Premiership Rugby: State of play as English top flight returns
After Bath, the battle for the top four was very fierce, with only eight points between Bristol, second place and Harlequins, sixth place, Gloucester, Leicester and Saracens separated by a point between the two.
The Bears have not been in the top four all season and are no longer European action, so it may be crucial to be able to put all their efforts in the league alone.
The Cherries and Whites in the best position after falling into trouble near the bottom at this stage of the past two seasons.
Their offense proves a big part of the season going forward – their offense is the third-highest score in the league with a third-highest score – but making sure their form doesn’t fall behind again as they hope to make their first playoffs since 2019, which will be key.
The big test of Leicester will remain focused after coach Michael Cheika confirmed he left the club at the end of the season.
The departure of the Australian means tigers are looking for their ninth boss in less than nine years, although he said this week The desire to succeed is still “burning brightly”.
