Following the conclusion of the first half of the Premiership season, Planet Rugby takes a look at the mid-term reports for each team.

Newcastle: B

They are already two wins better off than they were last season, and to be perfectly honest they have been good value for this with improved performances right across the nine league game to date. Away games are still hard for them to manage, look at their recent loss to Northampton for example, but they are far more competitive at home and are starting to bring fans back to Kingston Park as a result. They are still bottom of the table, granted, but much improved so far from the Falcons.

Exeter: E

Just dreadful so far this season, but the only way for them is up. Whilst Rob Baxter’s side have put in some competitive performances, and can feel hard done by to have not taken a couple wins against Leicester and Bristol, on the whole, they look a far-cry from the team they were this time last year – yet alone the team of old. The victory against Gloucester might be what turns their season around, but it still makes for pretty bleak reading for Chiefs fans.

Northampton: D

Nobody can really say where Northampton are at the moment, but their eighth-place ranking feels like a big drop-off from the defending champions. The injury to Alex Mitchell early doors was a huge blow, and things have quickly turned around for them since his return, but that in itself is a sign of a team not fully firing. It just feels something hasn’t quite been there this year, be it that errors creeping in or even a change to their system, it just hasn’t quite clicked yet. Their win against Newcastle was probably the first time we saw what they are capable of though, and if they play like that for the second half of the season they could cause some damage; but on the whole four wins from nine for the defending champions isn’t good enough.

Harlequins: D

A strange old season for Harlequins, who were expected to be a lot higher than seventh at the start of the season. Their defence has improved a lot this year, but as a result their attack has almost taken two steps back, the billing against Gloucester a prime example. Whilst this might seem a tad harsh, attack is their thing, it’s what makes Quins, Quins. Three wins and a draw from their opening nine games isn’t what Danny Wilson or the Stoop faithful would have targeted for this stage of the season, and you feel there is still a lot of work to be done to get them on top form once again.

Gloucester: B

There really is a lot to like about the way Gloucester have gone about their business this year, especially compared to last season too. Their attack has come on in leaps and bounds, potentially to the detriment of their defence a touch, but that is a really positive step from a side who lacked a clear identity last time out. Crucially, it is also now starting to turn into results. They deserve a decent pat on the back.

Leicester: B

A half-season of two halves almost for Leicester. Michael Cheika’s introduction has clearly brought the feel-good factor back to Leicester, and that was clear to see in the early parts of the season; but, a tiny slip-off in these past few games has seen them drop out of the top four. This feels a good time for them to just take stock of things and look to go again, but massive improvements when you compare them to the Leicester side of last season.

Saracens: B+

A strange one, but Saracens have probably out-performed most expectations this year. The departures of main men Owen Farrell and Mako and Billy Vunipola could easily have given Mark McCall the excuse of ‘a rebuild’ season, but they have actually come out and attacked the season a bit more and are playing a much more attacking style too. It’s gone a bit sour in recent games, losing to Newcastle and then taking a thumping by Bath, but fairly decent stuff from Saracens so far.

Sale: B+

Another team who have had a half-season of two halves is Sale Sharks, but unlike Leicester they have really hit top form in this latter part. Alex Sanderson’s side are certainly not the prettiest team, but when they turn it on they are one of the most brutally efficient teams in the Premiership and that should be commended. Also, they have this ability to change their style mid-game, which is actually a really scary thought for any opposition as you don’t really know what’s coming.

Bristol: A

Are Bristol the most entertaining team in recent Premiership history? Pat Lam’s side are playing some truly breathtaking rugby this season, and after nine games look to be right in the mix for the title. Their desire to throw the ball around and have a go from anywhere has actually worked wonders this year, but crucially they have also backed this up with some solid defensive efforts and set-piece work.

Bath: A+

The Blue, Black and White machine have been in spectacular touch this year, sitting on a record of eight wins from nine and five points clear at the top. Johann van Graan’s side have taken another step forward in their journey this season, and have just improved on almost everything that made them Premiership finalists last year. They almost have this robotic ability to scan their opponents and find the perfect way of beating them, which has been the driving factor behind their success this season. Could it finally be their year?