Its an interesting ladder after 6 rounds. There are a few standouts there too, Rabbitohs stuck on the
bottom spot, Panthers not in top spot.
At this stage last year the two grand finalists had already occupied top spot, Broncos and Panthers!
I'm waiting for a few more rounds to see how things pan out.
United Rugby Championship
Round 14 of 18 this weekend
As I mentioned earlier all the home teams are favourites so I think I'll do a parley on 6 @ 1.63:
Ulster v Cardiff
Glasgow Warriors v The Sharks
Bennetton Treviso v Dragons
Stormers v Ospreys
Edinburgh v Scarlets
Connacht v Zebre
I'll do a separate one on Leinster to beat the Lions on their home pitch @ 2.22. Leinster are going to play
a B team because of their big Semi final in the European Championship.
Topic: [Rugby] Union / League / Super / Sixes Sevens Pro14 / Cups & Tours / Olympics (Read 12529 times)
April 18, 2024, 04:18:48 AM
April 18, 2024, 01:23:17 AM
Tonight's game between the Roosters and Storm has reminded me I'm supposed to be posting my pics for the week as well as an update on the ladder after six weeks or game plays.
For the win, I'm going with Storm, Warriors, Dolphins, Tigers, Sea Eagles, Raiders, Knights and Sharks in Round Seven of the 2024 NRL competition.
On the ladder, after six weeks, we see two teams stand out (Sharks and Storm) on 10 points having won four of five games.
In second place on 8 points, there is a split (Raiders and Cowboys) having won four while the (Dolphins and Panthers) have won three but had a bye - all four have lost twice. I feel the Dolphins and Panthers are stronger than the Raiders and Cowboys if we assumed they'd won a game without a bye.
Rounding out the top eight and uniquely placed in third position are the Warriors and Sea Eagles who fought to a draw after 90 minutes of game play. The Warriors clawed their way back after the Sea Eagles cemented a very early lead and held the Warriors at bay for most of the second half.
In fourth place are the Roosters, Broncos, Eels, Wests Tigers and Dragons who have had some good wins between them. The Tigers and Dragons may well nip and the heals of the Roosters and Broncos all season.
In lowly fifth and sixth places are the (Knights and Bulldogs) followed by the (Titans and Rabbitohs) - all four teams would be in my relegation zone if I had my way. (The titans are only ahead of the Rabbitohs simply because they had a bye and gained two points for staying home)
Put a different way - teams in 1st - 4th on the ladder have won 4 games. (and are technically sharing first place)
team in 5th - 13th place have won three games. (and are sharing second place - with the sole exception of the Tigers and two wins putting them tied for third with the (Knights and Bulldogs))
We've still got 20 weeks of game play and it's still not clear who is going to be top eight, much less top four or Grand Final contenders.
For the win, I'm going with Storm, Warriors, Dolphins, Tigers, Sea Eagles, Raiders, Knights and Sharks in Round Seven of the 2024 NRL competition.
On the ladder, after six weeks, we see two teams stand out (Sharks and Storm) on 10 points having won four of five games.
In second place on 8 points, there is a split (Raiders and Cowboys) having won four while the (Dolphins and Panthers) have won three but had a bye - all four have lost twice. I feel the Dolphins and Panthers are stronger than the Raiders and Cowboys if we assumed they'd won a game without a bye.
Rounding out the top eight and uniquely placed in third position are the Warriors and Sea Eagles who fought to a draw after 90 minutes of game play. The Warriors clawed their way back after the Sea Eagles cemented a very early lead and held the Warriors at bay for most of the second half.
In fourth place are the Roosters, Broncos, Eels, Wests Tigers and Dragons who have had some good wins between them. The Tigers and Dragons may well nip and the heals of the Roosters and Broncos all season.
In lowly fifth and sixth places are the (Knights and Bulldogs) followed by the (Titans and Rabbitohs) - all four teams would be in my relegation zone if I had my way. (The titans are only ahead of the Rabbitohs simply because they had a bye and gained two points for staying home)
Put a different way - teams in 1st - 4th on the ladder have won 4 games. (and are technically sharing first place)
team in 5th - 13th place have won three games. (and are sharing second place - with the sole exception of the Tigers and two wins putting them tied for third with the (Knights and Bulldogs))
We've still got 20 weeks of game play and it's still not clear who is going to be top eight, much less top four or Grand Final contenders.
April 16, 2024, 06:11:47 PM
It was a dismal end to the round with teams I hadn't picked claiming early wins then either cementing their leads or, fending off late challenges. I don't think there are any clear leaders as yet (other than the top two). The midladder teams are fairly evenly match down to about twelfth place with the Titans and Rabbitohs winless and their sole two points coming from having had a bye from games.
I did have a couple of wins in the Super Pacifica Rugby - I might have to post some tips tomorrow before the weekend lands.
I did have a couple of wins in the Super Pacifica Rugby - I might have to post some tips tomorrow before the weekend lands.
April 16, 2024, 04:00:47 AM
United Rugby Championship
Still a few rounds to go before the finals. This coming weekend is Round 14 of 18. This slots
in just before the Semi finals of both the European Champions Cup and the European Challenge
cup. Still a lot to play for particularly at the bottom end of the top 8 positions.
Positions from 6 through to 11 are all competing for the top 8 positions.
This weekend coming looks like all the home teams are favourites which means the competition for those
positions from 7 to 11 will get more competitive.
R=There is one fixture which has caught my attention: Lions v Leinster - The Lions are favourites and
Leinster table toppers and only beaten twice this competition are priced at 2.14.
Thats a great price on the competition leaders . . . I am just wondering if they will be sending the B
team and saving their key players for the semi final of the Champions Cup the following weekend???
Still a few rounds to go before the finals. This coming weekend is Round 14 of 18. This slots
in just before the Semi finals of both the European Champions Cup and the European Challenge
cup. Still a lot to play for particularly at the bottom end of the top 8 positions.
Positions from 6 through to 11 are all competing for the top 8 positions.
This weekend coming looks like all the home teams are favourites which means the competition for those
positions from 7 to 11 will get more competitive.
R=There is one fixture which has caught my attention: Lions v Leinster - The Lions are favourites and
Leinster table toppers and only beaten twice this competition are priced at 2.14.
Thats a great price on the competition leaders . . . I am just wondering if they will be sending the B
team and saving their key players for the semi final of the Champions Cup the following weekend???
April 14, 2024, 05:58:06 AM
One of the biggest stars of the European rugby game is France's Antoine Dupoint has
switched to focusing on the 7's game but was missing from the French 7's team last week
in order to play for Toulouse in their finals campaign of the European Champions Cup.
They face Exeter in the last of the quarter finals today.
Yesterday there were wins for Northampton, Herlequins and Leinster. Leinster beat
their rivals 40-13. Everyone expected a close enough match.
The European Challenge Cup quarter finals are also on today, Its a competition which
runs along side the Champions Cup and I havent been following it too closely but
my home team Connacht are playing today away to Bennetton. Bennetton have already
beaten them at home in the United Championship so this is an exact replay. They should
beat the home team with their Ireland internationals back.
switched to focusing on the 7's game but was missing from the French 7's team last week
in order to play for Toulouse in their finals campaign of the European Champions Cup.
They face Exeter in the last of the quarter finals today.
Yesterday there were wins for Northampton, Herlequins and Leinster. Leinster beat
their rivals 40-13. Everyone expected a close enough match.
The European Challenge Cup quarter finals are also on today, Its a competition which
runs along side the Champions Cup and I havent been following it too closely but
my home team Connacht are playing today away to Bennetton. Bennetton have already
beaten them at home in the United Championship so this is an exact replay. They should
beat the home team with their Ireland internationals back.
April 13, 2024, 12:38:20 PM
I had a couple of wins in the Super Pacific Rugby but I'm sorry to say the seven's fell off my radar too!
In the NRL - after an early leed, the Warriors caught up to the Sea Eagles to then spend two five minutes halves locked at 22 all but neither side managing to score even a single point field goal. (I'll have to check, but I have a feeling the Sea Eagles did the same thing last year.
The Eels beat the Cowboys 27 - 20 who were more favored to win (but slipped up allowing a couple of early tries)
Fortunately, the Sharks mauled the Rabbitohs 34 - 22 so I'm not doing toooo dismally this year (I'm still hopeful the teams will settle down soon)
In the NRL - after an early leed, the Warriors caught up to the Sea Eagles to then spend two five minutes halves locked at 22 all but neither side managing to score even a single point field goal. (I'll have to check, but I have a feeling the Sea Eagles did the same thing last year.
The Eels beat the Cowboys 27 - 20 who were more favored to win (but slipped up allowing a couple of early tries)
Fortunately, the Sharks mauled the Rabbitohs 34 - 22 so I'm not doing toooo dismally this year (I'm still hopeful the teams will settle down soon)
April 13, 2024, 04:48:57 AM
Wow, the Broncos are back in business again! Great win.
My other interest is on tomorrows match between Wests Tigers and the Dragons, there
isnt that much separating them ATM but hopefully the Tigers can stretch their lead over
them on the ladder.
Totally missed last weeks Hong Kong Rugby 7's!
On the Men's side New Zealand
took Gold, France France are definitely becoming a force took Silver and Ireland Bronze!
Argentina ended up 9th? I hope they are not going to continue that form of play and can
get back to picking up medals.
On the Womens side New Zealand again with Gold, USA Silver and Australia Bronze, Ireland
in 8th.
Next up is Singapore 3rd to 5th May.
My other interest is on tomorrows match between Wests Tigers and the Dragons, there
isnt that much separating them ATM but hopefully the Tigers can stretch their lead over
them on the ladder.
Totally missed last weeks Hong Kong Rugby 7's!
On the Men's side New Zealand
took Gold, France France are definitely becoming a force took Silver and Ireland Bronze!
Argentina ended up 9th? I hope they are not going to continue that form of play and can
get back to picking up medals.
On the Womens side New Zealand again with Gold, USA Silver and Australia Bronze, Ireland
in 8th.
Next up is Singapore 3rd to 5th May.
April 12, 2024, 01:58:32 PM
Both the Bulldogs and Dolphins lost their matches in reasonably low, close scoring games. The Broncos scored five tries to the Dolphins three while the Bull dogs were leading until the 75th minute when their opponents scored and converted the win 16 - 14
The bulldogs went out to over $7 immediately prior to kick-off. It would have been a very nice win indeed.
The bulldogs went out to over $7 immediately prior to kick-off. It would have been a very nice win indeed.
April 12, 2024, 04:16:37 AM
Big match coming up shortly for the Broncos who face table toppers the Dolphins. The
Broncos have a few players coming back from injury so hopefully they can magic a win,
they need it and are favourites at 1.38.
European Champions Cup
Big round this weekend to decide who goes into the semi finals, starting tomorrow...
Bordeaux Begeles v Harlequins
Leinster v la Rochelle - If Leinster as favourites win this there is rumour they will play
their semi final in "Croke Park" in Dublin, an 80,000+ capacity stadium and HQ of our
national games.
Northampton v Bulls
Sunday: Toulouse v Exeter
All the home sides are MASSIVE favourites.
Broncos have a few players coming back from injury so hopefully they can magic a win,
they need it and are favourites at 1.38.
European Champions Cup
Big round this weekend to decide who goes into the semi finals, starting tomorrow...
Bordeaux Begeles v Harlequins
Leinster v la Rochelle - If Leinster as favourites win this there is rumour they will play
their semi final in "Croke Park" in Dublin, an 80,000+ capacity stadium and HQ of our
national games.
Northampton v Bulls
Sunday: Toulouse v Exeter
All the home sides are MASSIVE favourites.
April 11, 2024, 02:37:31 PM
Quote
Roosters ($2.40)
An understrength Roosters team managed to overcome a number of shortfalls to win 22 - 20 against more favored team the Newcastle Knights who slipped up more often than not. I only got to see the highlights on nrl.com but it tells the whole story. The Roosters were the better team on the day.
April 10, 2024, 04:53:49 AM
Thats a fairly competitive top 10 positions really ans its something I would have expected
with 5 rounds played. If indeed the Panthers dominance has waned they wont get '3 in a row'
titles. Its too early also to figure out if there will be another dominant team or is the competition
for top spot going to be hotly contested by a few teams.
I want to see the Broncos moving up TBH and it would be great to see the Tigers reach the finals
too but there are a lot of matches to be played yet.
with 5 rounds played. If indeed the Panthers dominance has waned they wont get '3 in a row'
titles. Its too early also to figure out if there will be another dominant team or is the competition
for top spot going to be hotly contested by a few teams.
I want to see the Broncos moving up TBH and it would be great to see the Tigers reach the finals
too but there are a lot of matches to be played yet.
April 10, 2024, 03:04:55 AM
The Rabbitohs week goes from worse to worst with one of their key players out for the weeks after two dangerous tackles over the weekend.
After five weeks of game play in first place are the Dolphins, Cowboys, Storm and Sharks on eight points (the Cowboys have played five games whilst the others three just four games each)
In seconplace on six points are the Raiders, Warriors, Sea Eagles, Panthers and Tigers (the latter having played four fixtures while the others have played five)
In third place are six teams - five games, four points.
Then fourth place wooden spooners Titans (four games) and Rabbitohs (five games and just one win on two points.
After five weeks of game play in first place are the Dolphins, Cowboys, Storm and Sharks on eight points (the Cowboys have played five games whilst the others three just four games each)
In seconplace on six points are the Raiders, Warriors, Sea Eagles, Panthers and Tigers (the latter having played four fixtures while the others have played five)
In third place are six teams - five games, four points.
Then fourth place wooden spooners Titans (four games) and Rabbitohs (five games and just one win on two points.
April 08, 2024, 02:07:31 PM
I don't think there was anything specific - just the Eels aren't playing that well at the moment.
For round six of the 2024 NRL season - My pics are
Roosters ($2.40)
Bulldogs ($6.20)
Dolphins ($3.20)
Warriors ($1.52)
Cowboys ($1.62)
Sharks ($1.40)
Tigers ($1.80)
Raiders ($1.30)
The Dolphins Vs Broncos game is being dubbed the "Battle of Brisbane" (a reference to the rots in Brisbane during WWII) - I think with a few injuries, the Broncos are going to be pipped at the post by the Dolphins.
For round six of the 2024 NRL season - My pics are
Roosters ($2.40)
Bulldogs ($6.20)
Dolphins ($3.20)
Warriors ($1.52)
Cowboys ($1.62)
Sharks ($1.40)
Tigers ($1.80)
Raiders ($1.30)
The Dolphins Vs Broncos game is being dubbed the "Battle of Brisbane" (a reference to the rots in Brisbane during WWII) - I think with a few injuries, the Broncos are going to be pipped at the post by the Dolphins.
April 08, 2024, 01:30:28 PM
Thats a massive score by the Raiders! Were the Eels short of some players due to Injury?
In the European Champions Rugby all my bets are in the Green and the parlay was good
also, toulouse beat Racing 92 so set up a quarter final against Exeter. Northampton beat
Munster to set up a quarter final match against the Bulls
The Bulls are the only South African tean left in the tournament and Leinster are the
only Irish side. 3 teams each for France and England.
I'll be shouting for Leinster, Its great to see they have a home tie against rivals
La Rochelle and are favourites at 1.37!
In the European Champions Rugby all my bets are in the Green and the parlay was good
also, toulouse beat Racing 92 so set up a quarter final against Exeter. Northampton beat
Munster to set up a quarter final match against the Bulls
The Bulls are the only South African tean left in the tournament and Leinster are the
only Irish side. 3 teams each for France and England.
I'll be shouting for Leinster, Its great to see they have a home tie against rivals
La Rochelle and are favourites at 1.37!
April 07, 2024, 12:26:22 PM
Quote
how did you pick that one?
A little bit of hearing the local news of the injury list plus suspecting the Panthers glory is waneing.
The only one I got wrong this week was the Bulldogs win. I wouldn't write them off just yet - they've put in solid performances this year and I figure they'll be top eight for most of the year (along with the sea eagles). The Dolphins / Tigers game was fairly routine and low scoring keeping the Dolphins at the top of the ladder and the Tigers ahead of others.
The Knights slayed the Dragons (never gets old saying that) while the last game of the round by the last twenty minutes became what seemed a practice session - I was surprised when the Eels scored a late try which they then failed to convert. Just to run it in, Canberra at their home ground scored more field goals and tries to win 41 - 8.
April 07, 2024, 06:09:44 AM
Sea Eagles over the Panthers (I think earlier I said the Panthers - am a little bit undecided)
Wow, how did you pick that one? it happened! 32 - 18 !
In the European Rugby Championship I am 1.5 from 2 so far, the favourites have won
yesterday Bordeaux Begeles and Leinster. I need Toulouse to beat Racing 92 today for
my parlay.
Leinster play old rivals La Rochelle in the quarter finals next! these two have contested
the last 2 finals with la Rochelle winning both, Leinster will be looking to break that streak!
April 04, 2024, 02:06:11 PM
I was just looking at those games. - I got my bets in just before game one of this week's NRL matches.
Melbourne and Brisbane are neck and neck at the start of the second half - Adam Reynolds has just limped off and the games dynamics have completely changed. 18 - 16 to the Broncos after 50 minutes.
Other pics this week are
Roosters (only just)
Knights,
Warriors
Sea Eagles over the Panthers (I think earlier I said the Panthers - am a little bit undecided)
Dolphins (only just overcoming the Tigers)
Cowboys
Raiders.
Melbourne and Brisbane are neck and neck at the start of the second half - Adam Reynolds has just limped off and the games dynamics have completely changed. 18 - 16 to the Broncos after 50 minutes.
Other pics this week are
Roosters (only just)
Knights,
Warriors
Sea Eagles over the Panthers (I think earlier I said the Panthers - am a little bit undecided)
Dolphins (only just overcoming the Tigers)
Cowboys
Raiders.
That match between Melbourne and Brisbane was something else, a total of 66 points scored
between the two of them! the highlights were literally action packed, some class scoring.
Adam Reynolds will be a massive loss to the Broncos, its looking like a "Serious knee injury"
It will be interesting to see how the Dolphins v Wests Tigers go, particularly for the Tigers,
after years and years of being at the bottom of the ladder there might be a chance of something
different for them this season. I think this game is crucial for them.
Odds are Dolphins 1.56 v 2.60 Wests Tigers - You think its going to be a close match?
April 04, 2024, 06:13:44 AM
I was just looking at those games. - I got my bets in just before game one of this week's NRL matches.
Melbourne and Brisbane are neck and neck at the start of the second half - Adam Reynolds has just limped off and the games dynamics have completely changed. 18 - 16 to the Broncos after 50 minutes.
Other pics this week are
Roosters (only just)
Knights,
Warriors
Sea Eagles over the Panthers (I think earlier I said the Panthers - am a little bit undecided)
Dolphins (only just overcoming the Tigers)
Cowboys
Raiders.
Melbourne and Brisbane are neck and neck at the start of the second half - Adam Reynolds has just limped off and the games dynamics have completely changed. 18 - 16 to the Broncos after 50 minutes.
Other pics this week are
Roosters (only just)
Knights,
Warriors
Sea Eagles over the Panthers (I think earlier I said the Panthers - am a little bit undecided)
Dolphins (only just overcoming the Tigers)
Cowboys
Raiders.
April 04, 2024, 05:33:43 AM
European Champions Cup [Heineken Cup][Investec Champions Cup]
Starting tomorrow, these are my picks, hopefully they play out, I'm mostly picking group toppers
of each group for wins this weekend:
Bordeaux Begles v Saracens - Table toppers from Pool 1 with 1 of 4 matches lost, Saracens in
4th spot on the table. Bordeaux are priced at 1.29
Stade Toulousain v Racing 92 - Again Pool 2 toppers Toulouse who are unbeaten against Racing 92
who ended in 4th spot priced at 6.2 Racing are a quality side but their price suggest they are big
long shots for a win so I'm not risking it, they have only won 1 of 4 matches. Toulouse @ 1.14 [not great]
Northampton v Munster - this is a tricky one, I would like to go with Munster for the win @ 3.35 but
there is a question over the availability of Nash and Snyman if they are fit to play I will back them.
Leinster v Leicester - Unbeaten Leinster are favourites @ 1.07, I think I'll do a parlay double with Toulouse
for a bit of value.
Starting tomorrow, these are my picks, hopefully they play out, I'm mostly picking group toppers
of each group for wins this weekend:
Bordeaux Begles v Saracens - Table toppers from Pool 1 with 1 of 4 matches lost, Saracens in
4th spot on the table. Bordeaux are priced at 1.29
Stade Toulousain v Racing 92 - Again Pool 2 toppers Toulouse who are unbeaten against Racing 92
who ended in 4th spot priced at 6.2 Racing are a quality side but their price suggest they are big
long shots for a win so I'm not risking it, they have only won 1 of 4 matches. Toulouse @ 1.14 [not great]
Northampton v Munster - this is a tricky one, I would like to go with Munster for the win @ 3.35 but
there is a question over the availability of Nash and Snyman if they are fit to play I will back them.
Leinster v Leicester - Unbeaten Leinster are favourites @ 1.07, I think I'll do a parlay double with Toulouse
for a bit of value.
April 03, 2024, 01:12:47 AM
I'll post the screen grabs after I get home tonight. After three games in four rounds (plus two points for the bye), the tigers are ahead of the Broncos who have played four weeks straight
The media have been talking up the Tigers for a couple of months, so it's possible their fortunes are changing.
(I've picked up $25 on the tigers winning the 2025 Grand final)
The media have been talking up the Tigers for a couple of months, so it's possible their fortunes are changing.
(I've picked up $25 on the tigers winning the 2025 Grand final)
Jump to: