The Champions Cup Last 16 two-leg format is set to continue this weekend after last week’s exciting action. A number of sides are on the brink of qualifying to the quarter-finals which makes the handicaps in particular somewhat tricky.
Leinster v Connacht – Champions Cup Last 16, 2nd Leg
Connacht kept their feint hopes alive when keeping Leinster within 5 points in Galway last week. Back in Dublin this week though the hosts should be able to put the hammer down and win comfortably.
Patchy’s Pick
Leinster seemed to lose concentration after the break in Galway and I feel this time around may look to keep the score board ticking over and building a lead via 3 pointers before becoming more adventurous.
They can certainly cover this cap but I feel they’ll be happy with a snug win instead.
For interest Connacht plus 22.5 pts for 2 Units.
Bristol v Sale – Champions Cup Last 16, 2nd Leg
Bristol were good to us last week and Sale once again showed up how their inconsistent season is still well and truly evident. Bristol start with a slender 1-point lead but are now at home. Sale’s attack looked extremely static last week and a number of players looked extremely flat, I’m not a fan of Alex Sanderson either and the more I see of him the less I like his coaching results. However after all that I like Sale this week but the value is just not there.
Patchy’s Pick
For most of the season I have caught the highs and lows of Sale in good fashion so I’m confident of a good result. However I thought the cap might be 4.5 or so and as a result just 2 Units on Sale plus 2.5 points is my play.
Harlequins v Montpellier – Champions Cup Last 16, 2nd Leg
Montpellier narrowly landed our handicap bet last week but almost blew it with a very loose display almost allowing Quins to steal a vital win. However they managed to hold on but with their away form quite disheartening I think Quin’s will prove too hot to handle this Saturday.
Quins have all the armoury to dispatch of Montpellier taken on last week’s performance, although it’s never wise to form a conclusive opinion after a single week’s showing. The hosts have a 5-point start to overcome and then need to put a little daylight between the sides. The weather forecast is good and I feel they should be backed to do so.
Patchy’s Pick
The cap looks well set , so for now 2.5 Units on Quins minus 11.5 Points.
La Rochelle v Bordeaux – Champions Cup Last 16, 2nd Leg
The losing finalists from last season were in sublime form last week in Bordeaux dispatching their French compatriots with ease. They take an almost unassailable lead of 18 points back with them to the Stade Marcel-Deflandre
Patchy’s Pick
This certainly looks a bridge too far for Bordeaux though they could still win the match and fail to proceed further due the large deficit to overcome. Where will Bordeaux’s head be as it’s hard to think they’ll play as badly as last week ? With all the uncertainties in mind I’m going to take a flier here and take 2 Units on Bordeaux plus 13.5 points.
Munster v Exeter – Champions Cup Last 16, 2nd Leg
Last week’s fixture was a super exhibition defensively by both sides , particularly Exeter who were reduced to 13 men at one stage. They hold a five-point lead going to Limerick and may feel that will prove enough to proceed to the next round of the competition.
After Exeter went to the break with a comfortable 10-point lead, it was Munster who came into the game strongly in the second half but will rue their inability to take hold of the game when both Woodburn and Schickerling were both sent to the bin.
Patchy’s Pick
I’m going to leave the handicap alone and instead focus on another low scoring match, no markets are available at the moment but I imagine the line will be set around 41.5 total points. However even at 40.5 points I’ll be taking a large 5 Units at the total unders and praying for a scrappy affair.
Leicester v Clermont – Champions Cup Last 16, 2nd Leg
With egg well and truly smeared all over my face Clermont were hopeless last week ensuring it was a poor day as opposed to Saturday. They were devoid of ideas and made too many mistakes. Leicester played the game well and took their chances when offered.
It’s likely that Clermont could get hammered here if their heads are not firmly in place, a huge 19 points to overcome looks unlikely but they handicap makes things interesting.
Patchy’s Pick
At plus 16.5 points now I just can’t sidestep Clermont. Yes they’re poor and yes away from home they could implode. But with Leicester just having to go through the motions I think Clermont are potentially a decent bet. 4 Units ( like a lab rat) on Clermont plus 16.5 points.
Ulster v Stade Toulouse – Champions Cup Last 16, 2nd Leg
Ulster landed a nice bet for us last week but shouldn’t rest on their laurels as they return to Belfast with a massive 6-point lead. The game though was changed significantly when Mallia received a red card after ten minutes.
Patchy’s Pick
Ulster’s home form this season has been superb but I imagine this game will be very close. I’m going to sway towards a huge Toulouse performance here and take them on the board.
On the match winner marker, draw no bet , 3 Units Toulouse @ 5/8.
Racing v Stade Francais – Champions Cup Last 16, 2nd Leg
Ensuring it was baked beans for dinner on Sunday night Stade Francoise were poor against Racing for the second week in a row. I had tried the reverse psychology with them on that fixture but their short comings were too evident and lacked a cohesive finish close to the line. They trail by 13 points and their participation in the tournament looks over.
Patchy’s Pick
With Racing looking every inch of a potential Champions Cup winner I’m not surprised at the huge handicap, however like the lab rat mentioned earlier on I feel I need to fall upon my sword once more. I’m calling 3 Units on Stade plus 19.5 points for 3 Units.
Follow me on Twitter @BrenHbetsnet. Have a super Easter weekend.
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