With three URC teams stranded out in South Africa, the Premiership table looks a bit different to what we're used to and with some shock results on the international stage, rugby is throwing out some surprises at the moment.

New Zealand lost twice in the northern hemisphere, and having their worst year since 2009 with three losses from 15 games. It was strange seeing the All Blacks feature in games where the opposition seemingly controlled proceedings.

In one hand, I enjoy the small stumble in form for the Kiwis but it all looks very ominous as a Welshman, with England, Ireland and France really showing top quality rugby and form throughout the Autumn period. My Six Nations expectations have dipped significantly.

The stand-out fixtures this weekend include Sidmouth vs Crediton in a local derby and Chiefs vs Sarries, two absolute mammoth games in their own special way.

From a Sidmouth point of view, we’re really looking for a few performances to launch into the Christmas break and the second half of the season after a stuttering start. A trip away to Crediton will be tough no doubt and we’ll have to be on top form to get a result.

Perhaps most importantly, it is the ability for us build on the good aspects off the weeks gone by or even just linking them altogether. As a side we have had games where we can say that one week we defended very well and the next we attacked very well but rarely the both together.

The same can be said for the Chiefs this weekend, a slow start to the year by Exeter standards. With plenty of off the field issues happening, now seems like a great time to put in a top-notch performance against a side I love to hate (not bitter at all!).

Automatically, I think back to the 2017 semi-final. The performance and pressure that we put on the Sarries outfit that day was immense, and with the way that Mark McCall and his players are going at the moment, it will take a huge Chiefs effort to get a result similar to that day.

Sidmouth Herald: Try Celebrations for Manu Tuilagi of England during the Autumn Nations Match between England and South Africa at Twickenham Stadium on 20 November 2021. Photo: Tom Sandberg/PPAUKTry Celebrations for Manu Tuilagi of England during the Autumn Nations Match between England and South Africa at Twickenham Stadium on 20 November 2021. Photo: Tom Sandberg/PPAUK (Image: PINNACLE PHOTO AGENCY LTD - PPAUK)