The Premiership is back with a classic on More than Sports TV

Perhaps the most spectacular rugby league in the world is back. The English Premiership starts the new season this weekend. Once again we can expect uncompromising attacking rugby and to kick things off there is a rematch between perhaps the most attractive teams. More than Sports TV is showing the rematch of the last final between Bath and Northampton this Friday live, free of charge and legally on German TV and via stream.

The summer break is finally over in the top league of the motherland of rugby. The new season in the Premiership starts on Friday with a rematch of the previous season’s final. The runners-up will host defending champions Northampton Saints at the picturesque Recreation Ground in the World Heritage city of Bath. Two of the most enthusiastic teams will open the season live on More than Sports TV (Friday 8:45 p.m.) – what more could a rugby fan want?

The favorites

Northampton Was more or less a surprise champion last year. With Fin Smith as a young, dynamic number ten, who fed a dynamic back line with balls, and an attack that could take on anyone thanks to Courtney Lawes and Lewis Ludlam, the Saints deserved the title. But the two attacking stars have both moved to France and now coach Phil Dowson has to look for alternatives without being able to justify any big names.

Bath welcomes the Saints on the first match day and could make an early statement. Unlike some of its competitors, the team led by rugby magician Finn Russell has not had to make any sacrifices in terms of personnel, thanks in part to the ultra-rich owner Bruce Craig, who led the club to its first title in more than a quarter of a century. With magician Russell and a strong attack, as well as good finishers, Johan van Graan’s team has everything it needs to win the title. Many therefore consider Bath to be the title favorite, even if the trauma of the late 21-25 defeat at Twickenham in May is still deep.

In May, the Saints were able to turn the party around late and prevent Bath’s first title since 1998

Only the top four clubs make it to the playoffs and can even get involved in the title race next spring. In addition to the two finalists, there are numerous teams that are also considered playoff candidates. Record champions Leicester TigersStill champions in 2023 under current England coach Borthwick. The strong attacking men from the Midlands are now starting anew under ex-Wallabies and Pumas coach Micheal Cheika and want to mature into a title contender again in their fortress Welford Road. After the departure of Springboks star Jasper Wiese, Pumas captain Julian Montoya will be even more important to lead the feared Tigers attack.

Die Saracens are a mixed bag in the first year after Owen Farrell made the jump to France to join Racing 92. With the Vunipola brothers, two alternative England stars have also left the London club, who still have an outstanding attack in captain Maro Itoje, Ben Earl and Pumas flanker Gonzalez. A lot will rest on the young shoulders of Fergus Burke, because the 25-year-old New Zealander of Scottish descent was lured away from top club Crusaders to replace Farrell. He has big shoes to fill, both on and off the field.

The extended tip

The London competition from the Harlequins is also hoping for the playoffs. Last season they managed to make it into the top four in the Champions Cup, but in the Premiership the team around England link-up Marcus Smith was too inconsistent. With captain Alex Dombrandt as their leader they want to change that. With Wyn Smith and Leigh Halfpenny two ultra-experienced Welsh internationals are joining the West Londoners. Meanwhile the Exeter Chiefs around captain Henry Slade are also among the extended group of favorites, after the upheaval last year brought a lot of changes. The same applies to the Bristol Bears, who have an explosive eight in Viliame Mata and need more consistency in defense in addition to their offensive flair in order to make it far.