Aviva Premiership: Gloucester to feel the wrath of ‘the wolfpack’ at Kingsholm

With a much better attacking and defensive line up, Saracens are likely to prevail against their West Country opponents

Saracens have experienced a return to form in recent weeks and will go into this game against Gloucester feeling confident of coming away with a positive result.

They have now won their last 5 games in all competitions and are beginning to show some signs that their ‘wolfpack’ defence is returning to its best. Having suffered back to back losses against Exeter and Northampton in November, Sarries have only conceded 36 points in their last three league matches. Thereby showing just why they are renowned for having one of the best defensive units in the Premiership.

Saracens will also be buoyed by the fact that Gloucester haven’t won at home at Kingsholm in their last three league outings. Unfortunately this no longer comes as a surprise to rugby fans, as the Gloucester side that were once challenging for titles have been missing now for the last few years.

David Humphrey’s will be hoping his side don’t go another home game without a win this Friday, but they will certainly have to play at the top of their potential to cast aside title contenders Sarries. However, there is a glimmer of hope for Gloucester, who have lost only two of their last six meetings with Saracens at Kingsholm.

Despite this, the odds are well and truly stacked in the Londoners favour, as they look to try and keep up with league leaders Northampton Saints. They have racked up 125 points in their last three league matches and will be relying on their attacking flair to carve open the often vulnerable Gloucester defence.

A big plus for them last weekend was that Strettle got himself on the score sheet once more with two tries. Himself and fellow winger Ashton are very much form players, who often strike whilst the irons hot! With their pace they could be key to Saracens this weekend and are likely to expose Gloucester’s weaknesses in their defensive set up.

To add further salt in the wounds, the home side have the third worst defence in the league and currently sit ninth in the table, whilst the visitors have the second best scoring rate this season.

This Friday’s match could well end as a blood bath if Gloucester aren’t careful. If they don’t keep their defence tight and maintain plenty of possession, they could well see themselves out of the game by half time. Saracens have a significant attacking edge over their opponents, which is likely to be the deciding factor at Kingsholm Road. Expect a dominant Saracens performance that will see them finish the game as worthy winners.

9/10 – Saracens to win at -5.5 handicap