Wasps vs Clermont
If you enjoy running rugby then you are in for a treat as both these teams love to run the ball. Wasps at home in the Champions Cup have an excellent record but they are coming up against a formidable opponent in Clermont. The French team has been so dominant in their domestic league for so many years but always seem to struggle in the European competition but this could be their year. Their team on paper is as good as any team in the competition but it’s their mental strength that has always been in doubt. During the group stage they led Munster by 12 points but still contrived to lose that home match. They have two world class wingers in Damian Penaud and Alivereti Raka and stars all round the team that will be too strong for the home team. Wasps for all their pedigree in Europe, this has been a season to forget with injuries to key players stifling their season and they have a terrible home record losing their last 5 matches at home. They will be hoping that international stars like Malakai Fekitoa and Joe Launchbury will be at their best to keep them in this contest.
TIP: Clermont will want to silence their critics and a convincing win will show that they are serious contenders for the Cup. Wasps will welcome back two of their best performing players this season Paolo Odogwu and Alfie Barbeary and will be desperate for these players to be at their belligerent best. The more I look at the line-ups of these teams the more I am convinced that Clermont will comfortably win this match. French teams are notorious poor travellers but with no crowds allowed that is negated and I expect a Clermont win. The best odds on an away victory are at Sunbet 1.50 while Playabets and Worldsportsbetting has them at 1.47 and 1.50 respectively.
HEAD TO HEAD STATS
Wasps vs Clermont
- This will be the first meeting between Wasps and Clermont
Latest results for both teams
Wasps lost their last match 19-20 against the Sale Sharks while Clermont won their match against Stade Francais 27-34
PREDICTION
In seasons gone by the home teams had a huge advantage but with empty stadiums a lot of that advantage is negated and Wasps, more than most teams are struggling as their dismal home record shows. Clermont will look to add more misery for Wasps and have the advantage in both the forwards and the backs,. They also have the former French international halfback pairing of Camille Lopez and Morgan Parra and their experience will carry Clermont to victory. There bookies have been generous to Wasps as I predict the French team to win by at least 9 points.
- Probable Starting XVs
Wasps
15 Matteo Minozzi, 14 Zach Kibirige, 13 Malakai Fekitoa, 12 Michael Le Bourgeois, 11 Josh Bassett, 10 Jimmy Gopperth, 9 Dan Robson, 8 Alfie Barbeary, 7 Thomas Young, 6 Brad Shields, 5 Will Rowlands, 4 Joe Launchbury (c), 3 Kieran Brookes, 2 Tommy Taylor, 1 Ben Harris
Clermont
15. Matsushima, 14.Penaud, 13.Moala, 12.Fofana, 11.Raka, 10.Lopez, 9.Parra, 8.Lee, 7.Fischer, 6. Cancoriet, 5.Vahaamahina, 4. Jedrasiak, 3.Slimani, 2.Fourcade, 1.Ravai
Odds for this bet
Clermont will be too strong for Wasps and will stroll to victory. Odds on a Clermont win:
Sunbet 1.50
Playabets 1.47
Worldsportsbetting 1.50
Odds comparison on a Clermont victory by more than 5 points
The complete odds on the Clermont handicap victory are as follows:
Sunbet (-4.5) 1.87
Playabets (-4.5)1.80
Worldsportsbetting (-4.5) 1.90
Predictions and Odds in details
There is nothing that French team’s love more than to scrum and Clermont have a world class front row so the Wasps pack can expect a tough day at the office. The Clermont midfield combination has speed and power with both George Moala and Wesley Fofana proven world class players. Their backline is electric and I can’t see anything other than a Clermont victory. The best odds on a Clermont victory are 1.50 but I think the handicap betting on Clermont is great and these are the best odds on the handicap:
Sunbet (-4.5) 1.87, Playabets (-4.5)1.80, Supabets (-5.5) 1.90, Worldsportsbetting (-4.5) 1.90
Sports crazy fan that follows all major sport but the game with the oval ball is my real passion. Was an age level rugby coach and a huge supporter of the Springboks and diehard Liverpool man. I’m an experienced punter and sports writer whose predictions/tips are sure to stir up the emotions. I love the occasional wager on the underdog.
