Preview of Saturdays match against the Exiles


season ends

By David Hibell
May 9 2003

A good turn out of loyal Bristol fans is expected to make its way to the Madejdski stadium for the final match, but what’s at stake? New Page 1

This is the guide issued by the Zurich premiership

Bath:   

They must win to avoid relegation. A win would not guarantee that
 they are safe from the drop, however, as results elsewhere will affect
 them.

Bristol Shoguns:

If Bristol win, they are safe from relegation. If Bristol lose and Bath 
and Irish win then Bristol could tie for bottom place with Bath (and 
possibly Saracens). Bristol start the day with a better points 
difference than Bath (+8), but worse than Aaracens (-6) and Irish 
(-36).

Gloucester:         

Have secured the top of the table position and a place in the Zurich 
Premiership Final. However, they have an unbeaten record in the 
league at Kingsholm to uphold.

Leeds Tykes:   

If Leeds win, they guarantee themselves a place in next season's 
Heineken Cup, and if Sale lose (without any points) then the Tykes 
could make the top three - depending on Saturday's bonus points.

Leicester Tigers 

Must win with a bonus point for a chance at 4th place (and 
automatic entry into next season's Heineken Cup). Would still rely 
on Northampton and Leeds finishing in a draw and neither team 
scoring four tries.

London Irish:       

If they win, they will be safe from relegation. There is an outside 
chance they could qualify for the Zurich Wildcard but it requires 
five points for Irish and other results going their way.

London Wasps:       

Are guaranteed to be in the Zurich Premiership Semi Final. They 
need just two points to secure second place (and home 
advantage in the semi).

NEC Harlequins:     

Are safe from relegation but need three points to Be sure of a 
place in the Zurich Wildcard. (They need less points if Saracens 
don't beat Sharks with a bonus point).

Newcastle Falcons:  

Are safe from relegation but three points would guarantee them 
a place in the Zurich Wildcard.

Northampton Saints:

A win would guarantee (at worst) a fourth place finish and 
automatic entry for the Heineken Cup next season. A defeat would 
mean a place in the Zurich Wildcard. Outside chance that a win could 
be enough to secure third place and a spot in the Zurich Premiership 
Semi Final (should Sharks not pick up any points at Saracens).

Saracens:           

A win for Saracens could mean a place in the Zurich Wildcard (will 
need either Newcastle or Quins to lose). Still an outside chance of 
relegation for Sarries (should they lose with no bonus points, Bath 
win with a bonus point, Irish get at least two points and Bristol 
getting at least one point).

Sharks:             

Just need two points to secure third place. A win could secure second 
place (and home advantage in the semi final) if Wasps lose to Quins. 

For clarification:

If teams are equal on points it is determined

Firstly by number of games won

* Then, if they are still equal it is decided by the Points Difference

    * Then, if they are still equal it is decided by the number of Points For

Then, if they are still equal it is decided by the club who has won the most matches, excluding

its first Premiership match of the season, then its second premiership match until it can be

established which is the higher placed club.

One thing is for certain and that is that it is going to be a good craic, although with the threat

of relegation not entirely exorcised there will be a few people with one ear on goings on at other games.

Irish have a few injury worries and bring in Naka Drotske to replace Adrian Flavin.  Their injury list

is nearly as long as ours with players out including Justin Bishop (ankle), Brendan Venter (knee),

James Cockle (finger), Glenn Delaney (ankle), Darren Edwards (ribs), Paul Gustard (torn biceps)

and Richard Kirke (shoulder). 

No word yet as to whether they will continue with Mark Mapletoft at fly half or Barry the boot Everitt, 
though my guess would be to keep Mapletoft after their excellent result at Welford Road last week.  
The result has obviously impressed the people at Sporting Life as in their preview of tomorrow’s 
game they have the venue down as being Welford Road!

 

 

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