Round 1 of Aviva Premiership Surprises Punters
The opening week of the 2017-18 Aviva Rugby Premiership was topped and tailed by upset results that had Australian betting fans sitting up and taking notice. England’s top-flight domestic rugby union tournament may reward some counterintuitive betting choices this season, with one or two early contenders already challenging the heavy hitters.
Friday night’s tournament opener brought the first shock. Defending champions Exeter Chiefs played Gloucester, and after drawing first blood and leading at half time, the Chiefs looked on track for the win. Thanks to All Black Jeremy Thrush and England international Ben Morgan, however, the scores were tied, at three tries each, as full-time approached.
Then a last-gasp try from former Hurricanes back Jason Woodward, in his Gloucester debut, snatched even the draw from Exeter’s grasp, leaving punters with a bet on the underdog delighted by the 28-21 bonus-point win.
Falcons Start Out Second on Ladder
Neither Newcastle Falcons nor Worcester Warriors are rated likely to win this year’s Aviva Premiership by online sports betting sites, so Friday’s second match didn’t seem worth much interest. But in another turnaround, the match started with a bang four minutes in, when England’s Alex Tait went over for Newcastle.
However, first-half penalties and an equaliser from Welshman Josh Adams tied the scores by half-time. But three thrilling unanswered tries by the home side in the second half gave Newcastle a great bonus-point win for a maximum of 5, and a points-difference that leaves them second on the ladder behind the Saracens. They’re unlikely to stay there long, but it’s a great start.
London Irish, Bath: Also Surprise Victors
Harlequins were $0.30 favourites to beat London Irish at Twickenham on Saturday. Instead, after an eight-try thriller that left both sides with a bonus point, London Irish came out on top 39-29. They’re fourth overall, with every chance of climbing higher during the season.
The biggest win of the weekend, as expected, went to Saracens. Their nine-tries-to-three annihilation of Northampton Saints leaves them top of the ladder on points-difference. The Wasps also scored seven tries against the Sale Sharks’ one, winning 50-35 and finishing third overall.
In the final surprise on Sunday, underdogs Bath beat odds-on Leicester Tigers 27-23, with three tries apiece. Rhys Priestland’s three conversions for Bath against George Ford’s one settled the matter. As a result, coach Todd Blackadder’s team finished Round 1 sixth on the ladder, behind Gloucester.
More About Cameron Hollands
After working part time in one of Australia’s finest casinos to fund his journalism studies, Cameron Hollands discovered a passion for sports betting. A few years and many successful bets later, he is now putting his considerable experience to good use, and is a regular contributor for australiansportsbetting.net.
Cameron’s expert advice, insight into the sporting world and straightforward reporting style has earned him many fans, and he enjoys sharing his expertise with fellow punters.
You May Also Like:
Jones Says Tackle Height Should Be Lowered
England coach Eddie Jones says the allowable height of tackles should be lowered in youth rugby. This will further lower the risk of brain injuries in the sport, he explained. ….
Rugby Australia Commits To Improved Expenditure For 2027
Rugby Australia has promised that they will by wasting no money in the lead up to the 2027 men’s Rugby World Cup. This comes after the country was selected to ….
RFL To Roll Out Risk-Detecting Mouthguards
The Rugby Football League has now approved the use of a special mouthguard capable of detecting the risk of head trauma and/or concussion. The guards will come into play from ….
Brain Injury Still A Risk For Rugby Players
Modern-day rugby players should not consider themselves exempt from the possibility of developing the same neurological disorders as former players of old as a result of injuries to the head ….
Toutai Kefu In Surgery After Home Invasion
Former Wallabies star Toutai Kefu is reportedly undergoing emergency surgery after a stabbing incident in Brisbane. Queensland police have now confirmed the incident, as well as that Kefu has sustained ….