Rugby betting: weekend preview

Wasps look terrific value to sting Newcastle Falcons at Kingston Park. Visiting coach Ian McGeechan has the considerable benefit of being able to welcome back his host of internationals, and a powerful squad has driven up the M1 with the firm intention of bagging five points. Wasps have managed to secure maximum points from both of their last two games, the 32-30 success against Bristol and the magnificent 42-34 victory over Bath a fortnight ago. Paddy Power go 4/7 about the Londoners, but Sportingbet and Stan James look to have given us a bit of value as they only go 4/5. Newcastle have beaten Wasps the last three times they have come up to the Geordie capital, but if you look at the team line-ups in each of those instances, Wasps were without their international contingent. Given the array of attacking talent available to both sides, it is interesting to see that Bet365 go 38.5 over/under about total match points at 5/6. Wasps are clearly gunning for a decent spot in the Guinness Premiership table after their horrendous start to the season and their appetite for the tryline certainly allowed Bristol and Bath some good opportunities to score. Although rugby aficionados will be eager to see Jonny Wilkinson up against his arch-rival for the England No.10 jersey, Danny Cipriani, neither team will be looking to their star pivots to simply kick at goal and Bet365's price about total points looks too low despite the threat of rain in the area. London Irish also look worth a punt against Saracens in the live game on Sky Sports 2. Sarries were quick out of the block this season but snatching defeat from the jaws of victory against Newcastle two weeks ago, and the embarrassing loss to Harlequins have put question marks on their ability to last the distance in the League. At 8/13, London Irish look worth a cheeky investment, but for those who want a better price, Boylesports' three-point handicap at 10/11 is perfectly good value as well. Verdict: 2pts Wasps @ 4/5 (Sportingbet, Stan James); 2pts London Irish @ 8/13 (Bet365)