Adam Williams presents his prediction for the Premiership Rugby Cup Quarter-Final match.
Last season, the tournament had half the number of knockout places, meaning Newcastle Falcons weren’t involved, while Gloucester went on to win the Premiership Cup. This time, they enter as an unseeded side.
Newcastle Falcons
The Premiership Rugby Cup is the only bright spot in an otherwise dismal campaign for Newcastle. Despite finally securing their first league wins in over a year, they remain rooted to the bottom of the Gallagher Premiership. They also finished last in their European Challenge Cup group. However, in this secondary domestic competition, the Falcons performed well against Championship sides and a weakened Sale Sharks team, although they did lose their final group match to the Sharks (17:19).
Gloucester
Gloucester not only lifted the Premiership Cup last season but also reached the Challenge Cup final. However, this season, their focus has shifted to the Premiership, where they currently sit third after an impressive victory over direct rivals Leicester Tigers (38:31). Away from home, Gloucester have mainly excelled in the Premiership Rugby Cup, winning three of their five matches on the road.
Newcastle Falcons vs Gloucester Prediction
Newcastle Falcons are favourites as they have already been eliminated from the Challenge Cup and are not competing for anything in the Premiership. Gloucester’s coaching staff are unlikely to field a full-strength squad, opting to rotate. Expect the Falcons to claim victory, but not by a significant margin—perhaps around 10 points. A handicap bet on the visitors looks like the right call.
