Harlequins vs Exeter Chiefs
It’s a rematch of the Premiership final as Harlequins take on the Exeter Chiefs. Both teams have not been at their very best this season but they are both on course to make the playoffs. Quins are in third place with 38 points while the Chiefs find themselves in fifth spot on the log with 32 points. The Chiefs will be looking to exact revenge after losing the final last season but it won’t be easy against a side starting to regain some of their best form. The match will be the Quins attack against the Chiefs defence and whoever performs their task better will win this match.
TIP: The Chiefs battled to victory last week as they overcame Bristol while Quins won a tough encounter away to Gloucester. Both these teams were inspired by great performances by individual players. Quins can thank Andre Esterhuizen for his heroics in their win while Exeter can be thankful to Stuart Hogg for a great performance. Their clash in this match will be a highlight for all fans. The bookies have Harlequins as favourites and I also tip them for the win. The best odds on this bet are as follows: Worldsportsbetting 1.83, Playabets 1.74 and Sunbet 1.77
HEAD TO HEAD STATS
Harlequins vs Exeter Chiefs
- Harlequins have won three of the last five matches against the Chiefs.
- Harlequins have lost three of their last five home matches against the Chiefs.
- The last match between these sides was won 40-38 by Harlequins.
Latest results for both teams
Harlequins beat Gloucester 20-17 in their last match while Exeter beat Bristol 19-13 in their last match.
PREDICTION
Harlequins shocked everybody when they won the title last year and they will be keen to show that it was no fluke when they entertain Chiefs at the Stoop today. They love to attack from anywhere on the field and have dangerous runners all across the park while Chiefs like to keep the ball amongst their forwards. This contrast of styles will guarantee an intriguing contest. One of the most important players for Quins is of course Marcus Smith as he is the catalyst for all their attacks while for the Chiefs Hogg will need to be at his very best. I am predicting a home win by 8 points.
- Probable Starting XVs
Harlequins
15 Tyrone Green, 14 Joe Marchant, 13 Luke Northmore, 12 Andre Esterhuizen, 11 Cadan Murley, 10 Marcus Smith, 9 Danny Care, 8 Alex Dombrandt (c), 7 Jack Kenningham, 6 Tom Lawday, 5 Hugh Tizard, 4 Matt Symons, 3 Will Collier, 2 Jack Walker, 1 Joe Marler
Exeter Chiefs
15 Stuart Hogg, 14 Jack Nowell, 13 Henry Slade, 12 Ian Whitten, 11 Facundo Cordero, 10 Joe Simmonds, 9 Jack Maunder, 8 Sam Simmonds, 7 Jannes Kirsten, 6 Dave Ewers, 5 Jonny Hill, 4 Jonny Gray, 3 Josh Iosefa-Scott, 2 Jack Yeandle (c), 1 Alec Hepburn
Odds for this bet
The best odds on the Harlequins victory are as follows:
Worldsportsbetting 1.83
Playabets 1.74
Sunbet 1.77
Odds comparison on the Harlequins handicap :
The complete odds on the Harlequins handicap:
Worldsportsbetting (-1.5) 1.90
Sunbet (-1.5) 1.84
Playabets (-1.5) 1.94
Predictions and Odds in details
The major issue with the Chiefs in recent seasons and this season has been their ineffectiveness of their rolling maul. This was their biggest attacking weapon so they look quite blunt in attack without it. Harlequins will again look to their two monster ball carriers in Alex Dombrandt and Esterhuizen and if they can get them over the advantage line then Quins will win this match. The bookies are only offering decent returns on the Harlequins outright win therefore I suggest the value bet of Harlequins on the handicap. The best odds on this bet are as follows: Worldsportsbetting (-1.5) 1.90, Sunbet (-1.5) 1.84 and Playabets (-1.5) 1.94
Sports crazy fan that follows all major sport but the game with the oval ball is my real passion. Was an age level rugby coach and a huge supporter of the Springboks and diehard Liverpool man. I’m an experienced punter and sports writer whose predictions/tips are sure to stir up the emotions. I love the occasional wager on the underdog.
