With another exiting round of Principality Premiership
action in store this weekend, the team here at All Wales Sport have been gazing
into their crystal balls to predict the outcomes.
Sports writer Carl Field, a recent new addition to the All
Wales Sport team, gives his thoughts and predictions below on each game with
Laura Murton, Lisa Stenstrom and Chris Smart also offering up their own
predictions.
It’s all for a bit of fun…what do you think? Do you think
they are on the money or well wide of the mark? Let us know below. You can also
follow the team on Twitter: @allwalessportre @mrcarlfield @figgyevo.
Bedwas v Aberavon
Bedwas will have felt aggrieved to let victory from their
grasp in their opening home game against Llanelli, although bounced back in
some style to record an excellent win at last season’s beaten play-off
finalists Cross Keys last weekend.
Aberavon picked a losing bonus point in their narrow defeat
from an encouraging display with Drovers head coach Lyndon Lewis even conceding
his side were a tad fortunate to come away with the spoils.
But I’m backing Bedwas to come out on top in a closely-contested
battle at Bridge Field tomorrow afternoon.
Carl’s verdict: Bedwas by 7 points
Laura’s verdict: Aberavon by 3 points
Lisa verdict: Bedwas by 15 points
Chris’ verdict: Bedwas by 6 points
Cardiff v Cross Keys
Cardiff have certainly raised expectation levels with two
bonus points meaning they top the Premiership table after two games as well as
topping the try scoring stakes with 12.
Although they will have to make do without George Watkins –
scorer of five of those tries – as the winger has been named in the Blues side
to face Leinster this evening.
Cross Keys, who were surprisingly beaten at home by Bedwas
last time out, should offer a stiffer challenge to the Blue and Blacks – particularly
if they don’t give tries away, as Llanelli were guilty of against Cardiff last
weekend.
Although I’m going for another Cardiff win at the Arms Park
tomorrow.
Carl’s verdict: Cardiff by 5 points
Laura’s verdict: Cross Keys by 5 points
Lisa’s verdict: Cardiff by 7 points
Chris’ verdict: Cardiff by 7 points
Carmarthen Quins v
Llanelli
If Llanelli can improve on their set plays and lineouts –
and cut out the basic errors that gifted Cardiff victory last weekend, then
Anthony Buchanan’s side could spring a surprise at Carmarthen Park tomorrow.
However I don’t see it happening and expect Quins to enjoy
another comfortable home win having already crushed Newport on the opening weekend
and backing that up with victory at Bridgend last time out.
Carl’s verdict: Carmarthen Quins by 25 points
Laura’s verdict: Carmarthen Quins by 10 points
Lisa’s verdict: Carmarthen Quins by 15 points
Chris’ verdict: Carmarthen Quins by 7 points
Ebbw Vale v Newport
The newly-promoted side’s win over Llandovery on the opening
weekend certainly surprised a few – but they backed that up with an equally-impressive
win over Neath at the Gnoll last time out.
Newport will be looking to kick-start their campaign after
defeats against Carmarthen and Pontypridd respectively in their opening two
clashes – but I think they will still be searching for that first win come
Saturday tea time.
Carl’s verdict: Ebbw Vale by 7 points.
Laura’s verdict: Ebbw Vale by 15 points
Lisa’s verdict: Ebbw Vale by 18 points
Chris’ verdict: Ebbw Vale by 16 points
Neath v Llandovery
Neath were probably given a free pass by drawing out
Pontypridd away on the opening weekend, but they will have been disappointed to
not to register the first win of Rowland Phillips’ second spell in charge at
home against Ebbw Vale last weekend.
I predict a close one at the Gnoll tomorrow. The Drovers
bounced back with a narrow home win over Aberavon last time out, but I have the
Welsh All Blacks down to nick it – just.
Carl’s verdict: Neath by 3 points
Laura’s verdict: Llandovery by 3 points
Lisa’s verdict: Llandovery by 6 points
Chris’ verdict: Llandovery by 5 points
Pontypridd v Bridgend
This is, on paper, probably the easiest of this weekend’s
Premiership matches to predict.
Bonus point wins over Neath and Newport show the reigning
champions are in no mood to move aside this season and, no disrespect to the
Ravens, but I can’t see past a thoroughly convincing win for Ponty at Sardis
Road tomorrow – and expect plenty of tries.
Carl’s verdict: Pontypridd by 35 points
Laura’s verdict: Pontypridd by 12 points
Lisa’s verdict: Pontypridd by 20 points
Chris’ verdict: Pontypridd by 23 points
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