and England scrum-half Jack van Poortvliet said the fixture carried extra meaning for players who meet in the England camp. Northampton coach Phil Dowson will want his team to perform in wet conditions as well as they do in dry weather.
Gloucester keep impressing
Gloucester have combined strength among the forwards with lively play out wide this season. Centre Will Joseph has been recalled to England, while Wales player Jac Morgan was described as the signing of the season so far.
Coach George Skivington said the past two weeks should give the team belief in what it could achieve. Their form has made Gloucester one of the teams drawing attention early in the campaign.
Wade matches Prem record
Christian Wade scored in Newcastle Red Bulls’ win over Sale, bringing his Prem try total level with Chris Ashton’s all-time mark of 101. Newcastle have also started winning earlier than last season, when their first of two victories came in round nine.
Harlequins have responded to a 48-0 defeat by Gloucester with close and convincing wins. They pushed Sale hard, beat French side Vannes and defeated Saracens, with Marcus Smith featuring on his 200th appearance.
Key points
- A half-time scuffle added tension to Leicester and Northampton’s weather-affected match.
- Gloucester’s strong campaign has coincided with Will Joseph’s England recall and Jac Morgan’s arrival.
- Christian Wade equalled Chris Ashton’s record of 101 Prem tries.
- Harlequins have bounced back from their 48-0 loss to Gloucester with three improved results.