Friday's Premiership & Pro14 betting preview, free tips & where to watch

Rugby union tips, best bets and predictions for Northampton v Harlequins in the Premiership and Glasgow v Southern Kings and Leinster v Dragons in the Pro14.

Where to watch

Northampton v Harlequins
BT Sport 1, 7.45pm Friday
Glasgow v Southern Kings
Premier Sports 1, 7.35pm Friday
Leinster v Dragons
FreeSports & TG4, 7.35pm Friday
Ulster v Zebre
Premier Sports 2, 7.35pm Friday

Best bets

Northampton -4
2pts 10-11 Betway

G Horne to score a try in Glasgow v Southern Kings
2pts 11-10 Sky Bet

C Doris to score a try in Leinster v Dragons
1pt 21-10 BoyleSports

Preview

Premiership leaders Northampton can give up four points to Harlequins in making it three wins out of three for the campaign.

The Saints stunned champions Saracens 27-25 at Allianz Park in round one and then beat Worcester 35-16 at Franklin’s Gardens last Saturday.

Both performances were built on nuggety defence as much as expansive attack - Sarries piled on the pressure for long periods after taking an early lead while the Warriors kept their hosts tryless in the first half, turning round 9-6 up - and more of that is likely to be needed against Quins.

Paul Gustard’s gang lost only 22-19 at runners-up Exeter in round one and ground out a 22-17 success over Bristol at the Stoop last weekend. They will be boosted by the return to the back row of Alex Dombrandt and James Chisholm.

However, home head coach Chris Boyd has refreshed his pack ranks with starts for former-All Blacks prop Ben Franks, hooker Mikey Haywood, lock David Ribbans and flanker Jamie Gibson and their set-piece and breakdown solidity should provide a platform for their exciting backline, marshalled by James Grayson, to prosper.

Saints have scored eight tries this league campaign compared to Quins’ three.

In the Pro14, anytime tryscorer wagers look best with hosts Glasgow, Leinster and Ulster all asked to give up handicap marks in the region of 25 points and rainy evenings forecast.

Scrum-half George Horne should be backed to scoot over for Glasgow against the Southern Kings at Scotstoun in his first appearance since playing for Scotland at the World Cup. He has scored nine tries in each of his last two league campaigns for the Warriors and also claimed four tries in the Champions Cup.

Caelan Doris can score a third try of the season for Leinster against the Dragons in Dublin. Number eight Doris has crossed in Leinster’s win at Benetton and their home victory over Edinburgh.

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