Toulon vs London Irish
This will be a David vs Goliath battle in this Challenge Cup quarter final match. Toulon are multiple time European champions while Irish are yet to win a major trophy. Toulon were brilliant in their last match as they beat Bordeaux away from home in the French Top 14 while Irish had an amazing 42-42 draw with Wasps in their last match. They trailed by 26 points at one stage in the match before storming back to snatch a draw. London Irish will need their pack to front up to the big forwards of Toulon for them to have any chance of causing an upset.
TIP: The French giants rely on their pack to dominate teams but they also have a very strong backline led by flyhalf Louis Carbonel. London Irish will need to put on their best defensive effort to remain competitive in this match. Toulon after many barren years in Europe will have a great chance to win some silverware.The bookies have Toulon as favourites and I also tip them for the win. The best odds on this bet are as follows: Worldsportsbetting 1.25, Playabets 1.23 and Sunbet 1.27
HEAD TO HEAD STATS
Toulon vs London Irish
- Toulon have won all four previous meeting between these teams.
Latest results for both teams
Toulon beat Bordeaux 29-16 in their last match while London Irish drew 42-42 with Wasps in their last match.
PREDICTION
The Irish team has many international players in their ranks like Agustin Creevy,Rob Simmons and Adam Coleman. These players will all need to have storming games if they are to get close to the French giants. The player leading the pack for Toulon is Eben Etzebeth. The Springbok has been in sublime form after a long injury layoff and will want to stamp his authority early in the match. He is joined by French international and captain Charles Ollivon, so Irish will need to find a way to stop them. I am predicting a Toulon win by more than 15 points.
- Probable Starting XVs
Toulon
15 Aymeric Luc, 14 Gervais Cordin, 13 Atila Septar, 12 Duncan Paia’aua, 11 Gabin Villière, 10 Louis Carbonel, 9 Baptiste Serin, 8 Facundo Isa, 7 Charles Ollivon (c), 6 Cornell Du Preez, 5 Swan Rebbadj, 4 Eben Etzebeth,3 Kieran Brookes, 2 Anthony Etrillard, 1 Jean Baptiste Gros
London Irish
15 Tom Parton, 14 Kyle Rowe, 13 Curtis Rona, 12 Bernhard Janse van Rensburg, 11 Ollie Hassell-Collins, 10 Paddy Jackson, 9 Ben White, 8 Albert Tuisue, 7 Juan Martin Gonzalez, 6 Matt Rogerson (c), 5 Rob Simmons, 4 Adam Coleman, 3 Marcel Van Der Merwe, 2 Agustin Creevy, 1 Facundo Gigena
Odds for this bet
The best odds on the Toulon victory are as follows:
Worldsportsbetting 1.25
Playabets 1.23
Sunbet 1.27
Odds comparison on the Toulon handicap :
The complete odds on the Toulon handicap:
Worldsportsbetting (-10.5) 1.91
Sunbet (-10.5) 1.89
Playabets (-10.5) 1.81
Predictions and Odds in details
Toulon will want to use their driving maul to subdue the London Irish pack and if the visitors cannot find a way to defend the maul this match could be over as a contest very early on. The player that can help the visitors attack the Toulon defence is Curtis Rona. The Aussie is the lynchpin of the Irish attacking game. There are poor odds on the Toulon win therefore we suggest the home team on the handicap for better returns. The best odds on this bet are as follows: Worldsportsbetting (-10.5) 1.91, Sunbet (-10.5) 1.89 and Playabets (-10.5) 1.81
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.
