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Five steps to heaven: the column in which we promise you the world ...

… and invariably disappoint. This week will be different, we promise.

IT HAS BEEN a disappointing couple of weeks for the Five Steps to Heaven. We don’t need to remind you about our dismal run of tipping, do we?

In an attempt to rectify this disappointing situation, we’ve taken a slightly different tack this week. Rather than trying to line up a 2000-1 accumulator, we’ve downgraded expectations slightly.

As a result, this week’s combo will bring in a much smaller return but has a much greater chance of actually coming up. Of that much, we’re confident.

1. Of course, we have to start with the rugby. Wales have been good thus far in this year’s Six Nations, but they haven’t been massively impressive, particularly last time out against Italy.

Although they can kick a penalty (30 of their 67 points have come from kicks at goal), Declan Kidney has instructed his boys to behave at the breakdown. With that in mind, we’re happy enough to take a punt on Ireland at 11/10.

2. The WGC-Cadillac Championship got underway in a storm-battered Florida yesterday. Before the off, we had a good feeling about Matt Kuchar who really impressed in making it to the semi-finals of the World Matchplay Championships a few weeks back.

Kuchar is only finishing off his opening round at the moment, but he’s playing well and is five-under through 12 holes. The weather is unpredictable and there are a lot of high scores out there at present, but we reckon he can hold on for a top-four finish at odds of 11/4.

3. While the majority of Ireland is glued to proceedings at the Millennium Stadium tomorrow afternoon, a small section of die-hard football fans will be tuning in to Arsenal’s clash against Manchester United in the FA Cup Sixth Round.

We expected Andrei Arshavin to make an appearance at the Nou Camp midweek, but for some reason, Tomas Rosicky was preferred instead. If Arshavin gets game time tomorrow, his odds of 7/2 to score at any time represent good value.

4. The Galway hurlers let us down last week when they failed to beat Cork in Pairc Ui Chaoimh.

As a result, we’ve decided to try our hand at football this week. The all-conquering Dubs travel to Monaghan, while in Division Two Derry travel to Sligo. We’re backing both to win at combined odds of 6/4.

5. This week’s banker is not as cut-and-dry as one might have hoped.

Miguel Angel Cotto takes on the ageing Ricardo Mayorga at the MGM Grand, Las Vegas in the early hours of Sunday morning.

A defeat for Cotto would be quite unthinkable. Though there is a small chance that Mayorga will last the full 12 rounds, we expect Cotto to see him off before that stage. Cotto to win by KO or TKO is priced at 2/5.

Stake: €10

Potential Returns: €1240.31