Gallagher Premiership Rugby – Friday Night Double

Our rugby punter Neal Hoogwerf has picked a lovely double for Friday nights Gallagher Premiership action. The Bristol Bears host Bath while in the other match, Sale Sharks travel to Leicester Tigers.

Gallagher Premiership: Bristol Bears v Bath

Friday 29 January – 21:45

The Bears return to Ashton Gate after seeing off the Eurpean champions Exeter away from home at Sandy Park in the previous round to climb to top of the table. It’s been a spectacular rise for Pat Lam’s chargers as he looks to maintain the momentum keep the title race alive.

Bath have been unable to carry over their season-ending form and currently sit eighth in the Premiership having recorded only two victories. Head coach Neil Hatley will be desperate for his side to click as they face cross-town rivals on the weekend.

In a clash of styles, with Bristol playing Barbarian’esque rugby and Bath opting for a tighter set piece orientated play, it makes for fascinating viewing as both sides head into this crucial Round 7 clash. Although both sides will be missing their internationals due to the 6 Nations kicking off on 3 February, there will be no shortage of stars on show. Semi Radradra needs no introduction and will be the focal point of the Bristol attack. For Bath, Zach Mercer has been in great form at the back of the scrum.

This handicap seems a couple of points too high for a derby and history suggests that these fixtures are rarely settled by more than a converted try. I’ll be backing Bath to cover in Bristol this weekend.

Best Bet: Bath +14.5

Gallagher Premiership: Leicester Tigers v Sale Sharks

Saturday 29 January – 21:45

The Tigers will be welcoming Sale to Welford Road in a must win clash for the east midlands outfit. It’s been a transitional phase for the home side as they have struggled for consistency in recent years in the Premiership. In their season to date, they have been indifferent against the spread in covering three out of a possible five fixtures.

Sale look to life after Steve Diamond as a new era at the AJ Bell Stadium. Sale currently sit fourth and will be well aware of the crucial aspect in securing a playoff spot after narrowly missing out last season due to COVID interruptions. With a strong South African contingent, it’s no surprise that Sale’s play is heavily centred around gainline dominance. Sale have struggled this season against the spread having only covered in one out of a possible six fixtures to date.

Sale typically struggle on the road when favourites and although they will have a star-studded line up, it’s no easy feat to gain a victory away at Welford Road. The Tigers are a team on the up and will fully understand the importance of home performances. I predict a close encounter with the home side narrowing covering the spread.

Bet: Leicester Tigers +5.5

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