As well as the 2022 Gallagher Premiership Final this weekend, we’re also being treated to the Super Rugby Pacific Final and the United Rugby Championship Final.
I’m warm with all of my fancies and am hoping it’s the underdogs that prevail in all three.
Leicester v Saracens – 2022 Gallagher Premiership Final
It’s appropriate that the sides which finished 1st and 2nd in the Premiership table meet in this year’s final at Twickenham.
The Tigers won 20 from 24 matches and Saracens victors in 17.
Each side have also enjoyed several triumphs over the years with Leicester last crowned Champions in 2013 and Saracens in 2019. Both should be well prepared.
Together they are loaded with multiple internationals and I see very little to choose between the two sides on paper.
If I was to guess on the respective strategies however, I sense the Tigers may look to keep the ball tight and their approach will be to evolve much of the match between numbers 1-10. On the other hand, Saracens may bring a broader gameplan, focusing a little more on getting the ball wide and looking for space.
Patchy’s Pick – 2022 Gallagher Premiership Final
We should be in for a wonderful match at Twickenham and I sense the Tigers have not been given enough credit for their outstanding season.
Yes, the Sarries defence can be watertight but I’m expecting a very tight game anyway, with 3-pointers the order of the day and hot, humid conditions to effect general play.
Two bets, 3 Units on under 43.5 total points and 4 Units on the Tigers plus 5.5.
Blues v Crusaders – Super Rugby Pacific Final
The Blues have improved in tremendous fashion over the last few seasons and it comes as no surprise, on their current form, to see them finally make the final – thei first since 2003.
Despite having strong squads throughout the years, it was their inconsistency and tendencies to switch off at crucial times that really hurt them.
However, we now have a Blues outfit that is focused, defensively sound (conceding the second least points) and with an arsenal to match the Crusaders – who’ve scored the most points.
The Crusaders need no introduction. A perennial championship side who remain the team to beat year after year. Their defence was outstanding last week against the Brumbies and I was initially concerned that they could be jaded until I realised they do enjoy an extra day’s rest over the Blues who played Saturday.
There is a fair amount of rain throughout the day which strengthens my idea that this will be low scoring.
Patchy’s Pick
After a wonderful season, the Blues start the game as slight favourites. However, I can’t see past the Crusaders once again, especially with a small plus. Therefore it’s 4 Units on the Crusaders plus 1.5 points on the handicap.
Stormers v Bulls – United Rugby Championship Final
Last weekend was a huge one for South African rugby.
The Stormers and (more impressively) the Bulls defied the odds to set up the URC’s first final to now be held in the Cape Town Stadium on Saturday afternoon.
The Stormers ground out a hard fought and nail-biting win against Ulster with the last kick converted from the sidelines that managed to sneak just inside the far upright sending their legion of faithful fans into raptures.
Meanwhile, in Dublin, Jake White initiated a superb tactical win against the 20-point favourites Leinster and were on the plane back to South Africa within a few hours.
There has been a lot of rain over the last few days and, should there be some more, I again expect we will be in for a low scoring match.
Patchy’s Pick
A traditional South African derby and earlier in the week I leaned towards the home side but I’m now firmly with the Bulls. It should be low scoring so keep an eye on the total points but for now 4 Units on the Bulls plus 1.5 points.
Bet on rugby at www.hollywoodbets.co.uk or www.hollywoodbets.ie
2022 Gallagher Premiership Final Preview by Brendan ‘Patchy’ O’Connell
