Predictions: Premiership Rugby Round 5 - Falcons or Chiefs will get their first season win

Newcastle Falcons continue their search for a win in the Premiership, as they host Exeter Chiefs for a 19:45 KO. The men from Devon would have already commenced the seven hour trek up North, with a monstrous 368 mile journey ahead of them from Sandy Park to Kingston Park. The Chiefs are also without a win so far this season, with their four points coming from losing bonus efforts.

There's plenty on the line in this battle of the bottom two, with an out of form Chiefs providing the perfect opponent for the Falcons to grab their first Premiership win since March 2023. Kicking off at the same time is Northampton Saints vs Sale Sharks, with the hosts hoping to rally back from their disappointing East Midlands derby defeat to Leicester Tigers last weekend.

Whilst Sale come into this match hot off a win over the Falcons, they are still without their talisman George Ford, who remains on the injury sidelines. Once again, we challenged the Ruck writing staff to compile their predictions, for the upcoming round of Gallagher Premiership action. Here is what we saw when we looked into the crystal ball.

FRIDAY: Newcastle Falcons vs Exeter Chiefs / Northampton Saints vs Sale Sharks

SATURDAY: Bristol Bears vs Saracens / Harlequins vs Bath

SUNDAY: Leicester Tigers vs Gloucester Rugby

Newcastle Falcons Reporter Matthew Prudroe said: "Chiefs have a creative set of backs and a hard forward pack. Even though they’re also 0-4 alongside Falcons their performances have been a lot more positive than Newcastle’s. Falcons haven’t been much of a threat to any teams they’re have faced this season. Their defensive performances have been poor and Exeter will exploit these weaknesses. Chiefs will beat Falcons by at least 3 tries."

Chief Rugby Writer Tom Sansom added: "With both teams still searching for their first victory of the season, this is the ultimate opportunity for Newcastle Falcons to spread their wings for a win. The pressure is on Exeter Chiefs to take the win back down to Devon, but Steve Diamond's men will be looking at the fixture with eager anticipation. the Whilst the heart would love to see the Falcons finally get off the mark and end their run of Premiership sorrow, the mind believes that Exeter have the capabilities of a confident second half win, after perhaps trailing at the break. Newcastle 19 - 34 Exeter Chiefs.

Northampton Saints Reporter Ben Grundy predicted: "A game that will ultimately come down to physicality in my opinion. Northampton will have to manage Sale’s brute force and improve on taking their chances, which they failed to capitalise on in Leicester and be clinical.

"Phil Dowson’s men will not want to start the way they have in the last few games by conceding early as I fear it may allow for a wave of pressure to overwhelm them.
Both sides are hurt with injuries to big names like George Ford and Alex Mitchell but Northampton have shown up at Cinch Stadium in their last 16 games there and I can’t see this being much different. A high-scoring closely fought battle with Northampton just getting the better of the Sharks by 5 points is my prediction."

Sale Sharks Reporter Elayna Towell said: "Sale sharks produced a great performance against Newcastle last round with a 6 try, 43-10 win. Northampton Saints, however, are coming off off the back of a hard defeat by the Harlequins and are an injury-stricken side as several players, including scrum-half Alex Mitchell, will be absent from the squad. I predict Sale will be beat Northampton by at least 10 points."

Bristol Bears Reporter Ben Thorne predicted: "After a miraculous comeback in Exeter in addition to a brilliant victory over Bath, you have to assume that Bristol will come into the fixture full of confidence. Additionally, Gabriel Ibitoye will want to prove Steve Borthwick wrong for not including him in his England squad, despite the wingers fantastic form in the early stages of this season.

"However, after a loss against rivals Quins last week, Saracens will be desperate to get back to winning ways and with Bristols home form seemingly shaky so far this season, I think the away side will edge it. I predict that Saracens will win 35-31."

Chief Rugby Writer Tom Sansom added: "Saracens were proven to be mortal last weekend, as the North Londoners suffered their first defeat of the Premiership season. Mark McCall's side were humbled by a resolved Harlequins defensive effort, for a gritty 17-10 win for the Quins. Sarries will be fired up to get back to winning ways, and give their international stars an appropriate send off ahead of the Autumn Series. I expect a Saracens win, after Bristol burn themselves out at the hour. Bristol 24 - 36 Saracens.

Bath Rugby Reporter Sam Jess wrote: "Having both claimed wins over their big rivals, Harlequins and Bath Rugby will both be looking to make it two wins from two. While both teams were made to work hard for victories in Derby Weekend, Bath should come into the game freshest, having had an extra day off and a less taxing match.

"For Quins, the question will be how much has their victory over Saracens taken out on them? They have the skills to stretch a Bath side who have been vulnerable on the wings, but will they have the same mental attitude and energy?

"If they dip slightly, then Bath will claim victory; despite going into the halftime break last week 24-17 down, they outscored Gloucester 38-7 in the second half away from home. No easy feat, and they, too, are never out of any game.

"Any other week, Quins would be favourites against Bath due to their attacking strengths, but something tells me that they peaked emotionally against Saracens, and Bath will catch them out. Harlequins 24-30 Bath Rugby."

Leicester Tigers Reporter George Wellbelove wrote: "Leicester are on a roll. Fresh off of a great win against local rivals Saints, Michael Cheika’s side will be looking to record their fourth straight win. They should have too much for Gloucester, who were blown away by Bath in the second half. Tigers to win by 20."

Gloucester Rugby Reporter Ben Baker added: "Gloucester have had a mixed start to the season and will be desperate to pick up a win against Leicester Tigers. George Skivington’s side have shown their attacking quality throughout the season, scoring bonus point tries in every game this season.

"However, The Cherries have struggled defensively, conceding 162 (average 40.5) points across the first four games this season. I can see it being another high scoring tight clash for Gloucester with the game going Leicester’s way by a narrow margin where Gloucester pick up a try and a losing bonus point."