Quins (7/5) v
Clermont (8/11)
This has every chance of being the game of the weekend and
if both sides play as we know they can do, then it should be a superb show of
skill, pace, and attacking rugby. If at their best then Quins have every chance
of turning over Clermont on home soil but Vern Cotter’s side have improved a
lot since they met early in the season and they can take the tightest of wins
here.
Advice: 1 pt Clermont to win by 1-5 points (5/1 general)
Benetton (9) v
Leicester (1/9)
Leicester are widely expected to take advantage of Ulster’s
failure to score 4 against Montpellier last night but Treviso have given them
nightmarishly hard encounters in the past and a failure to reach their high
standards on many occasion this season puts some doubt in the mind as to
whether taking a 12 point handicap is wise. Treviso have been put away with the
last score of the game on the last two occasions. This might be best left, with
a point towards the second half handicap of 8 points.
Advice: No bets.
Exeter (8/11) v
Glasgow (7/5)
A raft of changes and some very exciting prospects for the
Chiefs here as they bid to end their last European game infront of the Sandy
Park faithful for what might be the last time. Glasgow bring a side more than
good enough to repeat their pre-season victory, but also one that has won 4 of
their last 4/45 away trips in Europe, but Exeter too have struggled to find
their real form and neither side makes a huge amount of appeal here.
Connacht (1/8) v
Zebre (5)
Connacht’s finest moments have all come in this competition
but their win against Toulouse was one of the greatest moments in their history
and despite a thumping on the reverse fixture, they should aim to play what
might be the last European game for a while in Ireland. Zebre have imporved a
huge amount for their first season in this competition and now have a Pro12 win
against Treviso to their credit as well. Connacht should still be able to win
and cover a 12 point handicap with home advantage.
Advice: 1 pt Connacht -11 (10/11 general)
Toulon (1/25) v
Cardiff (16)
Toulon have struggled in recent weeks this season and haven’t’
reached the same standards that saw them landing this competition and nearly
land the Top 14. They can be expected to beat Cardiff and take a big step
towards the quarter finals today, but a bet on a big amount of points looks the
best option.
Advice: 1 pt Over 46.5 points (5/6 Sportingbet)
Edinburgh (5/6) v
Perpginan (7/5)
Edinbrugh’s high point of the season came when beating
Gloucester at Kingsholm in a resolute showing but old frailties, while
Perpginan’s last gasp defeat to Munster leaves them with the preverbal mountain
to climb. Perpignan’s solid performance when going down to Stade Francais bodes
well for their chances of snatching a win here but the game looks best left.
Gloucester (5/2) v
Munster (2/5)
Gloucester’s fall from grace since last season - which cost
flyhalf Freddie Burns a potential England spot this week– has been startling,
and their defeat to Saracens was a true nadir with an embarrassing lack of
backrow activity that if repeated, will see Munster inflict as least as much
humiliation and put one foot in the quarter finals. At the beginning of the
season few would have imagined Munster being odds on for this but the Cherry
and Whites have lost 6 of their 9 home games this season and if failing to
raise their standards, are incredibly vulnerable to a Munster side that has
been beefed up with 6 changed from a defeat at Ravenhill last week when they
struggled for fluency but threatened to take the win before being put away, and
handicaps of upto 7 points are entirely fair. The Munster points line is set
rather high at 23 in most cases and Sportingbet’s quote of giving up 5 looks
the best bet.
Advice: 1 pt Munster -5 (7/10 general)
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