Swansea vs Bristol (St.Helens, Swansea, 14:30 GMT)
The All Whites of Swansea were once the kings of Welsh rugby. Oh, but how things have changed. The retirement of some Swansea stalwarts has hit them bad in recent seasons, and with their senior players getting no younger, it is hard to see a bright future for the Welsh seaside rugby team.
This is reflected in their form this season, in which they have taken some bad hammerings, including one from Irish province Leinster in this seasons Heineken Cup. In fairness to them, they have been drawn in the toughest gruop in the Heineken Cup and tomorrows task is no easier.
Bristol have recovered from a shaky start to their season, and are now unbeaten in their last five matches. They possess a leathal partnership at half backs in Argentinain duo, Pichot and Contepomi, and travel to St.Helens waiting on a gametime decision regarding lock Gareth Archer. With or without Archer, they are more than capable of victory in what is a must win game for Bristol, having been drawn in such a difficult pool.
1 Point Win Bristol (-4) at 10/11 with PaddyPower (The line is also available with Victor Chandler)
Edinburgh vs Toulouse (Edinburgh, Scotland 15:00 GMT)
Edinburgh were dealt a massive blow last week, when they were defeated by Cardiff in the quarter final of the Celtic League. The bookies had made the scots eight point favourites, and they blew a 19-3 half time lead to lose the match. I am afraid this defeat may have blown away their confidence this season. New Zealander Todd Blackadder would have rallied his troops in traning all week, awaiting the arrival of French wizards Toulouse.
The french team along with Biarritz were my early season tournament tips, and I have seen nothing so far to alter that prediction. Two successive victories in the tournament so far means a victory in Scotland should gaurantee their involvement in the latter stages. With the match going out live on British TV, the french will be eager to show the British exactly what they can do. Look to the French team to run the ball from everywhere, and leave the Scots chewing on their haggis come five o clock tomorrow.
1 Point Win Toulouse (-3) at 10/11 with PaddyPower
Northampton vs Cardiff (Franklin Gardens, Northampton 15:00 GMT)
Possibly the welsh club performance of the season from Cardiff last weekend. They travelled up to Edinburgh last week with a depleted pack of forwards only to pull off an astonishing victory. Coach David Young had to come out of retirement for that game, and propped down for Cardiff and as expected, let nobody down. He again has no choice but to select himself for tomorrows trip to Northampton.
Northampton are the toast of English rugby at the moment, having ended Leicesters five year home domination of rugby. Matt Dawson was wounded in that victory and misses out on the next two rounds of Heineken Cup. Another friend of mine turns out for the Saints, in prop Chris Budgeon. I got to know Chris when he came over from New Zealand, and he will pull no punches in propping down against David Young tomorrow.
I suspect the victory will have taken a lot out of Cardiff last weekend, and I cannot fancy a repeat here. In contrast the Saints victory over Leicester will only bolster their confidence, and I expect it to kick start the season. Northampton were guilty of creating our one Heineken Cup loss this season this year. I expect them to make up, and bring home the money tomorrow.
1 Point Win Northampton (-13) at 5/6 with Ladbrokes (The line is also available with the Tote)
