Harlequins vs Cardiff
The English champions will be looking for their second win after their excellent away win to Castres. Cardiff are still missing a whole host of players for this match as they are still in isolation. Quins seemed to have their match against Castres all wrapped out but had a anxious last few minutes before coming away with the victory. Cardiff had a tough first match but acquitted themselves well before eventually losing to Toulouse. They will once again look to play that fast open game and avoid too many set pieces. The home team will regard anything other than a bonus point victory as a failure.
TIP: This match will be very exciting as both teams love to throw the ball around. Cardiff still have a few Welsh international players in their team and will need them to step up this week. One of the most disappointing aspects of their defeat last week was the form of their international stars namely Josh Adams and Tomos Williams. The latter will be most aggrieved as his three missed tackles led directly to tries. Adams also dropped a sitter when he had a clear path to the tryline. The bookies have Harlequins as heavy favourites and I’m also tipping them for the victory. The best odds on this bet are as follows: Worldsportsbetting 1.01, Playabets 1.01 and Sunbet 1.01
HEAD TO HEAD STATS
Harlequins vs Cardiff
- These teams have met five times before with Cardiff leading three wins to two.
- Harlequins have won the last two matches after losing the first three.
- Their last meeting was in 2016 which Quins won 34-26.
Latest results for both teams
Harlequins won their last match 20-18 against Castres while Cardiff lost 39-7 against Toulouse.
PREDICTION
Cardiff know that even with a full strength squad they will struggle against Harlequins, so with a makeshift side they don’t stand much of a chance. Harlequins have rested Joe Marler for this match and that will provide Cardiff with some respite at scrum time. Cardiff still have a very dangerous backline with Rey Lee-Lo and Willis Halaholo in the midfield and their battle with Huw Jones and Andre Esterhuizen will be one of the highlights of the match. Jones in particular was I great form against Castres making loads of line breaks. I predict a Harlequins victory by less than 30 points
- Probable Starting XVs
Harlequins
15 Tyrone Green, 14 Joe Marchant, 13 Huw Jones, 12 Andre Esterhuizen, 11 Cadan Murley, 10 Marcus Smith, 9 Danny Care, 8 Alex Dombrandt, 7 Jack Kenningham, 6 Tom Lawday, 5 Stephan Lewies (c), 4 Hugh Tizard, 3 Simon Kerrod, 2 Jack Walker, 1 Santiago Garcia Gotta
Cardiff
15 Cameron Winnett, 14 Josh Adams, 13 Rey Lee-Lo, 12 Willis Halaholo, 11 Theo Cabango, 10 Dan Fish, 9 Tomos Williams, 8 Sam Moore, 7 James Botham, 6 Ellis Jenkins (c), 5 Seb Davies, 4 Alun Lawrence, 3 Will Davies-King, 2 Evan Yardley, 1 Rowan Jenkins
Odds for this bet
The best odds on the Harlequins victory are as follows:
Worldsportsbetting 1.01
Playabets 1.01
Sunbet 1.01
Odds comparison on the Cardiff handicap :
The complete odds on the Cardiff handicap:
Worldsportsbetting (+31.5) 1.90
Sunbet +30.5) 1.88
Playabets (+31.5) 1.89
Predictions and Odds in details
The most ardent Cardiff fans will know that victory in this match is almost impossible but will be hoping that their backline can score some tries. Harlequins are famous for their high tempo and free scoring style of play but at times it can be risky so Cardiff know that there will be opportunities for them to score. The away team are good at counter attack with their dangerous backline but Williams will be a key man in attack. There is no money on backing Quins on the outright win therefore I suggest the away team on the generous handicap. The best odds on this bet are as follows: Worldsportsbetting (+31.5) 1.90, Sunbet +30.5) 1.88 and Playabets (+31.5) 1.89
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.
