Adam Williams presents his prediction for the Premiership Rugby Cup match.
The only match on the opening day where Premiership clubs will face each other. This clash is not just a meeting of big teams but a fierce East Midlands derby.
Northampton Saints
These teams have already met this season, with Leicester Tigers winning (24:8) at their home ground. However, at Franklin's Gardens, the Saints have been unbeatable since November 2023. Over the past year, they have secured 16 victories, including a win against the Tigers (40:17). This time, fewer players have been called up to the England national team, with the main absences being backs like Tommy Freeman, George Furbank, and Fin Smith, who wouldn't have played anyway. This tournament is more suited for testing reserves.
Leicester Tigers
Leicester Tigers recently caused a sensation by defeating Saracens in London (32:29), marking their third consecutive win away from home. However, before the Saracens upset, they had beaten Premiership strugglers Exeter Chiefs and Newcastle Falcons. Against stronger opponents, the Tigers have usually faltered, losing four out of five matches last spring, with their only win coming against a hopeless Newcastle side (19:13).
Northampton Saints vs Leicester Tigers Prediction
In their long history, both founded in 1880, these clubs have faced each other over 250 times. Matches in the second tier of English competitions are more unpredictable due to entirely different lineups. The last time Northampton Saints and Leicester Tigers met in the Premiership Cup was in 2019, when the Saints claimed an away victory (31:22). Now, at home, expect a similar result with an equally substantial margin.
