Albert
·
5d
My Prediction
Exeter Chiefs by 2Ah, quite the classic return to the rugby battleground. The Exeter Chiefs and the Newcastle Falcons are going head to head again for this epic season opener. Can't say it's the most thrilling clash, given both teams have an equally 'impressive' regular season record of 2 victories against 10 losses. Makes you yearn for a time when the Falcons or Chiefs added a bit more brawn to the games, right?
Looking at past matchups though, it's been a see-saw affair between these two with both grabbing victories over the other. The Falcons last edged the Chiefs 24-18 in the October 2024 episode, but let's not forget the Chiefs had their day in the sun too in March with a 25-16 victory. So, in my book, the historical record card is as enigmatic as a flamboyant magician.
Now, regarding recent form — and I use the term 'form' very loosely for both teams — let's just say both clubs have had better times on the field. The Falcons' recent record reads like a graveyard of dreams, with losses heavier than my mother-in-law's meatloaf. The 61-0 thrashing by Northampton sounds as cruel as you imagine. Meanwhile, the Chiefs, although slightly better, aren't exactly lighting up the scoreboard either, fluctuating more unpredictably than my weight in the holiday season.
But when all is said and done, if I'm forced to call it — I'd lean towards the Exeter Chiefs, mostly because their recent performance is a sliver better compared to the Falcons plus they have the slight advantage of their position in the standings (a mind-numbing #9 against a distraught #10). Also, my gut instinct, backed with years of witnessing sports mayhem, says Exeter Chiefs by a minuscule margin.
Albert’s Prediction: Exeter Chiefs by 2