I’ll be taking over Hosie’s mantle of sharing my SuperBru predictions each week. He beat me by 0.5 points in last year’s office pool, but I was ahead at the end of the regular season and I’m confident this year.

I’ve also noticed that the SuperBru community stats – the average prediction of thousands of Rugby fans – is generally better than the bookies at predicting results, so I’ll be looking at discrepancies each week between the community and the bookie handicaps for a little bet every now and then if there’s more than a 3-point discrepancy.

Gloucester v Leicester

This should be a good battle between the Burns brothers, lining up opposite each other at fly-half. The Tigers have the better of the head-to-head record between these two sides, but I actually prefer the look of the Gloucester team for the season opener. Logic is saying Leicester, but not quite enough to override my gut, which says home team to win. Gloucester by 2.

SuperBru Community: Leicester by 4.03 | Paddy Power: Leicester -1.5 | Discrepancy: 2.57

Newcastle v Sale

Not really the highlight of the opening week’s fixtures. I fear for the Falcons this season, and just don’t see sufficient quality in their squad. The Newcastle weather is an asset over the winter months, but in fine weather on Friday night, I think Sale will take this one. Sale by 6.

SuperBru Community: Sale by 3.65 | Paddy Power: Newcastle -0.5 | Discrepancy: 4.26 – BET on Sale +0.5

Saracens v Worcester

The other team I expect to battle with Newcastle for relegation is Worcester. Without Dean Ryan, it could be a long season, and up against the Champions at Twickenham, it could be a long afternoon on Saturday. Heavy pre-season defeats by Munster and Clermont, in addition to losing to Jersey, can’t have done much for morale, and frankly I think they’ll get thrashed. Saracens by 28.

SuperBru Community: Saracens by 15.68 | Paddy Power: Saracens -19.5 | Discrepancy: 3.92 – BET on Worcester +19.5

Northampton v Bath

This is a good-looking fixture on Saturday afternoon, and both sides will surely be better this season than last. No team news at the time of writing, but I expect it could take Bath a few games to settle under Todd Blackadder, and home advantage has me leaning towards Saints. Northampton by 6.

SuperBru Community: Saints by 4.28 | Paddy Power: Saints -6.5 | Discrepancy: 2.21

Harlequins v Bristol

The other part of the ‘London’ Double Header also looks like a good fixture on paper, and I’m looking forward to seeing how Quins go with John Kingston in the top job. Some people are anticipating a tough season for Quins, whilst others expect to see them in the top half of the table. I think they’ll beat the Premiership new boys at Twickenham, with a bit of room to spare. Harlequins by 16.

SuperBru Community: Quins by 11.3 | Paddy Power: Quins -6.5 | Discrepancy: 2.38

Wasps v Exeter

This fixture has thrown up some relatively high-scoring encounters over the last few years, and with Wasps’ summer signings, they clearly intend to score tries. Exeter have generally had the edge, but big things are expected at the Ricoh arena this season, and I think they’ll start with a home win. Wasps by 13.

SuperBru Community: Wasps by 1.32 | Paddy Power: Wasps -4.5 | Discrepancy: 3.23 – BET on Exeter +4.5

Let me know what you think, and if you think you can do better, make sure you’re in our SuperBru league.

Follow Hutch on Twitter: @Hutch_James

Photo by: Patrick Khachfe / Onside Images