Edinburgh (2) v Saracens (4/7)
One of the tightest pools of the completion kicks off with what has the potential to be a real nail biter as last year’s semi-finalists take on last year’s quarter finalists at Murrayfield. Edinburgh gave it their all to make the semi-finals last year and lying down in eighth this year, they look to be doing the same thing once again with the best available squad picked by Michael Bradley in a bid for success - Tom Brown and Richie Rees return to start at full-back and scrum-half while the Scottish powered backline that took them so far last season starts – but last year’s success came against opponents who were far more open than Saracens are ever likely to be and they can use their giant pack to smother the game and eke out a win by 1—12. The Sarries have won half of their last 6 games by the minimum winning margin and have let in just 81 points over the duration of the Premiership season.
Advice: 2 pts Saracens to win by 1-12 points (6/4 general)
Racing Metro (19/20) v Munster (19/20)
Racing Metro won just one game in this competition last season – losing all 3 games at home – and they look vulnerable to Munster without their Argentinean contingent. Munster have been in indifferent form but have lost no caste in their three away defeats so far and can edge this tie with their superior quality.
Advice: 2 pts Munster to win by 1-12 points (9/5 Bolyesports, Paddy Power)
Zebre (15/8) v Connacht (4/7)
Newly formed Zebre are still winless in the Pro12 and it beggars belief to see them as short as 15/8 and receiving just 4 points from Connacht, who really held their own last season both home and away and beat the Italians 30-17 when they last met on this turf. A 3 point head start with Stan James seems to be an absolute gift.
Advice: 4 pts Connacht -4 (10/11 Stan James)
Clermont (1/7) v Scarlets (11)
Outright fancies Clermont should make a bold bid for the title this season and we’ll find out a lot about them when they take on a Scarlets side brimming with the best young Welsh talent and confidence from a blistering start in the Pro12 – they have more points than anyone so far in the tournament. Their superb backline should get the job done, although any complacency will be severely punished by the likes of Morgan Stoddart, George North, Jonathan Davies, Scott Williams and Rhys Priestland, which all points to a high scoring game.
Advice: 1 pt 45 points or more (5/6 Ladbrokes)
Leinster (1/12) v Exeter Chiefs (12)
Exeter Chief’s remarkable rise though the Premiership has been rewarded richly with a trip to Leinster in their opening fixtures. Expect Rob Baxter’s side to give a good account of themselves but their three losses have come away in the Premiership this season so the 16 point handicap isn’t hard to contest, and total pints once again looks to be the best bet.
Advice: 1 pt 43 points or more (5/6 Paddy Power)
Harlequins (1/3) v Biarritz (4)
This could be one of the decisive clashes of the pool stages, with Connacht and Zebre miles behind these two on paper, and it’s Harlequins who are in much better shape coming into this contest. Biarritz lost all three of their matches away in this competition last season and have lost their last four on the bounce in France while Quins (admittedly having lost their last two) come here with a full strength side.
Advice: 2 pts Quins -7 (4/5 Blue Sq)
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