By Wellsaint
December 17 2004

It's time for the domestic knock-out cup competition to take centre stage, and all the ZP clubs join in at this point to the four survivors from Nat 1: Bedford, Pertemps Bees, Bristol and Plymouth Albion? Will there be any shocks? Oh yes, I think there will! Saturday's games

Bath v Quins

On the face of it you would expect an easy home win, but Bath have got an injury list that reads like the complete cast of M*A*S*H. Quins seemed to be on an upward turn but back to back losses may have shaken the confidence. Could be a very, very close game - and I fancy the possibility of a slight shock, with Quins to win by three.

Leicester v Gloucester (Live on BBC1 - kick off 2.45pm)

This would normally be something of a cracker but it's been said that Gloucester are not prioritising the Powergen this year. Add to that their lengthy injury list (actually - any teams out there who HAVEN'T got a lengthy injury list? just asking loike) and I take Leicester to win this by 14.

Northampton v X Northampton

Well, it is, when all's said and done! This is a potential banana skin, and as Barfly put in his excellent preview, a month ago, Bedford would have really fancied their chances. That said, they still won't be a pushover. Saints should(theoretically) have the firepower to win this game, but Bedford will really be up for this. Anyone who thinks this will be a pushover, I have two words for - Remember Orrell. Saints to win (eventually) by 12.

Worcester v London Irish

Worcester have been a good addition to the Premiership and few teams have an easy time of it when they play at Sixways - although they normally escape with a narrow win. I feel that may not be the case this weekend, and I take Worcester to go through to the quarter finals - with a four point win.


Sunday's games


Bristol v Wasps

Bristol, currently top of Nat 1, face the current Euro and domestic champs. It shouldn't be a contest, should it? But then again, which version of Wasps will turn up - will they be taking this game seriously? A potential shock this - Bristol to win by four.

Leeds v Pertemps Bees

Leeds face last year's surprise package in Pertemps Bees. Not much to say really - except - Pertemps Bees by four.

Sale v Plymouth Albion

Sale should know too much for Plymouth Albion - Sale by 18.

Saracens v Newcastle

A new coach at Sarries, but will it mean better results? Possibly - although I don't think it starts here. I take Newcastle to win this by six.