Saturday, 19 January 2013

Heineken Cup 2012/13 - 19th January 2012


Castres (4/3) v Ulster (10/11)

Ulster can seal a Ravenhill quarter final with a win over Castres. Mark Anscombe’s men have been one of the most impressive sides in this season’s competition and have developed a very strong away record over the last two years, winning at Munster, Northampton and Glasgow in style recently, and while Castres are traditionally very strong at home, Glasgow showed more than enough weaknesses in the hosts to suggest Ulster can take this, with the 1-12 winning margin the first port of call.

Advice: 2 pts Ulster to win by 1-12 points (8/5 Hills)

Glasgow (9/4) v Northampton (8/15)

Northampton have to win with a bonus point and hope that other results go their way to progress and while that doesn’t look likely, they can take a win from Scotland. Saints have fronted up of late after a strong of big match losses, with wins and Ravenhill and Sandy Park also complimented by an impressive performance against Saracens. Glasgow have done themselves proud in terms of performance but have lost both home games so far.

Advice: 1 pt Northampton to win by 1-12 points (6/4 Ladbrokes)

Cardiff (1/6)  v Sale (8)

Cardiff have been battered on many occasions this season but their Heineken Cup performances have been admirable and they can give the long suffering Blues faithful something to cheer when Sale come to town. A points mark of 28 or more looks achievable.

Advice: 1 pt Cardiff to score 28 or more points (5/6 general)

Montpellier (10/11) v Toulon (evs)

With only a losing bonus point needed to seal a home quarter final, there’s not a giant incentive for Toulon to go all out, hence Montpellier’s status as slight favourites for this tie. With a strong home record, big pack, and massive emotional incentive in the case of Eric Bechu’s death this week, the hosts are tempting, but the pure class of Toulon’s side will always make things close. In 4 of their 5 games so far, Toulon have scored more points in the second half than the first, so that option appeals far more than any match points.

Advice: 3 pts 2nd half to be highest scoring (10/11 Ladbrokes)

Exeter (11/2) v Leinster (2/9)

To qualify, Leinster need one thing; A massive bonus point win while hoping that Montpellier especially don’t win in France beforehand. The Dubliners haven’t looked as good as they have in recent years but they can call upon a full strength team for tonight’s trip and make great appeal against an Exeter side which has begun to run out of steam as the season as gone on. The second half handicap of 5 points with Betfred makes considerable appeal given the forward power in the Leinster pack.

Advice: 3 pts Leinster -4.5 on 2nd half no draw handicap (5/6 Betfred)

Scarlets (11/2) v Clermont (2/9)

Clermont can seal a home quarter final in style with a comprehensive win over Scarlets in Wales. The Jaunards have been so often bridesmaids at both domestic and European level but have been incredible form so far this season and scored over 60 points at Sandy Park and the Aviva this season, so a handicap of 9 points seems reasonable, with the 2nd half handicaps also looking secure if one worries that they’ll ease up late.

Advice: 2 pts Clermont -9 (10/11 Hills) 

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