By Lawrence Aggleton
September 18 2008

So, laws and interpretations dominate the headlines and the discussions again. This was always going to happen with so many changes and such a strict new interpretation, but how long should it be given? I watch rugby for the complexity and passion of it, and the complexity is enshrined in the laws.

But after a game I want to be talking about swooping backs moves, powerful runs, driving forwards, sharp breaks, elation or disappointment. Mindless aerial ping-pong, lineout confusion, whether the ball was 1 or 2 metres out of the ruck when someone dived on it, this isn't what rugby's about for me. Short-sighted sacrifice of the game's core on the altar of Australian code competition should and must be resisted.

Brizzle vs Tadpoles

Bristol have been pretty terrible so far this season, comprehensively outplayed by both Bath and Quins. Sale have won two out of two, but only scored one try. I've got a random feeling about this one. I can't think Bristol are really as bad as they've seemed and Sale have barely scraped their wins. A raucous Mem on a friday night? I dunno, maybe I'm off by miles, but Bris need some points and soon - I think they'll get them here. Prediction: Bristol 4, Sale 1.

Glawster vs Sequins

This should be a cracking game, Quins have been on fire for the first two games of the season, Glaws should get a huge boost from finally breaking their Rec hoodoo. To be honest, I don't think Glaws played that well last weekend, and were quite poor the previous one. But Quins will really miss a top-notch fly-half in this game and I expect the Cherry and Whites to scrape through, unconvincingly, again. Prediction: Gloucester 4, Quins 1.

Sortof London sortof Irish vs Brilliance

Everyone got over the disappointment of last weekend yet then? Nope, me neither. It was, hmmm, gert rubbish. The score flattered us, but maybe it'll have kicked us out of our funk, and show us that our best rugby is played at pace, with depth and width. I keep saying I'm gonna stop underestimating London Irish, but it might have suited them better to come up against a complacent Bath rather than one with a point to prove. And, let's be honest, there's no way that Butch can play as badly again. Prediction: Irish 1, Bath 4.

Sinners vs Wycombe

Snigger. OK, well it can't happen three times, can it? Saints had a good opening win against Wuss, but fell back oop narth. Franklins Gardens should be rocking for the visit of the champions whose decision to allow Fraser Waters to leave at the same time as Dallaglio is looking more and more flawed by the game. Still, they have to bounce back.  Don't they? Prediction: Saints 0 Wasps 4

Wuss vs Meaaaaaat

Cracking win for Wuss at Wasps last week and Tigers managed to make it two out of two (luckily) against Irish. Chris Latham looks pure class for Wuss, but their halfbacks look just a touch too ropey. Tigers aren't perfect, but I think they'll be too much here. Prediction: Worcester 1, Tigers 4

Watford vs Relegated

Jonny's baaaaaack! Yeah, it'll do for Saints, but not Sarries, who were a touch unlucky up at Sale last week. At home, having lost their first two, Sarries have the most straightforward of Premiership tests to bounce back in. Prediction: Sarries 4 Falcons 0