Heineken Cup rugby

Another good weekend in the rugby for us. First, Cardiff saw off Biarritz 21-17 in a very close contest while Leicester also saw off Perpignan as we tipped. Our most handsome victories though were in our handicap bet of Leinster who destroyed Castres 33-3 and our trade of the Stade Francais vs Harlequins game, which worked out perfectly

After the internationals we get straight back into the big European scene with the next round of Heineken Cup matches.

Friday 8pm, Cardiff Blues vs Biarritz

Can it be that only the Welsh gave northern hemisphere rugby the slightest efforts to be proud of? Well, yes, and thank God for the blighters because in Lee Byrne, Shane Williams and company they have some marvellous players.

Can Cardiff continue their good form though and win at home? Yes they can despite losing 28-0 to Glasgow in their last match but the return of Martyn Williams, Lee Halfpenny, Andy Powell and possibly Tom Shanklin should give the side a huge boost.

Assuming they all play, that is!

This is why I am checking teams on kick-off and then if they are present and correct I am backing the home side Cardiff at 1/4 but only very small.

Saturday 1.30pm, Leinster vs Castres

Again I want to check the Irish side is strong and if it is – with Contepomi, Driscoll etc – I want to back them anywhere on a handicap of around 15 points at 10/11. Prices are not up yet but this should be a strong home banker.

Saturday 3.30 pm, Stade Francais vs Harlequins

This is a much bigger match though as Quins have been on decent form and who knows what is happening with the aristocrats of Paris.

They have no fit 10’2, injuries across the second row and a makeshift feel to their team. That is why a small back of Quins to trade is an excellent starting position for us as Stade are out of sorts and the prices are generous with Quins likely to be around 2/1.

Saturday 5.30 pm, Leicester Tigers vs Perpignan

And to finish off Saturday we have Leicester Tigers vs Perpignan.

Few real thoughts asbout this as Perpignan are waiting for Dan Carter and Tigers can disappoint. It should be a home win and at around 1.7 I would take it but my efforts at the moment are concentrated on Stade v Quins – a top of pool clash and also Cardiff.