With the bulk of the Autumn Nations Series now behind us, the Gallagher Premiership makes its return. The standout matches in round 7 sees Bears visit Quins, Exeter at Bath and Sale hosting Tigers. Shaun Goosen previews.
Friday 29 November
Harlequins 42/100 | Draw 20/1 | Bristol 2/1
‘Quins have won and lost three of their six games so far and occupy fifth with 18 points, two places and six points off their opponents this week. They’ll have to deal with the likely absence of talisman Marcus Smith, as well as a number of other England internationals for this one which may hinder their progress against a Bristol unit that has been purring along nicely.
Bears look like they mean business again this season, with their last Premiership outing seeing them knock over Saints 31-23 at Ashton Gate for a fourth win this term. Despite Ellis Genge and Harry Randall being rested, based on what we’ve seen this season Pat Lam’s men should get the job done on Friday.
Verdict: Bristol 17/10
Nice bit of value on Bristol to edge an away win at the Stoop.
Newcastle 7/2 | Draw 33/1 | Saracens 21/100
Having pipped Sale by a single point in the Premiership Rugby Cup last week, Falcons may be riding some momentum into this clash with Sarries at Kingston Park, though it is unlikely to be enough to get them over the line. The visitors have been very good so far and one would think Mark McCall is too seasoned a coach to trip on this particular banana peel.
Verdict: Saracens (-11.5) 8/10
Saracens are tipped pick up all five log points on offer and clear a fairly modest handicap.
Saturday 30 November
Northampton 19/100 | Draw 25/1 | Gloucester 4/1
Northampton have a big job to do to rescue their season and put themselves in a position from which to realistically defend their Premiership crown. They’re seventh, a massive nine points off the top four after several underwhelming showings so far and need something close to a miracle to remain in contention.
Gloucester are one place and two points above Saints heading into this Franklin’s Gardens clash but could find themselves on the receiving end against the hosts, who will feel they have some pride to put back into their game.
Verdict: Northampton (-10.5) 17/20
The hosts to ease past Gloucester.
Bath 2/11 | Draw 25/1 | Exeter Chiefs 4/1
Table-toppers Bath are looking formidable this term and seem destined to be in the mix come the semi-finals. Johann van Graan’s talented outfit face La Rochelle in their opening Champions Cup game next week and will be aiming to shake off the rust here against winless Exeter Chiefs.
Ninth-placed Chiefs have struggled big time so far amid a massive rebuilding phase at the club. With play-off rugby out of the question, Rob Baxter will surely be looking at using the remainder of the campaign to blood his youngsters with an eye on next season. Unfortunately for them, this trip to the Rec could be another tough lesson in waiting.
Verdict: Bath (-10.5) 17/20
Bath to claim maximum points against Chiefs.
Sunday 1 December
Sale | Draw | Leicester betting tba
Sale are eighth and sit nine points off the play-off berths ahead of this daunting test against Tigers. They lost their last two Premiership games before the international break and must buck that trend soon if they are to keep their slender semi-final ambitions alive.
Leicester seem to be reaching new levels under Michael Cheika and lie second with a 12th Premiership title well within reach. Considering the way they’ve been performing compared to their rivals this week, one would think they are good enough to record a win at the AJ Bell on Sunday.
Verdict: Leicester
Leicester to outdo Sale in Manchester.
