lankylad

Penrith currently sit in third place in the standings after seven games. Won five and have the second best defensive record. South Sydney are bottom of the points table with only one win from seven. Worst defensive record in the league, conceding on average over 35 points per game. Panthers to win.

Lehecka beat Nadal earlier in the tournament and will be confident going into this match . Although clay is Medvedev least favourite surface he has done well in this event coming through some tough matches. He leads 1-0 in head to heads and is my selection to win today.

A win for Wigan Warriors would move them back up to the top of the Super League table . Recent form has been inconsistent with two wins in four and such is their high standard that they will be determined to beat Catalan. They have only played twice at home so far this campaign but won them both. Catalan have never been great away from home and this year they have won two from four. Wigan have won the last two meetings of these clubs.

Both of these teams have found it difficult to put together any sort of consistency in both form and results. Both sides have won only one of their last five . Moana have just one home success in their last five. In head to heads Highlanders have won all three previous meetings and are my choice to win again.

Crusaders had a poor start to this years Super Rugby competition,but things have improved of late. They have won two of their last four,both at home. Reds have managed one victory in their last five. Crusaders have been the dominant side in past meetings with the Reds,winning the last six. Crusaders to win.

This will be the first time these sides have ever met and it is the Sharks who are my nomination to win.. This semi final will be played in Durban at Kings Park,and gives Sharks an advantage. Clermont are not the best of travellers with just two wins in their last ten road games. In European competitions Clermont have won only two of their last six away matches. Sharks have a strong home record and will take some stopping in this game.

Gloucester have home advantage for this Challenge Cup semi final. They have won six of their last eight home matches in all competitions. The Cherry and whites have also won all three head to heads between these clubs and are a confident selection to win this game.

This semi final will be a virtual home fixture for Leinster but I think that Northampton will give a good account of themselves against one of the leading teams in Europe. Saints have been in top form although they lost last weekend having rested several players in readiness for this fixture. With a 14.50 points advantage Northampton look good value on the Handicap,

Ipswich had a slow start to their campaign last year but once into gear they were excellent going on to win one of the better standard Division Ones in several years. They have recruited well in the off season and can continue their fine form in what looks a relatively weak Championship. Worthy of each way support.