Harlequins vs Bath
These teams come into this match with different ambitions , Harlequins are looking to book a semifinal berth in the playoffs while Bath are chasing sixth spot which will get them into Europe next season, Harlequins had their unbeaten run broken in their last match as they narrowly went down to Leicester. Bath is on a three game losing streak and will be desperate to break that run in this match. The Quins team has been on fire this season and this is mainly due to their halfback pairing of Marcus Smith and Danny Care. They have been the form halfbacks in the league and are so dangerous on attack that they are will to run from their own 22m line. The one blip in their season has been the suspensions of two key players in Mike Brown and Andre Esterhuizen. They are only due back after the league phase is complete. Bath are a team struggling and if you look at their squad it’s difficult to understand their struggles. They have quality players throughout the team but the injury to Rhys Priestland has really hurt them. They now have another major injury to Scotland center Cameron Redpath who is out for the rest of the season. Quins will regret their last loss as they were challenging for second spot and a home semifinal. They need to sort their discipline out as they have collected numerous yellow and red cards this season. They can thank Care and Smith for bailing them out in crucial stages of matches. Bath has not put in an eighty minute performance in a long time and will be hoping that they come good in this match. They need their big name players like Anthony Watson and Taulupe Faletau to step up in this match or else Quins will run away with the victory.
TIP: The Quins team is well rounded and superbly marshalled by Smith who belies his young age. His game management and deciding when to run or kick has been second to none this season. His experienced halfback partner Danny Care has been rejuvenated this season and together they have been lethal. Bath has been the opposite and has lacked direction in their games especially on attack. They have plenty of possession but struggle to turn that into points. They also know that their shining light this season Zach Mercer is leaving the club at the end of the season. The bookies are favouring Harlequins for the win and I have to agree with that assessment. The best odds on the Harlequins victory are as follows: Worldsportsbetting 1.36, Playabets 1.32 and Sunbet 1.30
HEAD TO HEAD STATS
Harlequins vs Bath
- In the last seven meetings between these teams there have been five Harlequins wins and just two victories for Bath.
- Harlequins last three home matches against Bath has seen them lose twice..
- Harlequins last beat Bath at home in 2019.
Latest results for both teams
Harlequins lost their last match against Leicester 35-29 while Bath lost 24-20 to the Sale Sharks.
PREDICTION
Most teams will struggle when they lose two key players but Quins have very ably replacements. Tyrone Green at fullback is the most dangerous runner if given any space and Bath will need to be accurate with their kicking or else he will punish them. The player that has been the star for a couple of seasons is Alex Dombrandt. This guy is colossal and is a try scoring machine from number eight. He is almost unstoppable close to the line. Quins have really shown character this season especially when they were down to 14 and sometimes 13 players. The Bath team on the other hand has folded meekly in too many games therefore they find themselves so far down on the log. The home advantage and better incentives for the Quins team make me predict a Quins victory by more than 9 points
- Probable Starting XVs
Harlequins
15 Tyrone Green, 14 James Lang, 13 Joe Marchant, 12 Luke Northmore, 11 Cadan Murley, 10 Marcus Smith, 9 Danny Care, 8 Alex Dombrandt, 7 Jack Kenningham, 6 Tom Lawday, 5 Stephan Lewies (captain), 4 Matt Symons, 3 Wilco Louw, 2 Scott Baldwin, 1 Joe Marler
Bath
15 Tom de Glanville, 14 Anthony Watson, 13 Max Clark, 12 Johnathan Joseph, 11 Will Muir, 10 Orlando Bailey, 9 Ben Spencer, 8 Taulupe Faletau, 7 Miles Reid, 6 Josh Bayliss, 5 Elliott Stooke, 4 Josh McNally (captain), 3 Will Stuart, 2 Tom Dunn, 1 Juan Schoeman
Odds for this bet
The best odds on the Harlequins victory are as follows:
Worldsportsbetting 1.36
Playabets 1.32
Sunbet 1.30
Odds comparison on a Harlequins handicap victory:
The complete odds on the Harlequins handicap victory:
Worldsportsbetting (-7.5) 1.90
Sunbet (-8.5) 1.92
Playabets (-7.5) 1.86
Predictions and Odds in details
It’s sad that a star studded team like Bath have struggled so much this season. This can be mainly attributed to the lack of cohesion in the halfback position. Ben Spencer has tried hard all season but Bath need to look for a better number 10 to be competitive. This is clearly the opposite for Harlequins as their number 10 has been the form flyhalf in the league. Quins have the right mix of brute strength up front and pace amongst the backs. The Bath scrum will be severely tested by Wilco Louw and Joe Marler who have dominated most teams that they have faced this season. The signing of Green has also been a revelation for Quins has he has scored some wonder tries this season. Bath seems to play as individuals and none more so than Mercer. He is brilliant at beating the first defender but refuses to pass the ball and the attack breaks down. The odds on the outright Bath win isn’t great so I suggest backing them on the handicap which gives punters value for money. The best odds on the Harlequins handicap victory are at: Worldsportsbetting (-7.5) 1.90, Sunbet (-8.5) 1.92 and Playabets (-7.5) 1.86
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.
