ECC Predictions: Dec 4/5/6/7
Thu, 04 Dec 2008 17:56
With so much European action this weekend our guru's are being stretched to foresee every result from this weekend but rugby365 Editor Pete Murison takes his best shot with this weekend's nine ECC matchups...
European Challenge Cup
Thursday, 04 December 2008
Montpellier v Toulon
rugby365 prediction: Tana Umaga continues to struggle with Toulon and they are still winless so far this season. Montpellier need a win to keep the pressure on Northampton for top spot. Home side by 6 or more.
Friday, 05 December 2008
Dax v London Irish,
rugby365 prediction: Toby Booth's men are on a serious roll and should continue it by steamrolling over bottom of the group Dax. Exiles by 10 or more.
Brive v Cetransa El Salvador,
rugby365
prediction: Even an Andy Goode-less Brive will prove too powerful for the Spainish el Salvador. In fine form in the Top 14 as well expect the French club side to break the 40 point mark and win by plenty.
Bourgoin v Worcester,
rugby365 prediction: The top two in Pool 3 clash and the pressure will be on the home side to deliver in front of their fans. Worcester have been impressive in the ECC so far this season but Bourgoin should take it by 4 or more.
Saturday, 06 December 2008
Overmach Parma v Newcastle,
rugby365 prediction: The Falcons continue to struggle domestically but will want to use the ECC as a momentum builder. Parma though have been on fire in Europe with two wins from two. Won't be easy but 365 back the English side by 7 or less.
Rovigo v Connacht,
rugby365
prediction: Winners over Dax last time out Rovigo will have plenty of confidence but should still be too weak to challenge their Magners League opponents. Connacht by 10.
Stade Montois v Viadana,
rugby365 prediction: Viadana desperately need a win back-to-back wins over the struggling Top 14 club to keep their hopes alive for this season. Stade's hopes will be over if they lose this weekend. Visitors by 6.
Northampton v Bristol,
rugby365 prediction: Northampton are quickly proving themselves to be Cup experts. Also in the final four of the EDF Energy Cup and up against a poor Bristol side, expect their good run to continue. Saints by 8 or more.
Bayonne v Saracens,
rugby365 prediction: Great clash in prospect from two very good teams. Both doing reasonably well in
the league this is the toughest pick of them all. Edge, just, to the home side. Bayonne by 3.
Bucuresti v Petrarca
rugby365 prediction: The visitors caused a massive upset last time out in edging out Bourgoin and will want to pick up where they left off. Bucuresti have lost both their opening matchups and don't look likely to test Petrarca. Visitors by five or more.
What do you think will happen? Let us know your predictions and see if you can out predict our 365 team.
