Adam Williams presents his prediction for the English Premiership rugby match.
On the opening day of the new season, we'll witness a repeat of last year's final. In that closely contested battle, the Saints emerged victorious (25:21). Bath Rugby and Northampton Saints will clash once again, this time not at Twickenham but at the Rec, Bath's home ground.
Bath Rugby
The team didn't lose any key players, unlike their final opponents. Of those who featured at Twickenham (albeit as substitutes), Elliott Stooke has moved to Japan, and Juan Schoeman has returned to South Africa. The main signing is South African prop François van Wyk, who spent the last four years with Leicester Tigers. Another signing is front-row forward Ross Molony, who played his entire career at Leinster. Crucially, Finn Russell remains at the club, and his influence played a significant role in helping Bath reach the Premiership final for the first time since 2015.
Northampton Saints
The champions have suffered more significant losses. Notably, one of Northampton's legends, Courtney Lawes, has moved to the French Top 14. The second and back-row forward spent his entire 17-season career with the Saints, but it was announced in March that he would join the CA Brive Corrèze Limousin. Another major loss is loosehead prop Alex Waller, who has retired. Hooker Sam Matavesi has also left for France, and homegrown lock Alex Moon is no longer with the team. The losses are considerable.
Bath Rugby vs Northampton Saints Prediction
Given the transition Northampton Saints will have to undergo under Phil Dowson, Bath Rugby’s chances of victory appear stronger. It’s also notable that Bath will be the home side, where they won 11 of 13 matches last season. If they did lose, it was by no more than three points (to Saracens in April). Interestingly, these two teams met in the final round of the regular season, just before the playoffs, where Bath demolished Northampton Saints (43-12). Thus, the conclusion is clear: a Bath victory.
