Exeter Chiefs vs London Irish
The Chiefs have found form after losing their opening two matches, and now are on three match winning streak. London Irish are still seeking their first win after three defeats and two strange draws. The one drawn match they came from the dead to salvage the draw while in the last match they threw away a lead in the closing minutes. Exeter looks a different side with their international players back and will want nothing less than a bonus point victory against Irish. The Irish team has shown that they never give up and the Chiefs will want to build a sizable lead to feel they are in control of the match. In the three defeats that Irish have suffered they have all been under 5 point margins. The Chiefs as always will want to stamp their forward domination in the match and we can expect an onslaught from the home team from the first whistle.
TIP: The Irish team has a decent forward pack littered with international players like Rob Simmons and Agustin Creevy. Creevy in particular will have a big role to play as his breakdown work will be crucial in slowing the ball down for the Chiefs. The home team has the brilliant Sam Simmonds back and he continued his try scoring exploits from the base of the scrum. His all round play is unbelievably as he has the speed of a back but its his power near the tryline that makes him unstoppable. Irish have their own powerhouse Albert Tuisue at 8 and his runs from the back of the scrum will be crucial in getting his team over the advantage line. The battle between the two 8s will be a highlight of the match. The bookies have the home team as heavy favourites and I’m also tipping them for a win. The best odds on this bet are as follows: Worldsportsbetting 1.07, Playabets 1.06 and Sunbet 1.08
HEAD TO HEAD STATS
Exeter Chiefs vs London Irish
- Saints have won their last five matches against the Warriors.
- Saints have never lost a home game against the Warriors.
- The last time the Warriors beat the Saints was in 2017.
Latest results for both teams
Exeter Chiefs won their last match 27-23 against Wasps while London Irish drew 25-25 against Gloucester.
PREDICTION
The Chiefs are the best in the league at keeping possession so Irish will need to prevent them from getting quick ball from the rucks. The loose trio of Irish will have a big role to play at the breakdown or else the Chiefs will easily win this contest. The Chiefs have great backline players in Stuart Hogg and Jack Nowell and both these players are great at counter attack. Irish halfbacks Paddy Jackson and Nick Phipps will need their kicking to be accurate and contestable so not to give these players space to run in. The Chiefs never kick for posts, rather opting for touch with their penalties as their rolling maul is their most dangerous weapons. If Irish can defend the maul then they have a chance to cause a massive upset. The never say die attitude of Irish makes me predict a match closer than the bookies predicting. Chiefs to win by less than 12 points
- Probable Starting XVs
Exeter Chiefs
15 Stuart Hogg, 14 Jack Nowell, 13 Henry Slade (c), 12 Tom Hendrickson, 11 Facundo Cordero, 10 Harvey Skinner, 9 Jack Maunder, 8 Sam Simmonds, 7 Richard Capstick, 6 Dave Ewers, 5 Jonny Hill, 4 Ryan McCauley, 3 Harry Williams, 2 Jack Yeandle, 1 Alec Hepburn
London Irish
15 Tom Parton, 14 Ben Loader, 13 Curtis Rona, 12 Terrence Hepetema, 11 Ollie Hassell-Collins, 10 Paddy Jackson, 9 Nick Phipps, 8 Albert Tuisue, 7 Isaac Curtis-Harris, 6 Matt Rogerson (c), 5 Rob Simmons, 4 Steve Mafi, 3 Marcel van der Merwe, 2 Agustin Creevy, 1 Allan Dell
Odds for this bet
The best odds on the Exeter victory are as follows:
Worldsportsbetting 1.07
Playabets 1.06
Sunbet 1.08
Odds comparison on the London Irish handicap victory :
The complete odds on the London Irish handicap:
Worldsportsbetting (+18.5) 1.90
Sunbet (+17.5) 1.87
Playabets (+17.5) 1.80
Predictions and Odds in details
Exeter seems to be hitting their straps now but Irish will not be pushovers as the bookies are suggesting. We know that the Irish team will fight till the end and they have some class players in their backline. Much will depend on experienced halfbacks Jackson and Phipps ability to link the backline. They have one of the best young wingers in Ollie Hassell-Collins and this guy is dangerous if given any space. The Chiefs also have their own electric winger in Facundo Cordero who has blistering pace and scored a great solo try in the win against Wasps. The duel between Cordero and Collins will be mouth-watering. There is no money for punters backing the Chiefs on the outright victory therefore I suggest a value bet on the London Irish handicap. The best odds on this bet are as follows: Worldsportsbetting (+18.5) 1.90, Sunbet (+17.5) 1.87 and Playabets (+17.5) 1.80
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.
