Rugby Union
PREM Rugby Cup Round 3 Predictions & Tips: Leicester can upset Saints away from home
The Gallagher Premiership is put on pause this weekend to make way for the third round of the PREM Rugby Cup, with William Hill News providing predictions and tips for all the action.
With four fixtures across Friday and Saturday, there are some quality clashes which will see the group stage really start to take shape.
Some big names will not be on show as the Autumn Internationals take centre stage for the next three weeks, but there will no doubt be some top-quality rugby on show.
Sale Sharks v Bristol Bears – Friday 6th November, 19:45
This game is one of many that have seen superstars removed from both sides as a result of the Autumn Internationals. Sale have six players in Steve Borthwick’s England squad and a number of others elsewhere, while Bristol lose a leader in Ellis Genge alongside Harry Randall to England.
Sale will be harder hit and were probably already the weaker side on paper, so it may be wise to side with Bristol.
Prediction: Bristol Bears to win
Northampton Saints v Leicester Tigers – Friday 6th November, 19:45
Northampton Saints head into this one missing seven players at the expense of the Autumn Internationals, which won’t help in their quest for a first PREM Rugby Cup win of the season.
Leicester’s record isn’t much better, with losses to Harlequins and Newcastle in their opening two matches. This looks tough to call, but Northampton’s absentees makes them vulnerable.
Prediction: Leicester Tigers to win
Saracens v Newcastle Red Bulls – Saturday 7th November, 15:00
Saracens only have one game under their belt in this competition, but that saw them complete an emphatic 96-42 win over Northampton in the opening round of group stage fixtures.
Newcastle have one win to their name from just one match, as they travelled away for a seemingly tough test at Leicester, which they passed with flying colours as they ran out 24-36 winners.
Saracens are far harder hit by the Autumn Internationals call-ups, but their strength in depth should see them through here.
Prediction: Saracens to win
Exeter Chiefs v Bath – Saturday 7th November, 15:00
The final fixture from the third round of the PREM Rugby Cup should prove to be an exciting clash, even if both teams are missing some of their household names.
Three Exeter Chiefs players have been named in the 36-man England squad for the upcoming Autumn Internationals, while Will Stuart and Ben Spencer are the Bath representatives in Steve Borthwick’s squad.
Exeter strolled to a 45-21 victory over Bristol in the second round of fixtures, while Bath’s only game so far saw them fall 50-28 to Sale away from home.
The hosts clearly have the stronger form in this competition and it’s hard to find a reason to side against them at Sandy Park.
Prediction: Exeter Chiefs to win
*Prices accurate at the time of writing – odds subject to change*
