Photo Copyright Steve Haag Sports
Round 26 – Patchy O’Connell previews the final round of Gallagher Prem games with plenty still at stake as some teams look to secure a final 8 spot.
As we come to the season’s conclusion and before we head to the play offs, Northampton still have to fend off Gloucester for 4th position, whilst London Irish will be hoping Leicester will dispatch Wasps and allow them to hold onto 8th place, which will gain them participation in next seasons Champions Cup.
So despite being a weekend of lesser importance for some clubs we should still have some exciting matches!
Harlequins stand out on paper for me and rate as my best bet of the weekend.
Exeter v Harlequins – Round 26
In what is essentially a dead rubber Exeter will possibly want to end the season on a high and a number of internationals might want to put in that last special performance to be in line for a shot at the Summer tours.
It wasn’t the best of seasons for Exeter and team news will be important before taking a strong view.
On what we’ve seen so far, I can’t imagine a side like Harlequins taking this game lightly.
Patchy’s Pick
Exeter will be missing a few important players according to unofficial reports and, despite travelling, I make Quins a huge danger here.
Their never say die attitude should enable them to finish within the handicap and I wouldn’t be surprised if they managed to go on to win it .
A juicy 5 Units, Quins plus 8.5 points on the handicap.
Gloucester v Saracens – Round 26
The hosts currently lie in 5th place, 2 points behind Northampton but have a better for/against record and this means they could potentially squeak past Northampton should the Saints pick up no points from their home game against Newcastle – however unlikely that may seem.
As a result the bookies are rating Gloucester on a higher level than would normally be the case and much will depend on the side Sarries send out with Gloucester likely to field their best possible 15.
Patchy’s Pick
Team news will be massive here and it’s likely both sides will be at full strength. If that’s the case Saracens should cover this cap, 3 Units Saracens minus 1.5 points .
Leicester v Wasps – Round 26
An important game this. If Wasps cause an upset here they will move above London Irish and claim a spot in the final 8, allowing them another crack at the Champions Cup for the 2022/23 season.
It would be a tough task for Wasps at home but it appears to be an impossible one at Welford Road.
Again, it’s a tricky fixture as one would think the Tigers will prove too strong and would want to keep the momentum at a high tempo for the remainder of the season.
However, the visitors will give it a full go and perhaps there may be some value on the handicap.
Patchy’s Pick
A well-priced handicap and although Wasps are potentially a dangerous side, I expect the Tigers will want to remain focussed and I think it’s fair to expect a clinical performance. However, the handicap looks well set and it’s a no bet for me.
Northampton v Newcastle – Round 26
The Saints, by far, have the easier task in ensuring the 4th spot remains their own as they host the Falcons at Franklin Gardens. They are massive favourites and notwithstanding any red cards I can’t see anything other than a comfortable win for them.
Patchy’s Pick
We could be in for a few points here as both sides will probably look to give the ball some air.
The total points quote should be around 52.5 points and if that is indeed the case I’ll look to have 2 Units on the overs.
Sale v Bristol – Round 26
Another dead rubber with not much to play for, other than the international spots alluded to earlier.
Sale will look back at a season which held much promise but didn’t quite deliver, whilst the Bristol Bears fall under a similar description despite finishing the season better than they started it.
Patchy’s Pick
I think two very different game plans will clash here. Sale will look to adopt a structured and controlled strategy, while the Bears will look to disrupt and to run the ball back at Sale.
It’s my second-best bet of the final round, Bristol plus 10.5 points for 4 Units.
Worcester v Bath – Round 26
A battle between the also rans takes place at the Six Ways Stadium and ironically both sides will be brimming with confidence having both enjoyed a win recently.
The Warriors took the Exiles to extra time but hoisted the Rugby Cup and Bath fought back from 10 points down to beat London Irish at the Rec in their last outing.
Patchy’s Pick
Two sides hoping to end the season on a winning note.
I’m going to lean towards Bath here, but the result could go either way and I’m hoping to get plus 3.5 at 4/5 as the line is 2.5 points currently, for 2 Units only .
Have a wonderful weekend.
Bet on rugby at www.hollywoodbets.co.uk or www.hollywoodbets.ie
