Toulouse vs Harlequins
In the second of the Champions Cup semi-finals, Toulouse take on Harlequins at the Stade Ernest-Wallon. The home side are record six time champions while the visitors are playing in their debut semi-final. Harlequins pulled off the biggest of upsets in the last round when they beat the red hot Bordeaux Begles in their own backyard. They will need a similar if not better performance if they are to topple Toulouse on their home ground. In that match, Harlequins threw caution to the wind and attacked from the onset but that will not be possible against a well oiled defence.
TIP: When these teams met in the group stage at the Stoop, Toulouse ran away with the win as Harlequins tried to run the ball from anywhere on the field. The problem with that approach is if you turn the ball over, then Toulouse will make you pay as they are the best counter attacking team in the competition. The likes of Anton Dupont and Blair Kinghorn are deadly with turnover ball. The bookies have the Toulouse as favorites and I’m also tipping them for the win. The best odds on this bet are as follows: Tictacbets 1.09, SoccerShop 1.09 and Bettabets 1.10
HEAD-TO-HEAD STATS
Toulouse vs Harlequins
- Toulouse have won four of the five previous matches against Harlequins.
- The only time Harlequins won this fixture was in 2011.
Latest results for both teams
Toulouse beat Racing 32-12 in their last match while Harlequins beat the Saints 41-32 in their last match.
PREDICTION
There are mouthwatering personnel match ups across the two teams but Danny Care against Dupont is shaping to be one of the highlights of the match. If Care can get quick ball to Marcus Smith then he can launch their dangerous backline but Toulouse are masters of slowing the ball down in the ruck. One player that will have a massive task is Will Evans as he need to stop the quick ball to Dupont. If the talisman is slowed down then the Quins defence can be quick of the line and break down any attacks at the source. The home side have too much firepower therefore I predict a Toulouse win by 20 points.
Probable Starting XVs
Toulouse
15 Blair Kinghorn, 14 Juan Cruz Mallia, 13 Paul Costes, 12 Pita Ahki, 11 Matthis Lebel, 10 Romain Ntamack, 9 Antoine Dupont (c), 8 Alexandre Roumat, 7 Jack Willis, 6 Francois Cros, 5 Thibaud Flament, 4 Emmanuel Meafou, 3 Dorian Aldegheri, 2 Peato Mauvaka, 1 Cyril Baille
Harlequins
15 Tyrone Green, 14 Louis Lynagh, 13 Luke Northmore, 12 Andre Esterhuizen, 11 Cadan Murley, 10 Marcus Smith, 9 Danny Care, 8 Alex Dombrandt, 7 Will Evans, 6 Chandler Cunningham-South, 5 Stephan Lewies (c), 4 Irne Herbst, 3 Will Collier, 2 Jack Walker, 1 Fin Baxter
Odds for this bet
The best odds on the Toulouse victory are as follows:
Tictacbets 1.09
SoccerShop 1.09
Bettabets 1.10
Odds comparison on the Toulouse handicap:
The complete odds on the Toulouse handicap:
Tictacbets 1.90 (-18.5)
SoccerShop 1.90 (-18.5)
Bettabets 1.90 (-18.5)
Predictions and Odds in details
There are poor odds on the Toulouse outright win therefore we suggest backing the home team on the handicap for better odds. The best odds on this bet are as follows: Tictacbets 1.90 (-18.5), SoccerShop 1.90 (-18.5) and Bettabets 1.90 (-18.5)
Other tips for the weekend (Predicted winners are in BOLD text)
Scarlets vs Sharks
Bath vs Saracens
Harlequins vs Northampton
Leicester vs Bristol Bears
Zebre vs Glasgow
Dragons vs Connacht
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.
