Weekend Rugby

A positive weekend on the rugby tipping for Fletch. He sensed an upset in the first match, but unfortunately didnt back it, nailed the Waratahs and Wasps games, and had some success with Gloucester – Leicester as the close match racked up 51 total points.

Super 14

The last weekend of Super 14 regular season and we have two games on SKY TV this week to delight and entertain us.

Crusaders v Highlanders, Saturday 7.35am

The team that is currently doing enough against an infuriating Kiwi side that really should not have enough class for this one. Crusaders are back to near full strength – Ali Williams, Rueben Thorne, Carter are all back in situ – and they will consider this a hard workout before next weeks semi-final.

However, this is a south Island derby and the anger will be there in this rivalry.

AT 1/11 to win the Crusaders are just too short but neither do I want to back them with the 18 point handicap offered. I reckon a small back of the Highlanders with an 18 point start is the call. It will be a tough game for them but if they can make it a derby dog fight we could have a win.

Reds v Waratahs, Saturday 10.35am

This should be a win for the Tahs and reasonably comfortably. Against that is the jet lag of travelling from SA last week. Their diminished forward power, their desire for a semi-final could make them anxious against a team that has shown signs of much needed recovery.

However. I want to back the class act and will straight up support the Tahs at 4/9. They have so much at stake, they must win.

Guinness Premiership Semi-finals

Wasps v Bath, Sunday 2pm

God how I hate these matches. I am a Bath man through and through and yet despite all our good form and signs of talent and exhilarating rugby we have the bloody Wasps in front of us and they are the best English team in this situation. Seemingly every year they time their run to perfection and nick off with the silverware when more deserving teams have laboured all year.

That is why I am (and I cannot believe I am saying this) backing Wasps to win this match and move on to the final. In fact I shall state now that I expect them to win the whole shebang – again.

At 8/13 I am on them for the semi-final. As for the whole tournament I reckon at 15/8 they are the best value. I know this may be a double bet so either pick one that you prefer or split your stake levels. Personally I am splitting a stake amount and putting 1/3rd on the semi and the rest on at 15/8.

What can Bath do to stop this? They have to win up front and make the Wasps defense work harder than ever before. Then Olly Barkley has to match the silken skills of men like Voyce and Cipriani and Sackey (if fit). Bath have the skill – I don’t think they yet have the chutzpah. Attitude goes some way to wining these matches. Wasps have that proven attitude in spades.

Gloucester v Leicester, Sunday 4.30pm

Leicester quite frankly could go two ways here. They could see last week’s manic, panic win as redemption, and fire off as of old – or more likely be defeated by an excellent Gloucester backline. Leicester have problems and any amount of last ditch tries and wins cannot disguise them.

However, I am reticent in a one off match to write them off completely. Therefore I reckon this is more of a wait and see match. Straight punters should back Gloucester.

I will wait and hope for signs of Leicester struggling.

What I will do though if the weather holds is back total points. This could be a try fest and a 45 point plus match. The odds are not up yet but hopefully by Friday evening they will be and I can review.