Our rugby scribe previews the 14th round of the Gallagher Premiership. Saracens will take on Gloucester, the Harlequins should have an easy fixture against Bristol, and Exeter will look to bounce back from their round 13 defeat when they host the Falcons.
Friday 22 February
Gloucester v Saracens
21h45
Kingsholm Stadium
To Win
Gloucester 13/20
Draw 16/1
Saracens 27/10
After earning a stunning victory over the Exeter Chiefs last week, Gloucester have the chance to make it two-out-of-two over the leading sides in the competition when Saracens come knocking on Friday. The cherry and whites benefited from a late Ben Morgan five-pointer as they edged last season’s runners-up to become just the second team to beat them this term. While breaking into the top two is still highly unlikely for Johan Ackermann’s men, a win over Saracens this weekend will give them a world of confidence.
That said, the Londoners did well to come back and beat Leicester last time out and their strength in depth will certainly be a factor. Back the away side to take the spoils.
Verdict: Saracens by seven or more
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Saturday 23 February
Harlequins v Bristol
16h00
The Stoop
To Win
Harlequins 2/9
Draw 20/1
Bristol 33/10
Harlequins put on a glistening attacking display to see off Worcester last Saturday and will be red-hot favourites to down Bristol this weekend. The Quins scored seven tries in that Warriors win and while Paul Gustard will be pleased with his side’s progress with ball in hand, their having conceded five tries somewhat blighted their performance. Bristol will look at this area of the game as one to pounce upon after a disappointing home showing against Wasps that resulted in a 22-29 loss. Still, though, third-placed Harlequins are looking good and should record another comfortable win.
Verdict: Harlequins by 10 or more
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Wasps v Sale Sharks
16h00
Ricoh Arena
To Win
Wasps 4/10
Draw 18/1
Sale Sharks 2/1
Sale may have their work cut out for them as they visit a solid Wasps side at the Ricoh Arena this weekend. The Sharks suffered a 67-17 thrashing at Franklin’s Gardens last Saturday despite naming a virtually full-strength team. They will be severely low on confidence and the hosts will look to capitalize on their poor form by dishing out a similar performance when they meet in London. Sale conceded nine tries and a Wasps side with the likes of Willie Le Roux and Juan de Jongh in the mix will want to take full advantage.
Verdict: Wasps by 10 or more
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Exeter Chiefs v Newcastle Falcons
16h30
Sandy Park
To Win
Exeter Chiefs 1/10
Draw 30/1
Newcastle Falcons 11/2
The table-topping Chiefs will look to get back to winning ways when they host 12th-placed Newcastle at Sandy Park on Saturday. The Chiefs were undone for just the second time this season at Gloucester last week after conceding a late try, but Rob Baxter’s boys will be keen to show what they can do against a side currently languishing in last place.
Losing is not something Exeter are accustomed to, and they will be heavy favourites to rack up a big score over a Falcons lineup that has recorded just three wins all season.
Verdict: Exeter by 14 or more
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Northampton Saints v Bath Rugby
16h45
Franklin’s Gardens
To Win
Northampton Saints 13/20
Draw 16/1
Bath Rugby 13/10
After demolishing Sale at the same venue a week ago, Northampton will look for more of the same against Bath this Saturday. It would seem the Saints boys are finally adjusting to Chris Boyd’s way of doing things after a slow start to his debut season at the helm.
Their attacking exploits in that 67-17 win over a very good Sale outfit was fantastic and all indications are that the hosts will only get better under Boyd’s leadership. The Saints can overtake Bath in sixth with a win this weekend and you’d be silly to bet against them after what transpired last Saturday.
Verdict: Saints by 14 or more
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Sunday 24 February
Worcester Warriors v Leicester Tigers
15h00
Sixways Stadium
To Win
Worcester Warriors 11/20
Draw 18/1
Leicester Tigers 15/10
Both Worcester and Leicester will look to put last weekend’s disappointing results behind them when they clash at the Sixways on Sunday. The Warriors looked good at times during their 47-33 away loss to Harlequins but ultimately failed to take anything away from the outing.
They languish in 11th after a substandard campaign that has seen them claim just four wins. The Tigers, meanwhile, led 10-5 at halftime against Saracens last weekend before eventually capitulating to lose by 33-10. After a good win over Gloucester at the beginning of January, they will be desperate for a chance to make amends.
Verdict: Leicester by seven or more
Written by Shaun Goosen for Hollywoodbets
