With the Premiership taking a back seat, we set our sights on the Champions Cup Last 16 instead, with a host of mouth-watering fixtures to look forward to and I’m expecting disappointment for the Tigers on Sunday.
Connacht v Leinster – Champions Cup Last 16
Starting the weekend off in Galway as Connacht get to host the former Champions Leinster.
The hosts were blown away by Leinster two weeks ago after a 3rd minute red card reduced them to 14 men for the majority of the match. From thereon Connacht were never at the races losing 8-45.
Leinster are a formidable force and, although I can see Connacht being quite cheeky early on, ultimately should grind them down and win with a little in hand.
Patchy’s Pick
Connacht can be awfully inconsistent and therefore I have reduced my stake by a Unit.
So for now, Connacht plus 12.5 points for 2.5 Units is my first bet of the weekend and relying on the crowd to help them stay in the game.
Bordeaux v La Rochelle – Champions Cup Last 16
Second play third in terms of log positions in the French Top 14. And with very little separating them on that basis I feel we should be in for two very closely fought fixtures.
Both sides have a similar style, particularly their defence and I also expect two low scoring encounters before the winner proceeds to the next round.
Patchy’s Pick
Main interest in the under’s points total and hoping for 45.5 points. In the meantime just 2 Units on la Rochelle plus 3.5 points.
Sale v Bristol – Champions Cup Last 16
In the only English derby of the weekend, Sale will kick off proceedings at the AJ Bell Stadium.
Sale’s season has fluctuated in a similar manner to a sine curve with some excellent results followed quite quickly by some disappointing ones. They’ll take heart at least that they can set the precedent here against Bristol, who have been disappointing this season, though to be fair, who are now beginning to show a little more improvement and should be more difficult to dispose of than they were several weeks ago.
Patchy’s Pick
Sale can’t be relied upon to beat the handicap but at the same time Bristol blow hot and cold. It’s a dangerous game to call and for now no bet.
Stade Toulouse v Ulster – Champions Cup Last 16
An impressive Ulster side make their way to the Stade Ernest-Walton stadium on Saturday afternoon and based on their performances this season could spring a surprise here. Well coached and with a daring attack, should they get on top early, they’ll be tough to peg back.
Despite lying 5th on the Top 14 log, the hosts haven’t set the season afire. The Champions Cup however, is historically one of their favourite tournaments and with the squad at their disposal they certainly have the means to go back-to-back as tournament winners.
Patchy’s Pick
Ulster will have returned from their trip to South Africa and I can understand the reason the handicap is set where it is.
However, I think they’ll more than hold their own here and 3 Units plus 11.5 points is the suggested pick.
Exeter v Munster – Champions Cup Last 16
Exeter appear well on their way to a strong final run in the English Premiership and I can see them putting in a classy performance here. I have a feeling Munster could be vulnerable and, as a result, will look to oppose the visitors.
Patchy’s Pick
I’m predicting another low scoring match here and will be hoping for a quote of 48.5 points or so as my main interest. However, I’ll also include Exeter minus 4.5 points for 3 Units.
Stade v Racing – Champions Cup Last 16
Stade will want to forget last week’s performance against Racing. Trailing just 15-13 at the break, they were blown away in the second period conceding 38 points and scoring just seven.
Stade are at home this time around though and no doubt will make wholesale changes. They’ve enjoyed a better season in the Top 14 and could give their more fancied rivals a go of it here.
Patchy’s Pick
I was hoping for a better handicap here but it’s set at a dangerous mark for me as I was hoping for 8 points so, for now, just 2 Units on Stade plus 6.5 points.
Montpellier v Harlequins – Champions Cup Last 16
The hosts top the log in France and have continued their vast improvement this season. They’re a tough side to beat at home and Quins will do well to run them close.
The English bounced back to best form against the Exiles last week and with their strongest side available, they won’t be disgraced.
However, I’m expecting a low scoring win here for the hosts.
Patchy’s Pick
Despite Quins’ strength to run the ball, I fancy a tight game here with the hosts resorting to a tactical kicking game coupled with a strong defence.
Unders will form the nucleus of my betting structure and I’ll hope for around 47.5 points. Handicap wise, it looks a little harder and just 1.5 Units on Montpellier minus 5.5 points is for interest.
Clermont v Leicester – Champions Cup Last 16
Two tournament heavyweights clash in the final fixture of the round.
Clermont have been disappointing this season but certainly have the pedigree and players, whilst the Tigers have been superb in England and now need to press on in Europe in order to achieve even greater recognition.
Patchy’s Pick
I could well end up with egg on my face here but I’m going to side with the hosts.
The Tigers have been superb this season but I think the handicap of just minus 2.5 points in favour of Clermont seems too good to be true and I’ll rate this as my bet of the weekend.
Clermont minus 2.5 points for 5 Units is a confident selection.
Follow me on Twitter @BrenHbetset for all my tips and bets.
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