Bristol Bears vs. Sale Sharks
Friday 27th December
Ashton Gate, Bristol | 19:45 KO
ODDS: Bristol 2/9, Sale 7/2, Draw 25/1
Bristol are joint league leaders, but weirdly, their home form hasn’t been great. Sale, on the other hand, love a trip to Ashton Gate and have won on their last two visits. Bristol’s defence has been solid this season, but its’ their attack that has been their main weapon, so much flair and fluency. Sale’s forward power could make the difference if they’re able to slow the game down and make it difficult for Bristol. We’re feeling points, points and more points in this one.
Bath Rugby vs. Saracens
Saturday 28th December
Ashton Gate, Bristol | 12:45 KO
ODDS: Bath 1/2, Saracens 17/10, Draw 18/1
Bath are red-hot right now and coming off a huge win, but Saracens know how to grind out results, even on the road. Bath have been strong at The Rec, but Sarries’ experience in the big moments always makes them dangerous. A close one is on the cards here, could easily be the game of the weekend and could go eitherway.
Northampton Saints vs. Newcastle Falcons
Saturday 28th December
Franklin’s Gardens, Northampton | 15:00 KO
ODDS: Northampton 1/25, Newcastle 14/1, Draw 33/1
Northampton should have more than enough quality to get the job done here. Their form may not be the most convincing, but we all saw what they can do last year as they marched to the title. This one could get ugly for the Falcons, we’re backing the Saints to win by over 20 points in a Festive rout.
Harlequins vs. Leicester Tigers
Saturday 28th December
Twickenham, London | 18:00 KO
ODDS: Harlequins 1/2, Leicester 17/10, Draw 20/1
The Big Game returns as both teams head for the home of English rugby in what’s set to be a corker in front of a packed-out Twickenham crowd. Quins have been off the boil, struggling with errors and physicality, while Leicester are steadily improving. It’s a tough one to call but we’re backing the Quins to get the job done and get their season right back on track.
Exeter Chiefs vs. Gloucester Rugby
Sunday 29th December
Sandy Park, Exeter | 15:00 KO
ODDS: Exeter 4/5, Gloucester 11/10, Draw 18/1
Still without a win this season, Exeter will be desperate to stop their slide. Gloucester are on a bit of a roll at the moment and seem to have more confidence with every game. The Chiefs’ backs-against-the-wall mentality might just edge it for them, but we’re fancying the Cherry and Whites here, especially after a convincing home win over the Quins last time out .
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Rhino’s Round Up
Our weekend English Premiership rugby acca:
• Bristol v Sale, over 46.6 points – 10/11
• Saracens +4.5 handicap – 10/11
• Northampton -23.5 handicap – 3/4
• Harlequins to win – 1/2
• Gloucester to Win – 11/10