Last weekend wasn’t bad, although it’s always frustrating to lose the GSP in the first game – I didn’t expect Gloucester to win away at Sale, but picked the other 5 matches in Round 3. More green arrows this week hopefully.
Bristol v Exeter
This West Country derby could be a feisty affair, but it has been a tough start to Premiership life for Bristol. Running Quins close in week 1 seems a distant memory after they shipped 70 points to Wasps in Round 3.
I expect Exeter to win this one reasonably comfortably. Exeter by 13.
SuperBru Community: Exeter by 11.66 | Paddy Power: Exeter -13
Gloucester v Newcastle
It’s a Loss, a Draw and a Win for Gloucester so far this season, and they’ll return to Kingsholm after two Away trips with some momentum and confidence.
They’ve lost four of their last five home matches, but they’ll be too strong for Newcastle. Gloucester by 16.
SuperBru Community: Gloucester by 9.12 | Paddy Power: Gloucester -9
Harlequins v Saracens
Quins won this fixture last season, inflicting one of only two away defeats on Saracens, but they have lost the other 8 of the last 9 matches against the Champions.
I think Sarries’ ominous form will continue, but hopefully Quins will put up a fight. Saracens by 9.
SuperBru Community: Saracens by 11.5 | Paddy Power: Saracens -8
Northampton v Wasps
Wasps are another team in ominous form, and this was supposed to be the part of the season when they are weakest, with a few injuries and big-name players yet to arrive.
I normally pick Saints to win at home 9 times out of 10, but Wasps have already won at Welford Road, and I fancy them to win at Franklins Gardens too. Wasps by 6.
SuperBru Community: Wasps by 7.5 | Paddy Power: Northampton -4
Worcester v Sale
This sort of game is a must-win for Worcester, at home to another bottom-half side. I’ve said previously that I find Worcester matches tough to predict, and this one feels like a 50/50 call.
Teams aren’t out yet, but on paper Sale probably have the edge, but I’m leaning towards home advantage given it’s such a close call. Worcester by 2.
SuperBru Community: Sale by 2.91 | Paddy Power: Worcester -2
Leicester v Bath
It’s great to see this historic rivalry back to near its best, with both sides competing at the top of the table. Bath have not won at Welford Road since 2003, but may fancy their chances after Wasps’ efforts a fortnight ago.
The Tigers nearly tripped up in Newcastle last week, and should also have lost in Round 1, whilst Bath top the table on points difference ahead of Sarries and Wasps. Bath by 2.
SuperBru Community: Bath by 1.84 | Paddy Power: Leicester -4
Interesting to see the SuperBru community going against the bookies on a few picks here…what are your predictions?
Exeter by 12
Gloucester by 15
Saracens by 14
Wasps by 2
Worcester by 7
Bath by 5
The Wasps and Bath wins will be the money makers this weekend
Can’t help but feel Leicester lack a little in the pack this year against the top sides, which feels like a strange thing to say.
Would love to see Wasps get another big away win this weekend, but I think we might lose this one. Leicester are trying to throw the ball around and that’ll always suit this Wasps side – really can’t see Saints doing that.
Saints didn’t seem too interested in playing much rugby last week, but more determined to stop Sarries from playing. I suspect they will employ a similar tactic with Wasps. I still think Wasps will win as they are playing with confidence and Cips and Gopperth are proving to be a great 10/12 pairing.
Can’t say I’m as optimistic about the Leicester game as that, like I said on another thread, Bath haven’t really been tested yet, horrendous conditions in the first game and regulation wins against weaker opposition in Newcastle and Worcester. The fan in me would love to see Bath win away at Welford Road, our record there is about as good as Wasps until last weekend (a recent draw is as close as they’ve come in a while), but the rational head says Leicester will probably sneak it.