Gloucester vs Exeter Chiefs
These teams come into this match with contrasting results with Gloucester securing a moral boosting victory over the Newcastle Falcons. Exeter was in a shock loss at home to London Irish and they will no doubt be keen on bouncing back with a victory. Gloucester have put the problems of last season behind them and have looked good so far. They possess arguably the most potent backline in the league with world class wingers Jonny May and Louis Rees-Zammit. It’s hard to imagine both these flyers in the same team therefore the ball needs to go to them as much as possible. That duty lies with the halfback pairing of Adam Hastings and Ben Meehan. They are a new combination but have started the season well and will only get better with time. The Chiefs very seldom lose two games on the trot so we can expect to see a backlash from them.
TIP: The Exeter pack in particular will be disappointed with their showing last week and no doubt Coach Baxter will be expecting a response from them. Gloucester for their entire backline prowess I feel that up front they are not the strongest. Their pack will be tested by the Chiefs who love keeping possession and are the best in the league especially in the opposition 22m area. The Chiefs have also got stars in their backline with internationals Stuart Hogg and Jack Nowell capable of running through defenses. Joe Simmonds has the task of bringing these dangerous players into the game. The bookies have the Chiefs as favourites and I am also tipping them for the win. The best odds on this bet are as follows: Worldsportsbetting 1.53, Playabets 1.50 and Sunbet 1.47
HEAD TO HEAD STATS
Gloucester vs Exeter Chiefs
- In the last five matches between the teams there have been three wins for Exeter and two for Gloucester.
- The home team has won the last three matches between the two.
- Gloucester have never had two consecutive home victories over the Chiefs.
Latest results for both teams
Gloucester won their last match against Newcastle 29-20 while Exeter lost 33-21 against London Irish.
PREDICTION
The most impressive player in the Gloucester line up this season has been recently internationally capped Mark Atkinson. He has been good on defence but it is his barnstorming runs in midfield that has really caught the eye. He always gets through the first tackle and gets his side over the advantage line. His combination with Chris Harris in midfield ensures that the opposition will always struggle to get through them. The Chiefs will look to their talisman Sam Simmonds who is the best finisher in the league and it’s not hard to see why as he possesses the speed of a backline player and the power of a forward. He is especially dangerous near the tryline with his predatory instincts. The Gloucester team must not give away penalties in their half as they will be punished by the boot of Simmonds. The anger of last week’s defeat will drive the Chiefs to a 10 point victory.
- Probable Starting XVs
Gloucester
15 Jason Woodward, 14 Louis Rees-Zammit, 13 Chris Harris, 12 Mark Atkinson, 11 Jonny May, 10 Adam Hastings, 9 Ben Meehan, 8 Ben Morgan, 7 Lewis Ludlow (c), 6 Ruan Ackermann, 5 Matias Alemanno, 4 Freddie Clarke, 3 Kirill Gotovtsev, 2 Jack Singleton, 1 Val Rapava-Ruskin
Exeter Chiefs
15 Stuart Hogg, 14 Jack Nowell, 13 Henry Slade (c), 12 Tom Hendrickson, 11 Tom O’Flaherty, 10 Joe Simmonds, 9 Jack Maunder, 8 Sam Simmonds, 7 Richard Capstick, 6 Sam Skinner, 5 Jonny Hill, 4 Will Witty, 3 Sam Nixon, 2 Jack Yeandle, 1 Ben Moon
Odds for this bet
The best odds on the Exeter victory are as follows:
Worldsportsbetting 1.53
Playabets 1.50
Sunbet 1.47
Odds comparison on the Exeter handicap victory:
The complete odds on the Exeter handicap victory:
Worldsportsbetting (-4.5) 1.90
Sunbet (-4.5) 1.87
Playabets (-4.5) 1.86
Predictions and Odds in details
Gloucester have the advantage over the Chiefs if you compare the backs of the two sides but unfortunately for them all the hard work starts up front in the forwards and this is where the Chiefs strength lies. The home team will need to find a way to stop the Chiefs main attacking weapon, the rolling maul. They use this to great effect in all games and Gloucester must not give away cheap penalties as this is when the Chiefs are at their most dangerous. The bookies are offering decent returns on the Chiefs win but the value bet is on the away team to cover the handicap. The best odds on this bet are as follows: Worldsportsbetting (-4.5) 1.90, Sunbet (-4.5) 1.87 and Playabets (-4.5) 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.
