Gloucester v London Irish – Round 14
Gloucester survived a few scares in their win last weekend away to Newcastle.
However, they dominated the last 25 minutes and pulled away easily in the end. Their visitors tonight managed to beat Exeter for the second time of asking this season when a packed Brentford Community Stadium roared on their side to a narrow 4 point win last Saturday afternoon. Gloucester will be without a further 2 players this weekend while it’s expected the Exiles will name a similar side to the one that won last week.
Patchy’s Pick
Returning home the Cherry and Whites will look to keep their terrific season going.
Irish will be fair value no doubt and are able to create good scoring opportunities when inside their opponents 22.
Despite me singing the praises of Gloucester for the last two months I think this match is a tricky one. I’m going to assume the Exiles will continue their consistency of late and think they’ll stay within the handicap.
Suggesting 3 Units on Irish plus 5.5 points to start off the weekend.
Bristol v Newcastle – Round 14
The Falcons, to be fair, played better than I expected against Gloucester but the number of tackles made and constant pressure eventually proved too much as they capitulated in no uncertain terms in the final 20 minutes. They face a difficult task in this game as Bristol, despite being inconsistent at times this season, appear to be on an upward climb once again.
Patchy’s Pick
Bristol enjoyed a bye last week and also miss a number of important players. However, I think the handicap is not enough start and with good weather about, I think they’ll be good enough to cover this cap.
But just the 2 Units Bristol minus 12.5 points in case Newcastle decide to bounce back.
Exeter v Wasps – Round 14
Exeter let me down horribly last week and had ample opportunities to shut the Exiles out. However, too many penalties at crucial times and the x factor from the crowd was just too much to overcome. They return to Sandy Park and I’m expecting their visitors, Wasps, to give them a right headache. In a contrasting performance, Wasps landed our gamble when disposing of Saracens in fair fashion. They might not be at their best away from home but their performances, barring the defeat to Munster, have been excellent in the last month or so.
Patchy’s Pick
My best bet of the weekend are the mighty Wasps plus 5.5 points and I’m throwing a hefty 4 Units at that !
Leicester v Worcester – Round 14
Sale comfortably landed our pick on Sunday but didn’t have it all their own way for much of the game.
Leicester were playing great rugby until the last 20 minutes and seemed to run out of puff. It was bound to happen as they have lost a number of important players including George Ford. However, they have an easy opportunity to bounce back to winning ways as hapless Worcester are their opponents on Saturday.
Patchy’s Pick
There is a large handicap here for Leicester to overcome and there is every reason to think it should be within their grasp. But there is something that doesn’t feel right in this game.
The Warriors were very disappointing last week at home against the Saints and good money can’t continue to be thrown at a side that under performs week in and week out.
If I had to though, I would have a small bet on the plus as I think they could score enough to stay within the handicap of 22.5 points, but for now, no bet.
Saracens v Bath – Round 14
Our best bet of the weekend was landed by a committed and jubilant Bath side last Friday night when they overcame Harlequins at the Rec. It was a superb performance in lieu of the awful season they have had so far. Admittingly, Quins were without some important play-makers but at least Bath managed to double their win tally for the season.
Saracens meanwhile lost at Wasps and despite having a strong team were a little disappointing by all accounts. However, much to Bath’s misery I’d say, Sarries will be looking to put in a much better performance this time around and I’m expecting another tough day at the office for Bath.
Patchy’s Pick
I think Saracens will bounce back hard here but just the 2 Units on Saracens minus 18.5 points.
Harlequins v Sale – Round 14
Quins return to the Stoop for this all-important fixture on Sunday. They have felt the effects of the international call ups and could be vulnerable once again when they face a Sale side which appears to have finally cut out the unnecessary penalties and the inconsistent play that has plagued them for much of the season. Despite being on the back foot against the Tigers last week they managed to turn the game around to deny the log leaders a losing bonus point.
Patchy’s Pick
I think Quins will be very wary of Sale who will start the game as slight favourites. However, I think they can improve back at home and with Sale’s patchy away form think they will seal the win in a tight match.
Two bets are suggested, 3 Units on Quins on the match result market at a shade over 5/4 and .25 Unit on the draw at 20/1.
Follow me on Twitter @BrenHbetsnet and have a great weekend!
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