2025 kicked off with a bang this past weekend, as the Gallagher Premiership rolled on into double digits for the 10th round of the season. Bath continue to rule the roost as we pass the half way mark of the regular campaign, as they achieved two losing bonus points from the thrilling clash with Northampton Saints.
It was a nine-try classic up at cinch Stadium, as the Saints secured a dramatic win in the dying stages of the match, thanks to the sharpshooting of their talisman Fin Smith. Following what was a stunning encounter between the Premiership heavy hitters, a few of the green, black and gold stand outs have made their way into RUCK’s Team of the Week, for the 10th round of the Gallagher Premiership.
FULL RESULTS: GALLAGHER PREMIERSHIP 2024/25 ROUND 10
Newcastle Falcons 14-38 Harlequins / Gloucester Rugby 36-20 Sale Sharks
Leicester Tigers 28-15 Exeter Chiefs / Saracens 35-26 Bristol Bears
Northampton Saints 35-34 Bath Rugby
TEAM OF THE WEEK: PREMIERSHIP RUGBY ROUND 10
15. Santiago Carreras (Gloucester Rugby)
Watching on at Kingsholm Stadium, for Gloucester’s impressive win over Sale Sharks was Ruck Reporter Charlie Elliott. He handed Santiago Carreras an 8.5/10 in his Player Ratings and had the following to say about the Argentina fullback: “Involved in almost everything for his team from deep. Didn’t let an early conversion miss affect him too much with some very good kicking both from the tee and his hands.
“An audacious 50/22 kick that led to a dangerous attack was his defining moment, but he also got on the try scoring list with a tidy finish in the opening five minutes. Ran the show and despite a couple of minor blemishes deserved the Player of the Match award.”
14. Adam Radwan (Newcastle Falcons)
Whilst Newcastle were handed quite the resounding defeat for their first match of 2025, Adam Radwan was a standout performer for the Kingston Park faithful. The former England wing added his regular dose of high octane attacking pace to the fixture, and caused problems for the Quins from the get go. Radwan worked his way through the gain-line for a try, in what was a brief moment of celebration for the disappointed Newcastle crowd.
13. Henry Slade (Exeter Chiefs)
Another player who stood out for their side, despite coming away from the fixture on the losing end of the score-line. Henry Slade is gearing up for an important run in Steve Borthwick’s team for the 2025 Six Nations, with the England centre expected to be the first choice man to run the midfield channels. Slade shone with some moments of brilliance as Exeter forged a first half comeback against Leicester Tigers, with Slade providing two try assists, as Tommy Wyatt crossed for a brace.
12. Solomone Kata (Leicester Tigers)
A re-occuring face in RUCK’s Premiership Team of the Week, Solomone Kata was outstanding for the Tigers in their impressive win against his former club. There was certainly no love lost between Kata and his former Exeter teammates, with the centre beating five Chiefs defenders on the attacking foot. Kata was a steamroller with ball in hand, and showcased some neat interplay as the Tigers stretched their legs on breaks against the run of play.
11. James Ramm (Northampton Saints)
The first try of the nine-score spectacular went to James Ramm, as the Saints wing set the tempo for an exhillerating afternoon in their Sunday battle with Bath. The flyer crossed over for the opening score in some impressive style, as he carved a run through the blue, black and white wall, that had only shone the slightest of cracks. Watching the match at Franklin’s Gardens was RUCK’s Midlands Reporter Tom Harrington, who said; “Great score cutting open Bath’s line and going all the way, good coverage in the backfield after being moved to fullback.”
10. Fin Smith (Northampton Saints)
If there was ever a match for Fin Smith to shine as a match-winning fly half, it was this one as the 2025 Guinness Six Nations creeps ever closer. Steve Borthwick would have certainly of been impressed by the heroics of the young halfback, as Smith mainatined his composure to strike the decisive penalty, and snatch a win from the grasps of Finn Russell and Bath. Borthwick often encourages his players to embody a ‘Test match animal’ mindset, with Smith showcasing his nerves of steel in this cinch Stadium showcase.
RUCK’s Midlands Rugby Reporter Tom Harrington handed Smith a 9/10 in his Player Ratings: “Brilliant from the fly-half, assisting Hendy with his variation of play and winning the game for Northampton with his last-minute penalty.”
9. Tomos Williams (Gloucester Rugby)
It was another strong performance from Tomos Williams, who will be eyeing up a return to the Wales squad for the 2025 Guinness Six Nations. Warren Gatland could go far wrong than to select the Gloucester halfback to lead the back-line, as Williams has been one of the league’s most consistent scrum halves this season. Watching the match was Ruck Reporter Charlie Elliott, who reported;
“Ran the show as he usually does and capped off the performance with a try at the end. A brilliantly improvised assist for the opener put Gloucester well on their way for the big win. Is always impressive but this time showed a bit of extra class that was needed on the day.”
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