We’re down to the last 8 in this season’s Champions Cup tournament and all 4 games should be close run affairs as I rate Montpellier on the handicap as my main strike of the weekend.
Munster v Stade Toulouse – Champions Cup Quarter Finals
Right here we go, strap yourselves in for what should be a very enjoyable weekend of top-class rugby action.
Munster get us under way on Saturday afternoon and host the current champions in Limerick. The Irish side were expected to be a little vulnerable as the season had progressed but to be fair have silenced most critics with a stream of good results and being played in Limerick is a huge factor to consider.
The visitors are 6th in the Top 14 table but don’t be fooled as they are the defending champions and their star-studded side will be very tough to break down.
There are no weather concerns and it will be dry and mild.
Patchy’s Pick:
Although I’ve been a little critical of Munster this season, I’ve somehow managed to catch them pretty well throughout the season and I’m beginning to warm to them.
I don’t think Toulouse are playing as well as they were last season and although I would have preferred Munster playing at Thomond park ( they’re at the Aviva ) I still think it’ll be very close. Munster plus 5.5 points on the handicap for 3 Units is my play.
La Rochelle v Montpellier –Champions Cup Quarter Finals
An all-French affair takes place in La Rochelle as the beaten finalists from last year look to fend off current French top 14 logs leaders Montpellier.
The home side have been a little disappointing this year but do appear to be returning to their best, a home advantage will be massive for them and they’ll be confident to turn over Montpellier whose run in this campaign makes interesting reading. A 42-6 loss to Exeter made worse by a 89-7 loss to Leinster, throw in a covid 28-0 home win and a single point aggregate win over Quins. Having said that, they shouldn’t be taken lightly and this match should be a bruising one.
A minor chance of a few fleeting showers , otherwise all good on the weather front.
Patchy’s Pick:
Montpellier’s focus is a little blurry this season, the Top 14 is the main prize but just how much they want to progress in this tournament is the question ?
However, I do feel this handicap is too much and will fire 4 Units on Montpellier plus 13.5 points.
Leicester v Leinster – Champions Cup Quarter Finals
This should the pick of the weekend, two ex-champion sides who are both in such scintillating form.
The Tigers seemingly have few faults at present and once again home advantage could help propel this talented squad into the semi-finals.
However, Leinster for me are the class act in this fixture but play a very similar game to Ireland, as a result I’m expecting fast line speed by their defending backs and for the Tigers to swarm the breakdown, intent on slowing the Leinster ball as well as general disruption.
Leinster continue to be a very dangerous side and furthermore are a side that are able to read situations accurately and adapt accordingly. This may well nullify Leicester’s game plan unless they too have a few plans to consider should they need to.
There appears to be no weather concerns for the game.
Patchy’s Pick:
Yet another challenge and a further test for the Tigers who have enjoyed such a wonderful season so far. They start the game as underdogs and one could be tempted.
However, Leinster are just such a well-oiled machine and the betting looks well set. It’s been 11 years since they last met so form is hard to compare.
I will leave the handicap alone for now and instead have an interest on under total points in the hope it’s a right old slug fest !
No quotes out as yet but am hoping around the 45.5 point mark.
Racing v Sale – Champions Cup Quarter Finals
Sale arguably appear to have the toughest assignment this weekend in Sunday’ sole fixture as they travel to Paris. They can be a very plucky side and have a set of forwards that should stand firm against the monstrous Racing pack. The return of AJ McGinty should be seen as a huge boost as he returns from injury.
The hosts lie 4th on the French Top 14 log but on their day can beat any side. They have a prolific game breaker in Finn Russel and have a set of backs who would make any international side currently.
Likely to be sunny but the game is played indoors.
Patchy’s Pick:
If Racing hit their straps they could cover this handicap with some room to spare, but Sale are a funny side and can never be written off. They’ve shown moments of great play this season and then dished up tripe on others.
It’s a tricky game and not one to put the rent money on , Sale haven’t played much French opposition in recent times either to make things even more uncertain. However, I’ll give them a tentative nod, so it’s 2 Units on Sale plus 12.5 points.
Follow me on Twitter @BrenHbetset for all my tips and bets.
Bet on the Champions Cup Quarter Finals at www.hollywoodbets.co.uk or www.hollywoodbets.ie
