Guinness Premiership: What's Hot and What's Not This Week?

The Guinness Premiership was finally back on our screens (well only two games were, plus ITV highlights) and all the teams got stuck into their first game under the new E.L.V's.

I will now look back on all the hot points and all the not so hot points of the past weekend's action.


Hot

•Toby Flood played his first game for the Tigers, and with his debut came a try. His debut was by no means perfect, but it was enough to prove his credentials to replace Andy Goode.

•Gloucester full back Olly Morgan showed Ian Balshaw how to dominate the High Ball and capped off a great game with the Cherry and Whites' only try.

•It's great to see Jon Clarke back in the Premiership after his leg break. He showed what made him such a promising player two years ago.

•It was also great to see Northampton back where they belong and managing to grind out a victory against Worcester.

•Young Jonny Wilkinson replacement Rory Clegg pushed Sale all the way and showed what a promising player he is.

•Butch James slotted all his kicks in Bath's local derby, and made Olly Barkley's departure look completely insignificant.

•I'm also glad to see Bath carry on their free-flowing style of play, which helped them to their first win at the Memorial Stadium in 10 years.

•David Lemi has already scored what must be a blatant contender for try of the season. It was a dazzling run which, quite frankly, left Bath grasping at thin air.

•London Irish showed that Brian Smith's departure hasn't hurt as they beat Champions London Wasps.

•David Strettle's try in 54 seconds gave Harlequins the lead they needed to help beat Saracens. Dean Richards' young side continue to play attractive rugby.


Not

•Current Champions London Wasps really looked bleak as they couldn't overcome London rivals at Twickenham.

•Young England hopeful Ryan Lamb wasn't on top form at all as he missed his kicks and just generally never got his back-line going.

•Bruce Reihana's kicking was terrible and has even apologised for his kicking. He admits kicking like that can cost you games. Poor show, Bruce.

•I really expected Sale to thrash the depleted Newcastle side they faced, but a pretty mediocre performance meant they only beat them by five points.

•Gloucester really didn't show that they are ready to exterminate their tag "The nearly men." They really should have beat the Tigers on their home turf.