We’re back to Aviva Premiership action this weekend, but the week’s break for the Champions Cup won’t stop me basking in the glory of a Superbru GSP for a full house of correct predictions in Round 18 – four of them within 5 points of the actual winning margin.
With Yellow Caps and green arrows everywhere, here are my predictions for this weekend’s matches.
Sale v Wasps
The Sharks are tough to beat at home, and indeed the home side has won this league fixture on the last seven occasions. In fact, Wasps have never won at the AJ Bell Stadium. There is plenty to play for with Wasps chasing a place in the top two, and Sale sitting just outside the top six, so it feels like a 50/50 pick. I’m leaning towards Wasps for a rare away win. Wasps by 2
Northampton v Saracens
Defeat in Europe last weekend means that Sarries will have all eyes on regaining the Premiership title, which is bad news for their league rivals. Saracens by 13
Bath v Leicester
This fixture between the two great rivals of yesteryear is usually won by the home fixture – except for earlier this season when Bath won at Welford Road. Bath has yielded that home advantage in taking the match to Twickenham, and they might just regret that against this Tigers side that has won the last four in the league, including wins over both Wasps and Saracens. Leicester by 4
Harlequins v London Irish
Motivation could be an issue for Quins’ run in, with little chance of making the top 6, and with London Irish still mathematically in with a chance of avoiding relegation, that could be a factor. But, Quins’ pride in front of their own fans should be plenty to see them past an average Exiles team. Harlequins by 13
Worcester v Newcastle
The Warriors’ wheels have come off somewhat recently, with a couple of heavy defeats since being beaten by London Irish. Meanwhile, Newcastle continue to defy expectations and need to win here to make the playoffs. Newcastle by 8
Exeter v Gloucester
After their fine last-gasp win over Bath, Exeter are into the home straight with only bottom-half opposition left to play after this weekend. They should beat Gloucester at home, and then it’s hard to see any of London Irish, Sale and Quins denting their chances of a top seed finish. Exeter by 16
Bets
A winning double last weekend yielded an easy £25 with Leovegas.
This weekend I am banking on a Leicester win over Bath at Twickenham, and topping up the odds to 2.39 by picking Quins and Exeter to win at home.
Follow Hutch on Twitter: @Hutch_James
Have a good weekend!
Quins have named a really strong team with Saili for his 1st premiership start and a backrow to salivate at with Luamanu, a Robshaw and Clifford
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Agree with all of these except for Wasps. They have named a very strong backline and will be fired up after losing to Leicester last week. Sale without Solomona.
Unfortunately, Bath’s performances over the past few weeks can be summarised as unambitious and lackluster. In contrast Leicester have been playing some good rugby and will be confident after getting the better of Wasps. Louw and Falateau come back in to form a strong pack, but the back-3 looks weak and nonthreatening with Watson and Roko injured.
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Think that Exeter by 16 is a bit strong. Despite my one eyed optimism have still gone for a small Exeter win margin but Glos have been competitive in most of their games this season.
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Wasps were dismal this week (also considering this was an easier game compared to some upcoming fixtures for them) Also another point being the card for Haskell.
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Great game for the neutral though, I am eating my words above because Sale looked very threatening each time they had the ball. Faf de Klerk is a quality no. 9 and Jono Ross with a huge shift.
Daly looking good at 13 nonetheless, expect him to get a look in for England.
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Sarries by 13 turned out to be a slight under estimation. 13 being Saints finishing score, despite being very competitive in the first half.
I’m still not sure if the result was due to Sarries superiority or Saints capitulation in the second half? I think six of one and half a dozen of the other, but I was impressed by the combination of Farrell with Williams at 15. No offence to Goode but Williams is a much better defensive 15 and his ability with ball in hand is never in question.
Lozowksi at 13 worked well as the second distributor and, the second half introduction of Taylor only seemed to add to Saints troubles.
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Obviously what I meant to say is how can you only predict a 16 point margin for Exeter……
They were good!
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Yeah, way too conservative!
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