Two very tough games await us as we head into the Champions Cup Semi-Finals and only small interests are suggested with a lowish scoring match in Dublin the main play.
Leinster v Toulouse – Champions Cup Semi-Finals
Leinster were at their ruthless best in Leicester last week as they dispatched the English Premiership leaders, Leicester, with consummate ease. They now take on Toulouse and these two power houses have played one another 3 times in the last 4 years, with Leinster winning their two home matches by an average of 17 points and Toulouse successful in their single home fixture in 2018 by 28 points to 27.
Toulouse may feel a little jaded this week after an intense physical battle against Munster in which the game was decided via penalties after 20 minutes of extra time couldn’t split the sides.
Both teams are bristling with international stars and I’m expecting a very tight game with Leinster prevailing narrowly.
Karl Dickson is the referee in Dublin and the weather is fine.
Patchys Pick Champions Cup Semi-Finals:
At first glance I thought the handicap was too high but with the fatigue a likely factor I’ll suggest just 2 units on Toulouse plus 9.5 points in the event their legs give way. My main interest though will be unders with Karl Dickson a decent low scoring official, but with no quotes out as yet I’m expecting the line to be around 47.5 points.
Racing v La Rochelle –Champions Cup Semi-Finals
A classic French derby awaits us Sunday where last year’s beaten finalists play a smoking hot Racing side who are looking more and more likely the eventual winner in my eyes. The hosts surprisingly trailed against Sale last week at half time, but quickly made huge strides in the second half running out comprehensive winners 41-22.
It was an easier route for the visitors who comfortably held Montpellier at arm’s length at home winning 31-19. They’ll need to up their effort on recent performances if they are to spring a surprise here.
Patchys Pick Champions Cup Semi-Finals:
I’ve spent a little time looking at this handicap and wondering what I’m missing, granted the match is being played in Lens but I thought Racing still look the bet on the current lines .
However only a small bet is the call as La Rochelle are a tough bunch. Racing minus 1.5 points for just the 2 Units.
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Bet on the Champions Cup Semi-Finals at www.hollywoodbets.co.uk or www.hollywoodbets.ie
