ZP Round 9 and International Betting Preview

By Wellsaint
November 8 2002

This week's thoughts from our man in the betting shop, Wellsaint. So near but so far last week, with three out of the four selected results going in our favour. Let's hope we go one better this week!

WELLSAINT’S BETTING GUIDE – ZURICH PREMIERSHIP, ROUND NINE
(Oh, and apparently, there’s a game at Twickenham as well…………)


Too much rugby, too little time. Straight into this week’s previews.


SATURDAY, High Noon: Saints v the PCP

Yes, it’s here again – the annual t*ger shoot at Franklin’s Gardens. Thanks to the remarkable foresight of the RFU, it’s on the same weekend as the England – New Zealand game, and therefore both teams will be below full strength. The weather in Northampton has been wet for most of the week, and therefore running rugby could be at a premium.

There are several important questions to be answered: will Zara D be sporting a green, black and gold number come 2 o’ clock? Will Mark H be sporting a blue Desmond? (think about it!) Will razcal, raz.cal, raz,cal, raz:cal, and raz;cal all turn up; not to mention his American cousin raz$cal (who can’t understand the fact that team on “offense” is allowed more than four goes to move the ball at least ten yards); his European pen friend raz€cal, and also the betting expert raz£££££££cal, who makes millions every week by betting the PCP? Will Ajack get his £100 first prize? All this, and a rugby match? You lucky, lucky, people!!

OK – the important one – who’s going to win? Working on the assumption that it will be a game decided by kicks, and that try scoring will be at a premium, in the hope and expectation that Larry has recovered from last week and is on top form, I predict a narrow Saints victory by 3 or 6 points.

All other ZP games are on Sunday: my brief thoughts:

Bath v Sale: Sale appear to have lost their way of late; Bath are still struggling. Bath to win by 3 points.

Bristol v Newcastle: Time for Bristol to record their second win of the season, by 4 points over Newcastle.

L Irish v Gloucester: Gloucester should continue their winning ways. Wonder who Mr Venter will strong arm this week? Try Mr Azam? Mmmm!!!! Gloucester by 10.

Wasps v Leeds: Think Wasps will edge this one at home, if only by four points.

Saracens v Quins: Sarries should be able to beat Quins; eight points my call.


INTERNATIONALS


Never easy to call Autumn internationals; keep stakes low. My brief thoughts:

England – New Zealand: This is a vastly changed New Zealand side; I feel with home advantage England should be capable of winning. Margin – less than a score.

Scotland – Romania: Scotland, easily – by 25 points or more.

Wales – Fiji: Very difficult to call – Wales to win, probably not by that many (12/15?)

Ireland – Australia: Ireland to put up a spirited performance, but Australia to prove too good, and win by ten to twelve.

France – South Africa: France with home advantage, to win by less than a score.


Good luck with your bets this weekend, and….


COME ON YOU SAINTS!!!!!!

I will (time permitting) post recommended bets tomorrow - although the early kick-off might make this difficult (no odds avail at present.)

Now, remind me, how does that song about Big John Leslie go again?………….