With covid making team selections, travel and forecasts so difficult, it’s wise to keep stakes a little lower than normal. However, Saints tonight should bounce back to best and run Ulster close.
Ulster v Northampton – Champions Cup Round 2
Ulster continue their improvement and were arguably the standout win in week 1, particularly on the road after they beat Clermont 23-29. It was an impressive performance despite Clermont missing a few players and sleep walking for most of the first half. They’ll be confident of making it two wins on the trot as the Saints were most disappointing last week against a classy Racing side. I fancied Northampton in front of their home crowd and on the basis of their superb English Premiership form, but as the saying goes, they were never at the races.
There is an Italian referee in charge and the forecast is clear and cold.
Patchy’s Pick
These two sides haven’t played one another since way back in 2012/13.
Ian Henderson is a notable return for Ulster amongst three changes whilst the Saints have a total of 6 changes so far for this game.
I’m going to give the Saints another chance, they were well and truly humbled by Racing but expect an improved effort here. 4 Units on the handicap of plus 14.5 points @5/6.
Bath v La Rochelle – Champions Cup Round 2
Bath have endured a horrendous season , winless in the Gallagher and not really a force last week in Dublin with a weak side. They’ll be desperate for that first win but will find things difficult against La Rochelle, although admittedly they might just have a squeak should the French side suffer any travel bugs or lose players to covid.
Patchy’s Pick
Bath continue to be humiliated but still beat the high ‘cap of 32 set last week.
La Rochelle, my favourite French side, have a high handicap to beat here and I just can’t see it happening , though for lessor stakes, 2 units Bath plus 13.5 points @17/20
Harlequins v Cardiff – Champions Cup Round 2
They were made to work harder than expected but Quins managed a 2 point away win at Castres last weekend. They blew a number of chances to make it more comfortable and will look to amends against Cardiff, who themselves were blown away by Toulouse, albeit a quarantined affected Cardiff. They should have a number of those missing players available this week but with conditions expected to be good, will find it tough going against a high tempo Quins.
Patchy’s Pick
Surprisingly Cardiff have a fair record against Gallagher sides and the more I think about this match the more I feel that Cardiff will produce something special.
These are two attacking sides and there should be plenty of points on offer for those looking at the overs markets.
However, a new(ish) French referee in charge of the whistle makes one think twice.
Sale v Clermont – Champions Cup Round 2
Sale did the business last week and I was happy to see them play a little more to their ability. Their discipline however, needs to improve as the issue of several yellow cards almost allowed the Ospreys to sneak an unlikely comeback.
Clermont on the other hand let me down badly last week. They were unable to match a focused and committed Ulster side for most of the 80 min and despite moments in the second half where there were flashes of old, they looked lethargic and lazy.
Frank Murphy is in charge of the whistle and the weather fine.
Patchy’s Pick
Overall Sale’s record reads 2 wins from 12 in this competition, it’s not great and despite having the arsenal they will be under pressure from a Clermont side who have so much history in this tournament.
I know I’m going on a like a stuck record, yet another plus makes most appeal. One worries about the French mind set though, so just 2 units @17/20 on Clermont plus 8.5 points.
Glasgow v Exeter – Champions Cup Round 2
The Scots put up a good fight in France last week and will enjoy the comforts of Scotstoun for this tough looking match against the Chiefs on Sat evening. There were a number of positives for Glasgow and if they can repeat the performance, I think they could give Exeter more than a match.
Montpellier were easy pickings for the visitors last week and after the half time break they ran in 5 converted tries to nil.
Pierre Brousset is the referee and the forecast predicts fair weather.
Patchy’s Pick
Glasgow have met Exeter 3 times at home, winning two and drawing the one and as mentioned were very good against La Rochelle.
Exeter will represent a similar challenge.
The 8-point handicap is set about right and for now it’s a no bet.
Munster v Castres – Champions Cup Round 2
Munster were as big as 9.5 points underdogs last week away to Wasps, this after a number of players were made unavailable due quarantine.
However, with Wasps themselves losing a host of players just before the match the handicap shortened to 3.5 points just before kick-off. Further bad luck was to follow as Brad Shields received his marching orders after only 25 min leaving Wasps to play 55 min with 14 men and were indeed down to 13 men at one stage.
Meanwhile, Harlequins kept Castres interested last week despite dominating large parts of the match and the French side will be up against it here.
Clear skies and cool temperatures greet us for this one and Matt Carley is the man in charge.
Patchy’s Pick
I’m expecting a few changes to Munster but that will in no way weaken the side with so many players at their disposal. Despite Castres probably having given up on this competition already, at 27.5 points I would be inclined to lean towards the French still. However, I would be cautious until such time as the French side has been announced as it could be the club’s supporters who make up the majority of the squad!
Leicester v Connacht – Champions Cup Round 2
The Tigers rich vein of form continued as they managed an excellent 13-16 victory in Bordeaux. They’ll be confident of putting away a Connacht side who can be quite inconsistent but who themselves managed an easy 36-9 win over a dis-interested Stade Francais side in Galway.
Patchy’s Pick
One cannot find fault in this Tigers side at the moment. They are a quality machine and I am expecting them to dominate this match from start to finish. A rare minus is the call for this fixture as the vote is Leicester minus 15.5 points @10/11 for 3 Units.
Play well everyone, enjoy the weekend and have a very Merry Christmas. Follow me on Twitter @BrenHbetsnet for any updates.
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