Bath host Bristol Bears under the lights in a heated West Country derby, while Leicester Tigers welcome Sale Sharks to Welford Road with one eye on Twickenham.
With the Lions’ opening Test against Australia just six weeks away, these matches serve as a last-minute audition for those hoping to make Andy Farrell’s starting XV – with three players in particular needing a big weekend.
Questions also hang over Finn Russell’s place in the starting XV (Photo: Getty)
Russell’s vision and kicking ability remain unmatched at his best – but after a subdued Six Nations, any dip in form this weekend against Bristol could tip the scales against him.
Since leaving Worcester, the 22-year-old has steered Northampton to the Premiership title last season and has now displaced Marcus Smith as England’s starting fly-half.
Russell’s chances also aren’t helped by the inclusion of Johnny Sexton on Farrell’s coaching staff. The former Ireland captain was overlooked for the 2021 tour of South Africa in favour of the Scotsman – a decision said to have left a lasting impression, and resulted in some controversial comments in Sexton’s autobiography.
They finished the regular campaign as top scorers and 11 points clear of second-placed Leicester, whom they beat 43-15 last month. His influence has been key and could still be enough to hold off the next generation, at least for now.
Tom Curry
His England teammate – and direct rival – Tom Curry will feature for Sale against Leicester on Saturday.
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Curry had been expected to miss the tour due to a wrist injury, but in a bold move, the 26-year-old has postponed surgery and chosen to play through the pain in order to stay in contention for a starting spot in the Southern Hemisphere.
Sione Tuipulotu
Midfield selection could also hinge on this weekend. Bundee Aki and Huw Jones are among the favourites to start but may be challenged by the fit-again Sione Tuipulotu.
Either of their positions could be under threat from the Australian-born centre who was in blistering form heading into the Six Nations, but ultimately missed out due to a pectoral injury.
Should he play a decisive role in an upset over Leinster, and help guide the Warriors to a second successive URC final, Farrell may yet be persuaded to reconsider his midfield options.
With time running out, performances this weekend may prove decisive. For Farrell and his selectors, the auditions are nearly over.
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