Rugby Union
PREM Rugby Cup Predictions & Tips: Sale can continue fine form
William Hill News turns its attentions to the PREM Rugby Cup this weekend, as the league competition’s Nations Championship break continues.
We have another four matches to sink our teeth into this weekend, with one on Friday evening, two on Saturday afternoon, and one on Sunday afternoon.
Most of the Premiership squads remain depleted by international departures, but last week’s action was nonetheless exciting and this week should prove to be no different.
Sale Sharks v Exeter Chiefs – Friday 13th November, 19:45
Sale kick off this round of fixtures aiming to follow on from their statement victory over Bristol Bears last weekend. That win put Sale top of Pool A, where they will be hoping to remain.
Exeter, on the other hand, didn’t put their best foot forward in suffering a 19-35 loss at home to Bath. Their focus on this competition has to be questioned and it’s hard to see them overturning a rampant Sale side here.
Prediction: Sale Sharks to win
Bath v Gloucester – Saturday 14th November, 14:00
Bath welcome Gloucester to The Rec on Saturday afternoon in what could be a crucial clash in Pool A, with the two sides sitting second and third respectively, separated by just one point.
Bath scored a good away win against Exeter last week, while Gloucester had a break having beaten Sale by a 17-point margin the week prior. Both teams arrive here in good form and this looks a close one on paper.
Both sides are in action again next week and will want to build momentum heading into that, but will also have one eye on the return of the Premiership, where they sit tied on points.
With little to pick between them, home advantage could play its part.
Prediction: Bath to win
Newcastle Red Bulls v Harlequins – Saturday 14th November, 14:30
Saturday’s second matchup is hardly a blockbuster, as two of the Premiership’s strugglers battle it out. Harlequins have made better strides in the cup than they have in the league, while Newcastle’s form has been patchy in both competition.
Quins are two from two in the PREM Rugby Cup so far, having scored an impressive 29-14 win over Northampton two weeks back. Newcastle’s form heading into this fixture is far less impressive, as they were on the end of a 54-19 thumping by Saracens last week.
It may be a long journey north, but Quins have hit their stride in this competition and can remain undefeated.
Prediction: Harlequins to win
Leicester Tigers v Saracens – Sunday 15th November, 13:00
We finish off the weekend in Pool B, where table-toppers Saracens take on the only winless side left in the PREM Rugby Cup, Leicester Tigers. Saracens made it two from two last week when they put 54 points on the board against Newcastle, while Leicester suffered their third defeat from three as they fell 39-19 to Northampton.
It’s clear to see Leicester aren’t prioritising this competition and losing four key players to the England squad hasn’t helped their cause. Saracens should score a routine victory away from home here.
Prediction: Saracens to win
