Saturday's Premiership rugby as it happened

1. Cipriani boot seals 15-9 win for Sale over Wasps
2. Saracens beat Leicester for eighth straight win
3. Newcastle earn first victory of season against Bath
4. Gloucester beat London Irish 27-14

Another thrilling day in the Premiership

Big wins for Newcastle, Gloucester, Sale and Saracens, the latter whom have won all eight Premiership game so far this season.

Not a great day for Bath, London Irish, Wasps or Leicester conversely.

One more game to come on Sunday, which of course you can follow with us here on BBC Sport.

Join us tomorrow for Worcester v Harlequins as we complete a weekend of action with live text and radio commentary.

Until then, thanks for joining us - enjoy your evening, and goodbye.

FT: Sale 15-9 Wasps

Sale fly-half Danny Cipriani tells BT Sport:

"It was very important for us. We've had two or three games this year where we've deserved to win or certainly get more points out of it than we did.

"As a team we're progressing massively. I felt like I was due to give one to the team today, but our forwards were outstanding again."

Full-time

One last line-out from Sale is merrily swallowed up and Peter Stringer clips into touch to secure a fine, fine win.

Conditions didn't help but Wasps have been overhauled, Danny Cipriani kicking the points that counted on the night.

Sale did a great job of stifling that brilliant Wasps backline.

Phew. Absorbing, not pretty but engrossing stuff.

Sale 15-9 Wasps

This is definitely the kind of performance that would impress an international coach.

Danny Cipriani has been immaculate with the boot, smart, playing with flourish when possible BUT crucially knows when to play.

Tough effort too.

Drop-goal (Cipriani)

Danny Cipriani sat in the pocket as the Sale drive tied in the defence and he kept his cool to land the drop goal.

Wasps have a job to do now with just over a minute to go.

Sale 12-9 Wasps

Big kick into the corner from Sale winger Tom Arscott. Game management right there.

Sale have it in the Wasps 22. Big moments here. Can they finish off the visitors?

Penalty (Cipriani)

Cipriani finds the gap, bisects the posts.

Nice kick. Sale again grab the lead.

Five minutes to go.

Try review (Stringer)

Peter Stringer's attempts to ground the ball seem to have been foiled by the TMO.

We do go back to the left for a penalty following a collapsed maul.

Steve Diamond looks like a pitbull chewing a wasp in response, with all due respect.

Sale 9-9 Wasps

Will Addison is held up but eventually play is brought back to the left side for collapsing the maul.

And now we're looking back at the video to see if Peter Stringer DID score before.

Sale 9-9 Wasps

Danny Cipriani puts up a kick and Sale come away with it but Wasps hold them up on the line.

They're to the right of the stick and fancying it.

Penalty (Gopperth)

Wasps might have scored after a thrilling break from the high kick involving Kearnan Myall and James Haskell, but they do get three to go level with a penalty.

That man Gopperth again. On the mark. Parity.

Sale 9-6 Wasps

Wasps sniff a chance and are battering down on the Sale door.

Then they get a penalty,with Sale not moving away at the ruck.

The move all started with a brilliant claim from a high kick that popped up nicely for the visitors.

Will they kick or go for the big play? Of course they'll kick...

Sale 9-6 Wasps

Don't get me wrong, I love a try, a dazzling break and a bit of genius as much as anybody but there is a real purists joy to an arm-wrestle like this.

Oh hang on.... there's a move breaking out!

Sale 9-6 Wasps

Sale looked all at sea for a moment but more smart work at the breakdown sees them come up with the ball.

Line-out to Wasps in midfield but it's a fierce old battle from the resulting maul.

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Sale 9-6 Wasps

Jimmy Gopperth works a fine ball away to James Haskell, who in turn find Dan Robson.

Sale hold firm though, so Wasps move back to the right.

Close quarters at the moment in the hosts 22.

Penalty (Cipriani)

Sunk neatly by Danny Cipriani and Sale edge ahead again.

Changes aplenty, including Dan Robson for Joe Simpson.

I'm a fan of the ex-Glos man who has a bit of snipe about him.

Sale 6-6 Wasps

Penalty coming Sale way after Joe Launchbury infringes.

Danny Cipriani goes for an ambitious cross-field kick looking for the try but it comes back and the England hopeful - particularly under Eddie Jones - goes for three.

Sale 6-6 Wasps

Wasps break out through Charles Piutau. It's hairs on the neck stuff when he gets the ball but his teammates are unable to offer support and they're turned over.

However Sale turn it over and Rob Miller has to slide into touch with the ball at the other end to stifle the home side.

Sale 6-6 Wasps

The ruck area has definitely calmed down, probably down to fatigue rather than anything else.

Pace of this game has been fairly breakneck at times.

Tom Arscott sucking in some air after being taken trying to bring in the high-ball. Brilliantly secured.

Anyway, Wasps have the line out and look to drive out of trouble with a maul before Joe Simpson box-kicks it downfield.

Sale 6-6 Wasps

Wasps have worked a good position having secured that ball but then... Lorenzo Cittadini comes in at the side of the ruck and hands Sale possession.

Cipriani thumps into the stands.

Time-off, as we see another change. Cobilas heads off and Brian Mujati is on.

Kearnan Myall also heads on, for James Gaskell.

Penalty (Cipriani)

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Danny Cipriani gets the penalty after strong work at scrum-time by Sale.

Vladim Cobilas getting a bit of TLC from the physio in the meantime.

Wasps secure ball from the restart. No end to the ebb and flow.

Sale 3-6 Wasps

Ashley Johnson comes off for Wasps, Ed Shervington is on.

Wasps rotating the pack a little as we edge to the hour mark.

Big shove from Sale wins the penalty at the scrum. Significant marker.

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Sale 3-6 Wasps

Lovely kick from Danny Cipriani. Just pops it effortlessly over the top.

Sale march Wasps right back to their own 22 and a line-out. Territorial dominance from Cipriani's boot.

A great kicking game is a joy to watch.

Sale 3-6 Wasps

Final half hour to come then.

Wasps whip the ball away to the right but it's spilled again by Elliot Daly. He might have had the magic touch at the end of the half with that drop goal but he needs a bit of blue-tack for his hands right now.

Will introductions from the bench have any impact? They certainly did in the Newcastle-Bath game.

Sale 3-6 Wasps

If points were scored by spilling the ball on the edge of your opponents' 22, then we'd be struggling to fit them on the scoreboard.

As it is, there's no reward for such an act, and both these teams remain in single figures.

Still, no let up in the ferocity and the commitment, just a few tries would be nice.

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Sale 3-6 Wasps

As soon as I'd typed that, Wasps get the penalty and a chance to relieve the pressure.

Sale 3-6 Wasps

Sloppy line-out but somehow the home side retain possession. Or I spoke too soon and Wasps get it when it wriggles loose.

Elliot Daly almost isolated in his own 22 but Wasps do enough to cover. Sale still hammering away on the door.

Sale 3-6 Wasps

Couple of pick and gos from Sale.

The tactic wins them a penalty, not that James Haskell agrees.

Banged into touch by D-Cip and Sale move downfield with purpose.

Sale 3-6 Wasps

First fumble of the half hands the home side a scrum in the middle of the park.

Who will dominate the set-piece in this second half? Sale have a chance to make their claim here.

Kick-off

Danny Cipriani thumps the ball downfield and Wasps get first raid with the ball.

Dan Braid off for Sale, Cameron Neild on in his place.

Back out at the AJ Bell

Turf just about holding up. Both teams back out, rain still teeming down.

Finely poised. 40 to go.

Coming up on Sunday

A busy weekend of Premiership action continues tomorrow at Sixways as 10th-placed Worcester Warriors take on fourth-placed Harlequins.

We'll have live text and radio commentary from the match so you won't miss a thing.

A recap

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We've certainly had an intriguing afternoon of Premiership rugby so far. Here's what happened.

Saracens made it eight wins from eight with the help of three penalty tries as they overcame Leicester at Allianz Park, 26-6.

Newcastle picked up their first win of the season with a 19-14 victory over Bath.

And Gloucester launched a fine second-half comeback as they beat London Irish 27-14 at Kingsholm.

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Half-time

So that's the last act of the half, a cutely slotted drop goal from Elliot Daly that gives Wasps the lead.

There might not be too many points but it's rolled along at a fair lick, and the tackling and defensive effort has been absorbing to watch.

Not quite the open try-fest this could have been - but there's still 40 to go. You never know...

Drop-goal (Daly)

Clock was in overtime, scores level, Elliot Daly showed a bit of class to slot a drop goal and secure the half-time lead for the visitors.

Match-winning smartness? We'll see.

Sale 3-3 Wasps

Conversely, Dai Young is nestled up in the stands, in a big coat, sending down his instructions.

I think I'd rather be up there too. Less chance of getting soaked. It's still wet.

Big wallop from Jimmy Gopperth gets Wasps to the cusp of Sale's 22.

Sale 3-3 Wasps

EVERY breakdown has been fought for in this game, there's no time to breathe.

Sale are again making inroads to this Wasps cover but in the 22, the ball is spilled and the move comes to an end.

Frustration for Steve Diamond on the Sale bench. Not that he's sitting down mind you. Pacing is the word.

Sale 3-3 Wasps

The close-fought nature of this game is reflected by a missed drop-goal effort from Danny Cipriani - with the scores tied 3-apiece.

Six to go before the break.

Penalty (Gopperth)

We talked about Jimmy Gopperth's place kicking, and he made no mistake there from the tee.

Classy from the Kiwi. We are level.

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Sale 3-0 Wasps

Penalty to Wasps, with Sale offside.

First infringement by the Sharks of the game.

Jimmy Gopperth lines up the kick.

No try

Wasps are denied the chance to go ahead after Rob Miller fails to ground that ball for Wasps against his old club.

The television match official rules he was short but the build up and line from Elliot Daly were world class. 

Warning sign for Sale, that is what Wasps can do with a glimmer of a chance.

Word too for Joe Simpson.

Exit strategy is a term you'll hear in rugby union dressing rooms, and a boomer from Simpson was a fine example.

He thumped one pretty much from one 22 to the other to clear lines. Wow.

Sale 3-0 Wasps

Sale pick off a line-out and grind out a few metres from it.

Steve Diamond's side are trying to pull Wasps from right to left and back again to find the gaps but no way through yet.

However with the move in midfield, Ross Harrison allows the ball to slip from his fingers, and Wasps get the put-in at the scrum.

Sale 3-0 Wasps

Sale are really driving up in defence, big line-speed from them so far. It's really disruptive to Wasps fluid style.

Wasps have a chance to break but even the peerless Charles Piutau can't hold it. There's a measure of the conditions.

Both sides are trying to compete at the breakdown and it's making for an absorbing game despite the lack of points.

How it stands

Here's the updated Premiership top six after this afternoon's games. Things are looking pretty rosy for Saracens.

BBC

Sale 3-0 Wasps

Wasps tap a quick penalty from the scrum with a move through hands out to the left, but the final pass lacks accuracy and sails into touch harmlessly.

The visitors are enjoying some possession though, and we're seeing a bit more of Jimmy Gopperth, Elliot Daly and Frank Halai.

Sale do well though to soak it up.

Sale 3-0 Wasps

Sale switch a short-side line-out move to keep Wasps guessing but they do cover.

Wasps get scrum head and feed from a knock-on, will Sale be made to pay for failing to build on this pressure? It's just three points after all.

Sale 3-0 Wasps

How on earth did Mike Haley find touch like that?

Ball just dropped in field before skewing out to pin Wasps back again. Brilliant kicking from the Sale full-back.

Sale 3-0 Wasps

Wonderful bit of ingenuity from Sale there, knowing they had the advantage from the penalty.

Danny Cipriani tried to find Will Addison with a raking cross kick.

It didn't come off but the gamble was applaudable.

Kick to touch brings a line out and Sale have good ball and field position again.

Sale 3-0 Wasps

Joe Simpson waits to feed the scrum, and gets the ball out of the base and a sniping run from him gets the ball away.

Charles Piutau is in acres on the left but the Sharks ensure the ball wide is no good and win the line-out.

Arms length stuff at the moment for Sale.

Sale 3-0 Wasps

Sale rumble down the left through Mike Haley and Will Addison but despite a real bash on the door from Chris Cusiter's prompting, Wasps hold firm and eventually get the ball away.

All Sale so far. Wasps looking to get a foothold with a little spell of possession now.

Wasps scrum after a Sale knock-on.

Sale 3-0 Wasps

Sale again trying to cut loose with an expansive move to the left, Wasps scrambling to cover and shut down the move.

Ball goes loose but Sale continue to probe, and a Danny Cipriani grubber just runs dead.

How can Wasps stem the tide here?

Sale 3-0 Wasps

There's no denying the quality in that Wasps backline, but getting good ball to release them is the key.

Sale dominating and almost working a play down the right short-side but Wasps just about cover and mop up at the back.

One-way traffic so far and Joe Simpson's kick sails into touch to ease the pressure.

Penalty (Cipriani)

Danny Cipriani against his old club, lands his kick.

That might settle a few nerves. Sale lead.

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Newcastle Falcons lock, Mouritz Botha, was certainly pleased after their first victory of the season today against Bath.

Sale 0-0 Wasps

Sale line-out. They're enjoying the early momentum here.

Penalty goes their way midway inside the Wasps half.

Sale 0-0 Wasps

Early sign from Sale they are willing to run this ball.

Slick move to the left and Mike Haley tried to go on the outside but was stopped in touch.

Line-out to Wasps but it's a bit messy. Eventually scrum goes the visitors way, midway inside their own half.

Kick-off

Jimmy Gopperth gets us underway and it's a first touch of the ball for the home side.

Who will dominate the halves?

Sale have the mercurial Danny Cipriani at 10, along with Scotland's Chris Cusiter and Peter Stringer also lurking on the bench,

D-Cip is a magnificent player, capable of anything.

Jimmy Gopperth has a radar in his boot as good as any around, Wasps know they can rely on him and the sniping Joe Simpson.

It's a tasty battle there, that's for sure.

Team news

Wasps, who have lost all four previous trips to Salford, have both centre Ben Jacobs and Australia international flanker George Smith fit to start.

The other two changes to the starting line-up for Dai Young's side are the return of Joe Simpson at scrum-half and Sam Jones at number eight.

BBC Sport

Replacements: Shervington, McIntyre, Swainston, Myall, Young, Robson, Jackson, Tagicakibau. 

Team news

Sale make two changes to face Wasps in the Premiership at the AJ Bell Stadium.

David Seymour replaces TJ Ioane at loose forward, while scrum-half Chris Cusiter comes in for Peter Stringer.

BBC Sport

Replacements: Neild, Lewis-Roberts, Mujati,Ostrikov, Easter, Stringer, Ford, Jennings.  

Last but not least

So here we are, last game of the day.

And it promises to be a corker as Sale - who are always capable of a flash of brilliance - take on a Wasps side who also possess quality throughout.

Which Sale will turn up? Will Wasps avoid the wobbles? Stay with us here.

Right - teams.

Weather report

It's merely continuing a theme - i.e. it's wet out there.

Next up

Three games down and one to go. Keep up with all the action right here.

FT: Saracens 26-6 Leicester

Saracens lock George Kruis told BT Sport:

"We put so much work into our pack. As a young pack days like this are good to dominate."

Full-time

Well, that is one for the Premiership record books as referee Greg Garner awards an unprecedented three penalty tries as Saracens notch up their 12th successive win in all competitions.

Victory moves them six points clear at the top of the Premiership, leaving Leicester in third spot.

Kudos, in such a demanding physical encounter in greasy conditions has to go to the Sarries pack as a whole. Each and every try generated by their incredible strength today.

Full-time

Tremendous effort from Newcastle Falcons, they record their first win since May of this year to beat a Bath side packed with quality.

Mike Ford's Bath side have failed to ignite in 2015-16 and today's defeat is a blow to their Premiership bid even with plenty of rugby to play.

Craig Willis adds a thick layer of icing to the cake with a thumping penalty goal at the end to seal it. Off the bottom and four precious points for the Falcons.

Saracens 26-6 Leicester

A rare second-half foray into Saracens 22 for Leicester. No harm done.

There is seven minutes remaining as Saracens march towards their 12th successive win of their perfect season.

Full-time

Gloucester with a superb second-half performance to turn around an eight-point deficit at half-time.

The home side were outplayed in the first period as the Exiles recorded two tries, but James Hook's penalties kept his side in touch.The Cherry and Whites came out fighting after the interval, and piled the pressure on Irish. Jeremy Thrush was solid at the line-out and tries from Matt Kvesic and Billy Burns secured victory for Gloucester.

Newcastle 16-14 Bath

Bath get a line-out in dangerous territory but Falcons dominate the corresponding ruck and force the penalty.

Time continues to slip away from Bath. Newcastle can taste victory. What a surprise is in store! Minute or so to go.

Saracens 26-6 Leicester

Handbags at 10 paces as Leicester win a try on their line. It flared up and frustrations boiled over for a moment.

It has been a helluva physical encounter.

Try (Penalty, con Farrell)

A hat-trick of penalty tries. There you go. None of which in the running for try of the year. But effective.

It was a long time coming, as Saracen's pack has simply been immense. The only surprising thing is that Leicester's cracks were not torn open earlier.

Sin-bin (Cole)

Three scrums collapse and Leicester's Dan Cole is shown a yellow card.

Just how that was not a penalty try is not clear. So both sides go at it again for their fourth scrum five metres out.

Newcastle 16-14 Bath

Newcastle kick the penalty that gives them a two-point lead again.

The pendulum has swung, Craig Willis smashes the ball through the uprights and somehow Falcons are close to that first win.

Bath have failed to cope with the Falcons changes. Time ticking down, just over eight minutes to go.

Saracens 19-6 Leicester

Suffocating stuff from Saracens.

They have Leicester pinned deep in their territory and refuse to give anything away. Even clearing kicks are hard to come by for Leicester.

A hallmark of this game has been the strength of Sarries scrum and their ability to force the Tigers into conceding penalties.

The hosts go close, but Matthew Tait stands between Sarries and a bonus-point try.

Eventually, we have another scrum set five metres out, and Sarries go again....

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Newcastle 13-14 Bath

Newcastle have toughened up and twice been held up as they've tried to force Bath back. Tension.

Scrum to the Falcons in the 22. It's really finishing with a flourish this. 12 minutes and counting to go.

Try (Burns, missed con Hook)

Billy Twelvetrees makes a lovely try with a superb break of the line and hands off to Billy Burns who scores Gloucester's second try of the game.

The home side with some great handling in tricky conditions and the momentum is firmly with them now.

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The sell out crowd are certainly enjoying what they are seeing from the Premiership leaders so far this afternoon.

Newcastle 13-14 Bath

Bath have sent on the big guns, Francois Louw and George Ford are in the mix now.

Falcons have rotated their group trying to keep this Bath pack at bay, it has been one-way traffic at the scrum in particular in this second period.

Quarter of an hour to go.

Try (Kvesic, con Hook)

Gloucester extend their lead through Matt Kvesic.

The number eight is bundled over following a lineout.

Really impressive second half from the hosts so far.

Try (Penalty, con Hodgson)

At the end of 11 phases, the highest count with ball in hand all game, Saracens are held up over the line. Billy Vunipola is on his back as he attempts to power over.

The scrum is set five metres out and as they push towards the line it collapses and for the second time this afternoon, Sarries have a penalty try.

Newcastle 13-14 Bath

No mistake this time from Rhys Priestland.

Gets the penalty after Craig Willis hung on too long and the Welshman smashes it between the uprights.

Again it's no lead though. Tight but Bath are dominating all the set-pieces.

Final quarter upon us.

Gloucester 15-14 London Irish

Gloucester take the lead for the first time since the start of the first half through the trusty boot of James Hook, and he is controlling this game well.

A tight final 20 minutes to come.

Newcastle 13-11 Bath

Rhys Priestland misses a penalty and in turns passes up the chance to regain Bath the lead.

Newcastle have lost all of the momentum they built up at the end of the first half, they do still lead though but those two points will be fiercely defended on this evidence.

55 minutes on the clock.

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Try (George, missed con Hodgson)

With his first involvement of the game and Jamie George dots down at the end of another rolling maul for Saracens.

It all started with Alex Goode scampering away and Charlie Hodgson squeezing a grubber kick into the corner, forcing Telusa Veainu to rush the ball over the line. From the resulting line-out, Saracens steamroll over.

Kick-off

Charlie Hodgson gets the action back underway for Saracens, sending the ball high into the rainy evening sky.

Who would be a kit person?

London Irish tweeted at half-time that we should spare a thought for their kit manager.

I think this picture sums up why quite nicely!

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Sin-bin (Lewington)

Alex Lewington is sent to the bin as Gloucester are awarded a penalty on the London Irish line. 

Relentless pressure from the Cherry and Whites but the Exiles' 14-man defence holds strong and to the crowd's dismay, Gloucester opt for the posts. Hook, with his fourth clean penalty of the afternoon, reduces the deficit to two points.

Newcastle 13-11 Bath

Bath, still without Henry Thomas who is in the sinbin, carve up the arrears with a penalty from Rhys Priestland.

The visitors look sharper in this second half. Two point ball-game again. Seven and a bit gone.

Gloucester 9-14 London Irish

Gloucester making some early changes in the second-half as Ross Moriarty is replaced by Ben Morgan and Sione Kalamafoni moves to the blind-side.We're checking for a Gloucester try here as the TMO tries to find the ball amongst the players - the question is, did the home side ground the ball?

Kick-off

Both teams back out for the second half as Rhys Priestland launches his kick into the sodden sky.

Back underway.

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Gloucester 9-14 London Irish

Gloucester will be pleased with their start in the second half. James Hook with another clean strike from the tee and the deficit is reduced to five points after just two minutes.

Half-time

Two missed opportunities in the final five minutes of the half for Saracens to build on their lead.

First, Charlie Hodgson floats a penalty wide and then Alex Good sees his effort go off target after taking over kicking duties in the last minute.

Only a penalty try to talk of, but what an effort it was to get the score with a driving maul involving 13 Sarries players leading to the five points.

In reply, Freddie Burns has landed two penalties.

Kick-off

We're back under way at Kingsholm. Big second half coming up for the host.

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Don't forget we've got Sale against Wasps coming up at 17:30 GMT.

Saracens 7-6 Leicester

The game has opened up and both sides showing a willingness to shift the ball through hands despite the conditions.

It has been a physically tough affair and Leicester have come off worse for wear, losing Tom Croft and Ed Slater to injury. Both players rugged up and on the bench as spectators now.

Half-time

Newcastle Falcons come in ahead after a fairly dogged first 40, not that they will care too much about that.

Bath have looked a bit flat, in part down to the intensity Newcastle have shown in drizzle and wind, with mere flashes of the talent of Niko Matawalu or Jonathan Joseph.

Falcons have been disciplined, pressed well, used what ball they have had well and had Craig Willis' kicking been better - the gulf would have been greater at the break.

Falcons are 40 minutes away from ending their winless run... do Bath have the answers?

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Pretty sure London Irish will be getting changed as we speak!

Saracens 7-6 Leicester

Gett

With a step and burst of pace out of defence, Leicester full-back Telusa Veainu ignites proceeding a little and the tempo rockets.

A turn over allows Saracens to gather and press into the Tigers 22. However, a penalty is awarded and the attack comes to a halt.

That passage of play, however, has certainly transformed the feel of this game.

Half-time

In amongst the long periods of aerial ping-pong, London Irish have managed to cross the whitewash on two occasions in the first-half to take an eight-point lead at the break.Sloppy tackling from the Cherry and Whites allowed Ciaran Hearn in for the first score, before a well-executed kick from Chris Noakes found Alex Lewington for number two.

Gloucester, struggling for field position and possession, have been outplayed by an intelligent London Irish side so far and need to start converting their opportunities to stay in this game.

No try

Newcastle Falcons almost extend the lead, but there were arms under the ball according to the TMO on the one clear angle available.

Bath are down to 14, Henry Thomas off to the sin bin following a team warning - another offside penalty.

Craig Willis converts the subsequent kick this time and it's a five point gap now with just under three to go.

Penalty (Burns)

Leicester's Freddie Burns tees up his second penalty of the game.

His sight of the sticks was all his own making, making a neat break away and linking up with Harry Thacker, leading to the penalty.

Saracens 7-3 Leicester

Are there any weaknesses in this Saracens armour? They have been solid, composed, daring and powerful in the opening 20 minutes. It speaks volumes of the squad as a whole.

Now, there are many different schools of thought when it comes to rotating players. One BIG fan being Saracens director of rugby Mark McCall, whose side has a perfect record in all competitions this season with 11 wins. 

What makes that record all the more impressive is that he has used 38 players in the process. Oh, and to go one incredible stat further, Saracens have had 21 different try scorers across all competitions this season.

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Newcastle 10-8 Bath

Craig Willis again drags a kick wide as Newcastle fail to build on their two-point lead.

The young fly-half has shown some smart feet and vision in this game but his place kicking has been found a little wanting.

It does suggest perhaps the method behind Dean Richards' decision to bring in the experienced Andy Goode - he's not involved today.

Bath need to find some rhythm, they've been let off the hook at times in this game and concede another penalty for a high tackle with seven to go before the break.

Newcastle 10-8 Bath

Nili Latu played the ball on the floor to gift Bath a kickable penalty, and Wales stand-off Rhys Priestland drills the ball through the uprights. Two points in it.

Few stoppages, particularly at scrum-time, where the contact seems to be a bit messy.

It is teeming down with rain, it's not helping but it's been a decent game given the circumstances.

Try (Lewington, con Noakes)

Gloucester, on the back foot, are unable to defend the London Irish drive. The Exiles pack provide a platform for the backs and a cross-field kick from Chris Noakes sets up Alex Lewington who takes the ball beautifully for their second try.

Gloucester 6-7 London Irish

We're into the last 15 minutes of the first half at as try-scorer Ciaran Hearn knocks-on in front of the Shed and the home fans get a chance to jeer the Irish centre.

There are signs that it might brighten up, but play continues to be extremely scrappy.

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Try (Penalty, con Hodgson)

Incredible strength from Saracens. From the line-out, Sarries trudge towards the try line from nearly 20 metres out like some sort of Hulk-like wolf pack with 13 bodies in the driving maul.

In the end, it yields a penalty try. That try speaks volumes of their patience and power.

Try (Vickers, con Willis)

Rob Vickers burrows his way through the Bath cover to score and reward a concerted spell of pressure for the Falcons.

Mike Ford's side were the architects of their own downfall, messing up a line-out that Newcastle used quickly, and the momentum took them over in close quarters.

Deserved lead for Dean Richards' side, who built up a similar head of steam at Leicester on Boxing Day.

Can they hold onto it this time?

Penalty (Burns)

Schalk Brits pinged for not moving away at the breakdown, allowing Leicester's Freddie Burns the first sight at goal.

From right in front, the fly-half makes no mistake and slot it home for the game's opening points.

Saracens 0-0 Leicester

Greasy, wet conditions are the order of the day up and down the county. However, in north London they have the benefit of an artificial pitch, hence no mud.

These are two sides capable of exploiting the conditions. Strong up front and oozing slickness across the back.

Sarries may find things a bit trickier today against a Leicester side who have the third-tightest defence in the Premiership.

Gloucester 6-7 London Irish

A long-range penalty from James Hook narrows the gap to one point and as predicted, the place kickers are playing a vital part in the tricky conditions at Kingsholm.

Kick-off

And action is underway, Leicester kicking off in north London as Premiership leaders Saracens host the third-placed Tigers at Allianz Park.

Newcastle 3-5 Bath

Ross Batty is pinged at the ruck, and Falcons fly-half Craig Willis this time finds the mark from the tee to bring Newcastle onto the scoreboard with a three-pointer.

Bath do look slick but Newcastle heads have not dropped.

It's a decent game so far in tough conditions with just over quarter of an hour gone.

Try (Hearn, con Noakes)

London Irish open the try-scoring through centre Ciaran Hearn.

The Canadian breaks through Bill Meakes' tackle and touches down under the posts.

Chris Noakes adds the extras. Fine start for the visitors.

Gloucester 3-0 London Irish

Gloucester have started the better at Kingsholm and are playing the conditions well. James Hook gives the home side an early lead following a penalty for a disrupted maul.   

Getty Images

Try (Mercer, missed con Preistland)

Guy Mercer forces his way over from a catch and drive to give Bath an early lead at Kingston Park.

Newcastle had earlier missed a penalty attempt from Craig Willis after a bright start but the first real push from the visitors has them over.

Rhys Priestland unable to tag on the two, but Bath lead and it's ominous for Newcastle early on.

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Kick-off

We are under way in our two 15:00 GMT kick-offs at a wet and windy Kingsholm and similarly gloomy Kingston Park.

I think we may be using the words 'handling errors' a few times today!

Get Involved at #bbcrugby

So, after a perfect start to the season, what will it take to finally beat Saracens?

We want to hear your thoughts on today's matches.

Get involved using the #bbcrugby on Twitter and we'll post a selection throughout today's live text commentary.

Sibling rivalry

Cheeky bit of brotherly banter from Newcastle back Marcus Watson, who could face sibling Anthony today.

Of course, they're not the only brothers involved - Horacio and Belisario Agulla line up on opposite sides today too.

Team news

Bath make three changes with Nick Auterac, Niko Matawalu and Matt Banahan all coming into the starting XV.

Head coach Mike Ford has again opted for Wales playmaker Rhys Priestland alongside Matawalu in the halves ahead of son George - who remains on the bench.

Continuing the family theme, brothers Belisario and Blue, Black and Whites flier Horacio Agulla could come face-to-face on opposite sides, as could fellow widemen Marcus and Anthony Watson.

BBC

Replacements: Dunn, Lahiff, Wilson, Day, Louw, Evans, Ford, A.Watson

Team news

Argentine playmaker Juan Pablo Socino steps up from the bench to start for Newcastle.

Craig Willis retains his place in the halves, after making his Premiership debut against Leicester on Boxing Day.

Richards has kept faith with the same pack that gave the high-flying Tigers a game at Welford Road.

BBC

Replacements: Lawson, Rogers, Ryan, Botha, Clever, Dawson, Catterick, B Agulla.

Ominous for the Falcons?

Last season's beaten Premiership finalists Bath have stuttered this season but will fancy their chances of success at Kingston Park this afternoon - where they have a remarkable record.

However their concerns are nothing compared to opponents Newcastle - who lie bottom of the Premiership and are the only side yet to win in the league this season.

Dean Richards' Falcons put up a big fight at Leicester Tigers on Boxing Day but came away with nothing - made the more significant by London Irish's win against Northampton.

Bath recorded a crucial win against Worcester in their last outing and need the points to keep pace with the top four.

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Team news

The London Irish team news is nice and simple.

Head coach Tom Coventry has named an unchanged starting XV off the back of their first Premiership victory since April - the 25-23 home win over Northampton on Boxing Day.

BBC

Replacements: Ellis, Smallbone, Aulika, Sinclair, Trayfoot, Steele, Geraghty, Ojo.  

Team news

Gloucester have made six changes from Sunday's 39-39 draw with Harlequins at Twickenham.

Paul Doran-Jones withdrew earlier in the week, while fellow prop John Afoa, England wing Jonny May and centre Henry Trinder were all injured in the match against Quins.

Scotland captain Greig Laidlaw is rested and replaced by Willi Heinz at scrum-half.

In the pack, Nicky Thomas, who replaced the injured Afoa against Harlequins, continues at tight-head prop, while Nick Wood replaces Dan Murphy and Tom Savage comes in for Mariano Galarza.

BBC

Replacements: Lindsay, Murphy, McAllister, Morgan, Rowan, Laidlaw, Burns, Atkinson.  

May missing for Gloucester

Gloucester go into today's game at Kingsholm on the back of the news Jonny May will have surgery on a knee injury which could rule him out of the Six Nations.

The Cherry and Whites have had a mixed start to the season with three wins, three losses and that incredible 39-39 draw against Harlequins at Twickenham on Sunday.

London Irish will be full of confidence after picking up their first win of the season against Northampton, but they still sit 11th in the table just two points ahead of bottom side Newcastle.

Team news

Leicester's injury-plagued Argentina wing Gonzalo Camacho comes in to make his first start for the club, two and a half years after joining the East Midlands side.

The Tigers have Mathew Tait alongside Seremaia Bai at centre, with Telusa Veainu at full-back.

Owen Williams returns to the squad after recovering from a knee injury suffered in the first leg of the European Champions Cup back-to-back games against Munster.

BBC Sport

Replacements: T Youngs, Mulipola, Cole, Fitzgerald, McCaffrey, B Youngs, Williams, Thompstone.  

Team news

Saracens make three changes from the side that won at Wasps on Boxing Day.

Centre Marcelo Bosch, fly-half Charlie Hodgson and hooker Schalk Brits return for the home clash against third-placed Leicester Tigers.

Duncan Taylor, Owen Farrell and Jamie George all revert to the bench as coach Mark McCall, who has already used 38 different players this season, continues to rotate his squad.  

BBC Sport

Replacements: George, Gill, Lamositele, Hamilton, Wray, De Kock, Farrell, Taylor.  

Stage set for blockbuster

Gloucester, Northampton, Wasps - steamrolled. Sale, London Irish, Worcester, Newcastle - trampled.

Seven games. Seven wins. Saracens finished 2015 top of the table with a 100% record in the Premiership.

BBC Sport

But, the New Year brings with it their sternest test to date in the form of third-placed Leicester Tigers - a side that has lost just once this season.

Looking more closely at the form guide between these two sides, Sarries also have the historical edge with Leicester's only victory in their last seven encounters with Saracens in all competitions coming in last season's 31-27 Premiership triumph at Welford Road.

Exeter miss chance to top table

Hopefully we're in for a slightly more exciting afternoon of rugby than we saw yesterday.

Friday's only Premiership game saw Northampton beat Exeter 8-3 in a scrappy encounter at Franklin's Gardens.

Saints hooker Mike Haywood scored a first-half try as Chiefs succumbed to only their second defeat of the season and missed the chance to go above leaders Saracens.

It was a welcome victory for Jim Mallinder's side following their inconsistent start to the season as they closed the gap to fourth-placed Harlequins to two points.

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Up, up and away

Over the festive period Saracens soared to seventh heaven (see Chris Ashton doing his best impression of a majestic swan), keeping their perfect start to the Premiership season intact to finish 2015 top of the table.

Next up, in a game that has all the hallmarks of being one of the biggest blockbusters of the campaign, is third-placed Leicester Tigers.  

Rex Features

The clash of the high-flyers is the main event in today's Premiership offering. Elsewhere Gloucester host a London Irish side that lifted themselves off the bottom of the table with their first win of the season earlier this week, Bath travel to basement side Newcastle and Sale entertain Wasps at AJ Bell Stadium in the day's evening kick-off (17:30 GMT).

There are hours of rugby ahead and this is your one-stop destination for all the big hits, moments and tries as 2016 hots up in a hurry.

Commentaries available on this page

Premiership

15:00 GMT Gloucester v London Irish - BBC Radio Gloucestershire and BBC Radio Berkshire

15:00 GMT Newcastle v Bath - BBC Newcastle and BBC Radio Bristol

15:15 GMT Saracens v Leicester - BBC Radio London and BBC Radio Leicester

17:30 GMT Sale v Wasps - BBC Radio Manchester, BBC Coventry & Warwickshire and 5 live sports extra

Championship

14:00 GMT Rotherham Titans v Cornish Pirates - BBC Radio Cornwall  

14:30 GMT Nottingham v Bristol - BBC Radio Bristol

14:30 GMT Jersey v Doncaster - BBC Radio Jersey

15:00 GMT Ealing v Yorkshire Carnegie - BBC Radio Leeds