Exeter Chiefs vs Bristol Bears
Both teams were considered as favourites coming into this season but they have not reached the heights of last season. Exeter are in 6th position with 28 points while the bears are in second last position with 15 points. This is a far cry for the Bristol team from last season when they were top of the log after the league phase. They never got over their semifinal loss last season and they had more heartbreak last week when they lost to the Tigers in injury time. This defeat was particularly disappointing as they allowed a 14 man Tigers team to score after the 80 minutes.
TIP: Both these teams like to play with a swagger and self believe but this season they seem to lack confidence. Bristol needs a miracle to make the playoffs while the Chiefs will need a much improved showing to climb up the log. Chiefs in their prime with ball in hand almost always scored when they were in the opposition 22m area but this season they lack the killer instinct. The bookies have Exeter as favourites and I’m also tipping them for the victory. The best odds on this bet are as follows: Worldsportsbetting 1.25, Playabets 1.27 and Sunbet 1.23
HEAD TO HEAD STATS
Exeter vs Bristol Bears
- Bristol have won three of the last five matches between these sides.
- The away team has won the last five matches.
- The Chiefs last beat the Bears at home in 2019.
Latest results for both teams
The Chiefs lost 22-7 to Glasgow in their last match while the Bears lost 28-26 to Leicester Tigers.
PREDICTION
This match will come down to the attacking brilliance of Bristol against the resolute defence of the Chiefs. The Bears will be boosted by the return of their star player Semi Radradra who will be the key man in attack. Last week his return almost inspired a great win. The Chiefs will look to their star from last season Sam Simmonds to try and gain some of his try scoring form of last season. The Chiefs will hope that they can get the better of the Bears scrum as it was very weak in the previous match. I predict Exeter will be too strong and I expect a win for the home team by more than 10 points.
- Probable Starting XVs
Exeter Chiefs
15 Stuart Hogg, 14 Jack Nowell, 13 Henry Slade, 12 Ollie Devoto, 11 Tom O’Flaherty, 10 Joe Simmonds, 9 Jack Maunder, 8 Sam Simmonds, 7 Jannes Kirsten, 6 Dave Ewers, 5 Jonny Hill, 4 Sam Skinner, 3 Sam Nixon, 2 Luke Cowan-Dickie (c), 1 Alec Hepburn
Bristol Bears
15 Charles Piutau, 14 Luke Morahan, 13 Semi Radradra, 12 Sam Bedlow, 11 Ioan Lloyd, 10 Callum Sheedy, 9 Harry Randall, 8 Nathan Hughes, 7 Dan Thomas, 6 Fitz Harding, 5 Chris Vui, 4 Joe Joyce (c), 3 Kyle Sinckler, 2 Harry Thacker, 1 Yann Thomas
Odds for the Chiefs win
Worldsportsbetting 1.25
Playabets 1.27
Sunbet 1.23
Odds comparison on the Chiefs handicap victory :
The complete odds on the Chiefs handicap victory:
Worldsportsbetting (-9.5) 1.90
Sunbet (-9.5) 1.85
Playabets (-9.5) 1.87
Predictions and Odds in details
One of the main reasons for the Chiefs not being their dominant selves this season has been the ineffectiveness of the rolling maul. This has been their biggest strength in recent years and was one of their best try scoring methods. Bristol knows if they can defend well this will frustrate the home team and this should be the visitors tactics. The bookies are offering decent returns on the Chiefs win but I suggest the value bet of the home team on the handicap. The best odds on this bet are as follows: Worldsportsbetting (-9.5) 1.90, Sunbet (-9.5) 1.85 and Playabets (-9.5) 1.87
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.
