RUCK's Premiership Predictions for Round 3: Saracens to remain unbeaten

There is plenty of reason for the Premiership stars to impress, as the contention for international places heats up ahead of next month's Autumn Series. We have challenged the Ruck writing staff to predict the outcomes of this weekend's matches, as we peered into the crystal ball once again. Here's what we found:

Tom Sansom, Ruck Chief Rugby Writer said: Northampton and Harlequins under the Friday night lights of Franklin's Gardens, the stage doesn't get much better for fans of fast-flowing attacking rugby. I predict a win for the Saints, who have the Gardens a real fortress to visit, with Phil Dowson's side eyeing up back-to-back Premiership wins.

Harlequins enter the match with a real assortment of injury issues, whilst Northampton have a near enough full bill of health with the exception of Alex Mitchell. Both sets of players will be looking to impress England head coach Steve Borthwick, with an enticing battle within the war between competing fly halves Fin and Marcus Smith. A Saints win is expected, but Quins get a losing bonus point.

George Davis, Ruck Harlequins Reporter said: "After their first win of the season Quins will be looking to make it 2 from 3, but there aren’t many harder places to do it than Franklins Gardens. Danny Wilson’s side will be without Cassius Cleaves and Luke Northmore while question marks remain over Leigh Halfpenny’s fitness.

"New Argentine signing Rodrigo Isgro could also feature in what could be a very different looking back three. Wilson is expecting an open game and I agree, but I will struggle to see the London side coming away with anything more than a point. Northampton 37- 28 Quins."

Zaara Altaf, Sale Sharks Reporter said; "With an unfortunate loss for Gloucester in the match against Sale sharks just a few months ago, it could be argued this the opportunity for redemption, however looking at the last 26 games of head to head matches, Gloucester vs Sale, they have achieved substantially more losses than wins. Sale winning 20, Gloucester with 6, it is evident whose performance has been exceeding, this may be history repeating itself once again with Sale coming out on top with the victory."

Ben Baker, Gloucester Rugby Reporter said: "After a massive win against West Country rivals Bristol Bears, The Cherries will be looking to carry their momentum against a Sale Sharks side who sit eight in the table. I can see this being a very tight game that goes right down to the wire, but I do think Gloucester will win it at the death once again by as little as 5 points, once again playing the attacking rugby they played against the Bears."

Sam Jess, Bath Rugby Reporter said; "After last week's chaotic loss to Gloucester, Pat Lam's Bristol side will be hoping to bounce back; however, that won't come easy as they travel along the A4 to form side Bath. Johann van Graan's side are one of only two teams to win both of their opening games, having won away at Leicester on Sunday.

"The form books say the Bath should win this game, as they have had only one loss at the Rec all year in major competitions, but they will be up against it with both first-choice wingers out of action. The Bears' attack was great last week, but their defence was not, and that cannot happen against a side with Finn Russell leading the backs.

"While Lam's side have a good record over the rivals, it is hard to see them beating Bath at the Rec, despite the injuries the blue-black and white have. It will be tense, all derbies are, but Bath have the game to edge Bristol 28-22."

Ben Thorne, Bristol Bears Reporter said; Despite Bristol’s ability to score lots of points I think they’ll struggle against Bath. The Blue, Black and Whites seem like a really challenging outfit to break down this season, I think their defensive stability will see them win the game.

Harvey Allen, Newcastle Falcons Reporter said; "This was the match that got away for Newcastle last year, and they’ll be more geared up than ever to turn the tide. Leicester won a tight match against Exeter in the first game, before losing narrowly to Bath in the last. Newcastle held their own against Harlequins last week, but will be hoping to have home advantage play into their hands. Heartbreakingly for Newcastle fans, I expect another narrow loss for the Falcons this year again."

George Wellbelove, Leicester Tigers Reporter said; "Tigers will be eager to bounce back after last week’s defeat. Expect them to come out firing against Newcastle. It should be a routine win against an opposition who is still struggling to find form."

Will Gupwell, London Rugby Reporter said; Rob Baxter’s Exeter Chiefs travel to their old rivals Saracens this Sunday. The Chiefs had a heartbreaking loss at home in round 1 and a tough journey to the champions last weekend. With injuries mounting and Saracens high on confidence, it could be three losses on the bounce for Baxter’s men. Saracens to win by 15.

Jack Sanderson, Exeter Chiefs Reporter said; "Exeter will be looking to bounce back to winning ways after two losses in a row, including a tight loss on the road last week to Northampton, but are facing a tough test against London outfit Saracens this weekend.

"Saracens are coming off a great start to the season with two wins from two, including a big win against Sale on the opening weekend of the season. I think it will be another tight game but unfortunately for the Chiefs I think Saracens will edge it by a couple of points and continue their Unbeaten start to the season."