With three rounds to go in the English Premiership the reigning premiers Exeter Chiefs our well on track to make it back-to-back titles.
After an impressive 46-10 hammering of Gloucester on Sunday they have sown up their play off spot with an eight-point buffer at the top of the table on 70 points.
One more win over the next three weeks will see them finish as the no1 seeds, giving them home advantage in the semi-finals.
After a slow start, and an early exit from the Champions Cup, Saracens (62 points) – the 2014/15 and 2015/16 winners – have begun to hit top form with a 63-13 hammering of Northampton after leading just 15-13 at half time.
They need just one more win to guarantee their play-off place but will be aiming for two to definitely host a home semi.
That step from Sione Kalamafoni 😲👏
— Premiership Rugby (@premrugby) April 9, 2018
The Number 8️⃣ scored 2️⃣ tries as @LeicesterTigers downed @bathrugby in #TheClash
Remember, you can watch all the highlights on @Channel5Sport, 7pm. #AvivaPrem pic.twitter.com/WyVMg1sD1T
From there things are much tighter with no less than five teams in the running for the final two playoff spots: Leicester (56), Wasps (56), Newcastle (54), Sale (53) and Gloucester (51).
Most likely are the Tigers and last year’s runners-up Wasps who both have relatively easy run-ins but many will be hoping for the Falcons to return to the playoffs for the first time in 20 years or Sale to make their first appearance in the final four since 2005-06.
Newcastle host Sale this Friday night in a crucial clash, with the loser sure to end their playoff hopes.
At the other end London Irish look set for the drop, despite improving form under new coach Les Kiss and Technical Advisor Declan Kidney.
To survive they would need to win their last three matches with either Worcester or Northampton losing all of theirs.
