Scarlets vs. Harlequins

Written by: Sandy
Date: 2008-10-11
League: Rugby - Union

Over 43.5 total match points.

This looks a very interesting game between 2 sides who love to throw the ball around and always look to entertain.

Scarlets are a super cup team, who often save their very best performances for these type of games. They beat Sarries last week on their own patch in the edf and although its never given the same respect as other tourneys, any win there is a fine one and has to be earned. This is their last game at the old ground so the home fans will be expecting them to go out in style and make the right start to the euro campaign.

From what i have seen of them in the ML theres plenty of pace in that side and a lot of power on the left hand side of the park, with Manu etc. They can score trys theres no doubt about it and the hammering of Connacht was super to watch.

We have seen a number of times so far this season that Quins are the side to watch in europe if you like to see trys scored. Every week we are seeing 4 or 5 scores no matter who they play in the premiership and thats good for the game as there are too many managers who see taking the points, or not losing heavily as all that matters.

Monye is on fine form at the moment scoring some nice trys, Malone is kicking superbly and Danny Care is, for me anyway, the form player of the premiership. All their strike players are at their best and its been great to watch.

The Worcester game last week was possibly the best of the lot. Some of the handling and front foot rugby was as good as you will see and this was even from the forwards. But despite 15 and 17 point leads you never had the feeling the points were safe until the very last mins. It is a big problem for Quins, they cannot tough it out. They dont enjoy the horrible side of the game, the ugly part, keeping hold of the ball, taking the big hits and seeing the game out. It has cost them dearly and the chances are it will again.

If i had to pick 2 sides to meet in europe for a high scoring entertaining game with lots of trys it would be these 2. Both can score em, both can lose em, so over 43 points seems certain.

Scarlets v Quins over 43.5 match points with ladbrokes at 1.83