Welsh Premiership Weekend Predictions

Bridgend v Aberavon

After predicting last week that Aberavon would lose to Llandovery by 15 points – the sides, bottom and top in the Premiership respectively going into it, drew 32-32 – a more cautious approach is required for this Saturday’s matches.

The vagaries of rugby, however, could still result in the Wizards losing by 15 or more to Bridgend, though that doesn’t look like happening (he says tentatively!).

However, form does point towards a home win with Bridgend having won at Neath last time out and beaten Cardiff in the B&I Cup the week before that. But even though they won, Bridgend’s victory at the Gnoll was somewhat overshadowed by Aberavon’s performance against Llandovery.

The Drovers had won all their games with four tries or more but Aberavon denied them the win and a bonus point so another display like that from the Wizards should see this one remain close for some time.

Verdict – Bridgend by three points

Cardiff v Neath

After a ropey start to the season, Cardiff seemed to be improving but three defeats in a row in all competitions has seen them slip back into their old habits.

Neath also secured a morale-boosting win in the cup against Bedwas a fortnight ago before losing at home to Bridgend. That saw the Ravens overtake them in the table to leave the Welsh All Blacks two places off the bottom.

This match might not be a pretty one as it should be a win-at-all-costs clash for both clubs before the break for the autumn internationals.

Verdict – Cardiff by five points

Carmarthen Quins v Cross Keys

With Keys in a mini slump following three losses on the bounce and Quins having put 80 points on Swansea in two games a home win should be a good bet.

A four-try win for Keys could see them move up to second in the table as Pontypridd are one of two sides along with Llanelli not in action this weekend.

Verdict – Quins by seven points

Llandovery v Bedwas

It’s almost first versus second at Church Bank with Bedwas only behind Pontypridd on try-count. Llandovery dropped their first points of the season at Aberavon so will be focused on getting back to winning ways after that draw.

Home advantage should work in Llandovery’s favour although Bedwas went to the fortress that is Pandy Park last Saturday to beat Cross Keys so they’ve shown they can perform well both at home and on the road.

Verdict – Llandovery by eight points

Newport v Swansea

Sadly for Swansea supporters everything is pointing towards a home win at Rodney Parade where Newport toppled Pontypridd on Sunday.

That 20-19 success was a massive fillip for the Black & Ambers to push on for the rest of the season and take advantage of a side seemingly stuck in a trough.

Successive 41-17 defeats at the hands of the Quins weren’t easy to stomach for the Swansea faithful so if they can get anything out of their trip to Newport they’ll be grateful.

Verdict – Newport by nine points

By David Williams