Principality Premiership Weekend Predictions

The weather forecast for this weekend looks decidedly more wet and windy than last weekend and I think that will probably put an end to the try-fest the Premiership encountered last week. I also think the matches will be real wars of attrition, as the battle heats up as to who will be joining Pontypridd in the title deciding play-offs.

Bridgend v Llandovery

Llandovery know another bp win here is a must if they are to continue their push for a play-off place; they ran Swansea ragged last weekend and I forecast a loss for the Ospreylian club tomorrow.

Bridgend really have been a mixed bag this season - sometimes producing sublime comebacks like last time out against Bedwas, while at other times, such as at home to Swansea a few weeks ago, they have been so poor.

Bridgend do have the ability to produce an upset but I think Lyndon Lewis’ side will come away with the spoils and will be hoping Bedwas will be doing them a favour, further West.

Verdict - Llandovery by 6 points.

 Llanelli v Bedwas

The Gwent side have been a revelation this season, exceeding, I think, even their own expectations and with three tough games left, I think they should have enough to claim one of the two remaining play-off spots.

However, I don’t think the visitors will come away with the points tomorrow despite their comfortable win at Swansea mid-week: the Parc y Scarlets outfit will be a much more formidable test.

Llanelli know a win here would exacerbate Llandovery’s hopes of pipping them to a play-off spot. They will be disappointed at their British and Irish Cup exit but provided Bedford with a stern test, and if they produce another performance like that tomorrow, I think they’ll come out on top.

Verdict - Llanelli by 5 points.

 Swansea v Newport

To say Swansea have had a great season would be like saying North Korea are a reasonable bunch, but in all seriousness, the St Helens outfit really couldn’t have had a worse time of it this year. Admittedly, there is no relegation this season or next and they are also in a rebuilding process, but they really have been woeful at times.

Newport themselves had a rocky spell in the middle of the season but remain the only Premiership side to have beaten Pontypridd, and will undoubtedly be high on confidence after their ten try triumph over Quins last weekend. The Black and Ambers in my opinion will claim the double over their hosts.

Verdict - Newport by 10 points.