Superbru 6: URC, Premiership and Top 14 predictions
It was another 5 out of 6 from my picks last weekend, with only the Stormers letting me down in Wales.
This weekend, there is no international rugby, but plenty of domestic action to get stuck into.
Here are my Superbru 6 picks for this weekend.
Cardiff sit 2nd in the table, just behind Leinster on points difference and their early-season momentum might well help them here against Glasgow. The home has won 4 of the last 5 meetings between the teams, but I’m finding it hard to pick a Welsh side to beat the reigning URC champions. Prediction: Glasgow by 7
Northampton v Harlequins - Gallagher Premiership
These two teams tend to be evenly-matched and both look to play an expansive style of rugby, with England fly-halves Fin Smith and Marcus Smith leading the Saints and Quins respectively. Quins’ away form has hampered them in recent seasons, and given the home side has won this fixture on the last 7 occasions, it seems sensible to pick the Saints. Prediction: Northampton by 6
Ulster were beaten in Johannesburg last weekend, and you’d expect them to lose this one in Pretoria too. The Bulls beat Edinburgh in their opening fixture and they could well go unbeaten at Loftus all season. Prediction: Bulls by 8
Bath v Bristol - Gallagher Premiership
This West Country derby is usually a feisty affair and always a highlight of the calendar. Bristol thrashed Bath in January of this year and have won 3 of the last 4 against their local rivals, but surely title favourites Bath will be too strong this season, particularly at the Rec. Prediction: Bath by 11
Dragons v Sharks - United Rugby Championship
This is a critical game in Sharks’ season - if they can’t win this one, there is surely no hope. They have won each of the four meetings between the teams so far, and on paper, they are significantly stronger than their hosts. Prediction: Sharks by 9
On Sunday evening, we are treated to a clash between two of the most successful French teams, and we should see players such as Folau Faingaa, Pita-Gus Sowakula for Clermont and Leicester Faingaanuku, Facundo Isa and Kyle Sinckler for Toulon. Home advantage is often key in the French league, but Toulon won on their last visit to the State Marcel Michelin, and they have won their last three matches in a row. I’m still leaning towards the home side for my pick, but it could go either way. Prediction: Clermont by 4
Are there any you disagree with? What’s your prediction for how many I’ll get this week?
Remember, for match previews of every individual URC and Premiership game this season, upgrade to Superbru Premium to access said previews on the picks pages of both the web and Superbru Rugby app.
This weekend, there is no international rugby, but plenty of domestic action to get stuck into.
Here are my Superbru 6 picks for this weekend.
Friday
Cardiff v Glasgow Warriors - United Rugby ChampionshipCardiff sit 2nd in the table, just behind Leinster on points difference and their early-season momentum might well help them here against Glasgow. The home has won 4 of the last 5 meetings between the teams, but I’m finding it hard to pick a Welsh side to beat the reigning URC champions. Prediction: Glasgow by 7
Northampton v Harlequins - Gallagher Premiership
These two teams tend to be evenly-matched and both look to play an expansive style of rugby, with England fly-halves Fin Smith and Marcus Smith leading the Saints and Quins respectively. Quins’ away form has hampered them in recent seasons, and given the home side has won this fixture on the last 7 occasions, it seems sensible to pick the Saints. Prediction: Northampton by 6
Saturday
Bulls v Ulster - United Rugby ChampionshipUlster were beaten in Johannesburg last weekend, and you’d expect them to lose this one in Pretoria too. The Bulls beat Edinburgh in their opening fixture and they could well go unbeaten at Loftus all season. Prediction: Bulls by 8
Bath v Bristol - Gallagher Premiership
This West Country derby is usually a feisty affair and always a highlight of the calendar. Bristol thrashed Bath in January of this year and have won 3 of the last 4 against their local rivals, but surely title favourites Bath will be too strong this season, particularly at the Rec. Prediction: Bath by 11
Dragons v Sharks - United Rugby Championship
This is a critical game in Sharks’ season - if they can’t win this one, there is surely no hope. They have won each of the four meetings between the teams so far, and on paper, they are significantly stronger than their hosts. Prediction: Sharks by 9
Sunday
Clermont v Toulon - Top 14On Sunday evening, we are treated to a clash between two of the most successful French teams, and we should see players such as Folau Faingaa, Pita-Gus Sowakula for Clermont and Leicester Faingaanuku, Facundo Isa and Kyle Sinckler for Toulon. Home advantage is often key in the French league, but Toulon won on their last visit to the State Marcel Michelin, and they have won their last three matches in a row. I’m still leaning towards the home side for my pick, but it could go either way. Prediction: Clermont by 4
Are there any you disagree with? What’s your prediction for how many I’ll get this week?
Remember, for match previews of every individual URC and Premiership game this season, upgrade to Superbru Premium to access said previews on the picks pages of both the web and Superbru Rugby app.
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Warning: Invest no funds solely based on the ramblings of a mid-table bru. 5 Oct 06:33