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Newcastle: seismic shock

The legal collapsing of mauls and no matching numbers required in the line out were the two most controversial passed and will be subject to serious scrutiny from the autumn.

Stuart Barnes
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It was quite some weekend in the Premiership but nothing like as important - long term - as the conclusion to last Thursday's rushed meeting of the IRB, aimed to implement all 23 Experimental Law Variations.

In the end the moderates prevailed with only 13 of the laws coming into experimental force for next season, with many of these changes being of a more cosmetic nature than the ones which had men like Ian McGeechan up in arms.

The legal collapsing of mauls and no matching numbers required in the line out were the two most controversial passed and will be subject to serious scrutiny from the autumn. The overall verdict was tentatively good.

Back to the immediate present and the galvanising race for the play offs.

There were two twists on Sunday with Wasps' eight-match winning streak coming to an end against leaders Gloucester although the biggest seismic shock occurred in Newcastle as the Falcons bared their claws to beat Leicester.

It was a defeat which seems almost certain to eliminate them from the title race. The champions must earn a bonus point win against Harlequins and hope Sale garner not even a bonus point against London Irish at home.

Irish will be awkward opponents but the odds on both results occurring are slim enough to leave Leicester temporarily devastated.

What do we know? That Sale/Leicester/Harlequins (in that order of likelihood) will probably finish fourth unless Wasps collapse in the North in the forthcoming games.

That Gloucester or Bath will finish top seeds is a certainty, yet either could feasibly finish third if Wasps pick up a high scoring pair of bonus point wins...clear as mud.

We also know that Gloucester and Bath, the two certain qualifiers, cannot face each other in the semi finals, leaving the tantalising prospect of a West Country derby final.

Gloucester's away win in Wycombe will be a huge psychological boost in the next few weeks to a team which occasionally has appeared fragile physically and mentally. They will need to be at their best this weekend because Bath are in brilliant form, mixing power and pace with plenty of precision.

What a way to bid adieu to the regular season at Kingsholm; if I don't see you there, make a date for the TV screen. Now to this week's questions...

UNDER THE POSTS
STUART BARNES ANSWERS YOUR EMAIL...

Do you have a question for Stuart? Email him here

LAMB OF HOPE
Well, Stuart - what have you got to say about that performance from Gloucester today, then? Ryan Lamb taught wunderkind Cipriani a few things about outside half play, don't you think? A magnificent performance all round from a very determined squad. Westy

STUART REPLIES: Westy, I write this early on Tuesday morning and have, alas, yet to see the delights of this match (although I am eagerly looking forward to watching Wednesday morning). No player is immune to off games so whatever Cipriani has - or has not done - is no great headline maker, nor is a magnificent performance from Ryan Lamb who I have long admired as an instinctive creative talent. What I would say is that this away win sets Gloucester up well for the run in becuause your boys have not always looked convinced of their own ability to beat the best a la Munster. Self belief is crucial and this win gives Gloucester plenty. Should be quite some West Country derby this Saturday, Westy, see you there? If not why...don't you love Gloucester and Bath slugging it out at the top. I cannot wait.

SQUAD SELECTIONS
Stuart, With the summer tour nearly upon us which new names would you like to in the squad for New Zealand? A few names I think could be worth consideration for the New Zealand tour are Paice, Banahan and Barnard. Regards, Rob Pinn.

STUART REPLIES: Rob, Lee Mears is, without doubt my Test hooker and I would take Northsampton's Dylan Hartley as cover, Matt Banahan is certainly a thrilling prospect but Paul Sackey, James Simpson Daniel, and Topsy Ojo would all be ahead in my particular pecking order; I would take the Bath giant to the Churchill Cup and give Ojo and SD a test each in New Zealand. Barnard is an interesting call...not for the Tests though surely? Matt Stevens and Sheridan are waiting to give the All Blacks a hard time....I would like Dany Care to have some game time as Harry Ellis's understudy with Olly Barkley a definite at twelve in both tests outside Cipriani with Lamb the back up..a few thoughts there for you.

SOUTHERN DISCOMFORT
Stuart, With the new changes about to take place do you see the northern hemisphere clubs setting up their own rival league using the existing laws? It still beggars belief that the IRB feel obliged to change the laws purely because the Australians can't deal with set pieces. If this is the case they already have a very good rugby league tournament there. Shouldn't they play this instead?! Thanks Ged, London.

STUART REPLIES: Ged, Had all 23 laws been experimented and enforced I think you might have been closer to the truth than most would think. In the IRB's defence, there are a few more reasons than Australian woe for the proposed changes but the excellence of Northern Hemisphere rugby right now makes a nonsense of the need for a dramatic overhaul. It has been unambitious coaching and indecisive refereeing at the root of any ugliness within the game. Both are dramatically improving and the game - as a result is thriving. The breakaway is not for the moment but if the IRB tamper with an effective professional business and game in France and England, you may yet regard yourself as a Sybilline Oracle.

Have a great week all,

Stuart

Do you have a question for Stuart? Email him here