Newcastle vs Gloucester
Both these teams come into this match with contrasting fortunes. The Falcons started the season of very well but the wheels have come of recently. They are winless in their last four matches and this has seen them slide down the table to 10th position with 24 points. The visitors on the other hand are enjoying a great season and are in 4th position with 38 points. They currently occupy one of the semifinal spots and are ahead of more fancied teams like the Chiefs and Saints. The Falcons will be desperate to break their win drought in this match.
TIP: The Falcons welcome back their star winger Adam Radwan and he will be keen to show England coach Eddie Jones that he was wrong in not selecting him for the Six Nations. The Gloucester success this season has been built on an excellent lineout. They have scored most of their tries this season through the lineout maul or from set plays emanating from the lineout. The bookies have Gloucester as favourites and I’m also tipping them for the win. The best odds on this bet are as follows: Worldsportsbetting 1.57, Playabets 1.54 and Sunbet 1.55
HEAD TO HEAD STATS
Newcastle vs Gloucester
- Gloucester have won four of the last five matches against Newcastle.
- The home team has won the last four matches between these sides.
- The last time the Falcons lost at home to Gloucester was in 2018.
Latest results for both teams
Newcastle lost their last match 17-13 to Biarritz while Gloucester beat Perpignan 68-19 in their last match.
PREDICTION
As mentioned earlier teams playing Gloucester know that the lineout maul is coming but they can’t do anything to stop it. If the Falcons can either disrupt their lineout or defend the rolling maul, then they have a chance of causing an upset. The Gloucester loose trio has been fantastic all season and new signing Jordy Reid in particular has been brilliant with strong carries and winning breakdown penalties. The Falcons need players like Mike Brown and Radwan to step up and inspire them with a moment of magic. I cannot see the Falcons stopping the Gloucester maul therefore I predict an away win by 12 points.
- Probable Starting XVs
Newcastle Falcons
15 Mike Brown, 14 Adam Radwan, 13 Matias Orlando, 12 Pete Lucock, 11 Mateo Carreras, 10 Brett Connon, 9 Sam Stuart, 8 Callum Chick, 7 Will Welch (c), 6 Philip van der Walt, 5 Sean Robinson, 4 Greg Peterson, 3 Mark Tampin, 2 George McGuigan, 1 Adam Brocklebank
Gloucester
15 Lloyd Evans, 14 Santiago Carreras, 13 Chris Harris, 12 Billy Twelvetrees, 11 Ollie Thorley, 10 Adam Hastings, 9 Charlie Chapman, 8 Ruan Ackermann, 7 Lewis Ludlow (c), 6 Jordy Reid, 5 Freddie Clarke, 4 Ed Slater, 3 Fraser Balmain, 2 Jack Singleton, 1 Val Rapava-Ruskin
Odds for this bet
The best odds on the Gloucester victory are as follows:
Worldsportsbetting 1.40
Playabets 1.42
Sunbet 1.33
Odds comparison on the Gloucester handicap :
The complete odds on the Gloucester handicap:
Worldsportsbetting (-4.5) 1.90
Sunbet (-3.5) 1.83
Playabets (-4.5) 1.89
Predictions and Odds in details
The Falcons need to attack through their wings and full back so that they move the big Gloucester pack around the field. The kicking of Brett Connon and Sam Stuart will be crucial to the Falcons as any wayward kicking by them will see the dangerous back three of Gloucester counter attack at will. Gloucester will hope that Adam Hastings continues with his excellent game management that sees them win the territory battle in all their matches. There are decent returns on the Gloucester outright win but the value bet is on the visitors on the handicap. The best odds on this bet are as follows: Worldsportsbetting (-4.5) 1.90, Sunbet (-3.5) 1.83 and Playabets (-4.5) 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.
