By Wellsaint
November 22 2002

Time for a look at this week's games in both the Zurich Premiership and the Autumn Internationals from a betting standpoint. WELLSAINT’S ZURICH PREMIERSHIP BETTING PREVIEW – ROUND ELEVEN

We’ve already reached the halfway point of the ZP season; time for a look at this weekend’s games. And guess where we are starting?

That’s right, Saturday’s only ZP game at FG.

SAINTS v QUINS

Quins are on the up at present, and send a strong side up to the Gardens for this encounter at high noon. Saints, suffering from international call-ups and injuries, field a strongish side in a game that has been described as “pivotal”. I wouldn’t disagree – win, and we stay in touch with the leaders, and in contention for a European place; lose, and much of the good work done in the first month of the season will be undone. How do I see this going? I think Saints will win, hopefully by a good margin. My prediction would be in the 8-12 point range.

All other ZP games this week are on Sunday.

BATH v BRISTOL

West Country derby where victory is vital to both teams, Bath in 9th, Bristol 2 places lower. With home advantage, I take Bath to win by less than a score.

GLOUCESTER v LEEDS (LIVE ON SKY)

What price would you have got this being the top 2 clash at the start of the season? This is where we find out if Leeds are genuine title contenders (and I’m not taking anything away from them by saying that.) But this is Castle Grim, this is a tough test, and this is a home win by fifteen points.

LONDON IRISH v THE PCP

Irish find themselves bottom of the league and facing a visit from the rapidly improving… Why bother,eh? The PCP to win easily, prediction somewhere north of 15 points.

WASPS v SHARKS

Wasps lost last week at Quins, but I feel they will bounce back here and beat the Sharks by ten points.

SARACENS v NEWCASTLE

Sarries should have enough power to see off a Newcastle side struggling without Johnny Boy. Sarries by 12.


INTERNATIONALS

England v SA: I’ve been informed that England are seen as 15 point favourites for this. Very easy decision, therefore, to back South Africa with the fifteen point start, as I can’t see England steamrollering them.

Wales v NZ: Time for a reality check for the men in red. New Zealand to win by 15.

Ireland v Argentina: This could be a very tight game. I take Ireland to win, but probably a single figure margin of victory.

Scotland v Fiji: Scotland by a lot – although not as far as Ireland last week. Say 30 points.

France v Canada: France easily – 30 to 40 points.

Italy v Australia: Don’t even go there. Australia by a cricket score (sorry!)
One caveat. The weather forecast for the weekend is for yet more rain. If the rain materialises, or the pitches are obviously in very bad condition, the margins of victory may be less, as running rugby becomes more difficult. For this reason, stakes should be kept on the low side.

Good luck with your bets this weekend.

COME ON ENGLAND and COME ON YOU SAINTS!!!