La Rochelle vs Leinster
In a repeat of last season’s final, La Rochelle and Leinster meet in this opening round fixture. There are two major differences from the final, this match is in France on the champions home patch and the visitors don’t have Johnny Sexton who has retired. La Rochelle have not been in the best of form in the Top 14 but all that will go out the window when the Irish giants come to town. The home side have the vast majority of the champion winning side of last season although Gregory Alldritt is not available for this match.
TIP: It was always going to be a major struggle trying to replace the legend Sexton but Ireland and Leinster would have been delighted with the form shown by Ross Byrne. He however suffered an injury and it’s his brother Harry who will don the ten jersey. La Rochelle have won all three previous encounters against Leinster by using their power game to bash them into submission. It is highly unlikely that they will change from that game plan. The bookies have Leinster as favorites but I’m tipping La Rochelle for the win. The best odds on this bet are as follows: Betway 2.15, Gbets 2.15 and Hollywoodbets 2.15
HEAD-TO-HEAD STATS
La Rochelle vs Leinster
- La Rochelle have won the three previous matches against Leinster.
- All three victories were by less than ten points.
Latest results for both teams
La Rochelle beat Perpignan 35-6 in their last match while Leinster beat Connacht 24-22 in their last match.
PREDICTION
Young Harry Byrne will be a man with a target on his back as the home team will no doubt attack the inexperienced flyhalf at every opportunity. La Rochelle will be looking to their big men like Will Skelton and Levani Botia to dent the Leinster defence as this match should be tight like a test match. Two of the best fullbacks in the competition, Brice Dulin and Hugo Keenan will go head-to-head in what promises to be one of the highlights. The visitors will be severely tested in the scrum with the likes of Uini Atonio and Reda Wardi in the hosts front row. I am predicting a La Rochelle win by 8 points.
Probable Starting XVs
La Rochelle
15 Brice Dulin, 14 Dillyn Leyds, 13 Ulupano Seuteni, 12 Jonathan Danty, 11 Jules Favre, 10 Antoine Hastoy, 9 Tawerra Kerr-Barlow, 8 Yoan Tanga, 7 Levani Botia, 6 Paul Boudehent, 5 Will Skelton, 4 Thomas Lavault, 3 Uini Atonio, 2 Pierre Bourgarit (c), 1 Reda Wardi
Leinster
15 Hugo Keenan, 14 Jordan Larmour, 13 Garry Ringrose (cc), 12 Robbie Henshaw, 11 Jimmy O’Brien, 10 Harry Byrne, 9 Jamison Gibson-Park, 8 Caelan Doris, 7 Will Connors, 6 Ryan Baird, 5 James Ryan (cc), 4 Joe McCarthy, 3 Michael Ala’alatoa, 2 Dan Sheehan, 1 Andrew Porter
Odds for this bet
The best odds on the La Rochelle victory are as follows:
Betway 2.15
Gbets 2.15
Hollywoodbets 2.15
Odds comparison on the La Rochelle handicap:
The complete odds on the La Rochelle handicap:
Betway 1.90 (+2.5)
Gbets 1.87 (+2.5)
Hollywoodbets 1.89 (+2.5)
Predictions and Odds in details
There are great odds on the La Rochell upset win but if you looking for a safety bet, then we suggest the home team on the handicap. The best odds on this bet are as follows: Betway 1.90 (+2.5), Gbets 1.87 (+2.5) and Hollywoodbets 1.89 (+2.5)
Other tips for the weekend (Predicted winners are in BOLD text)
Toulon vs Exeter Chiefs
Bath vs Ulster
Toulouse vs Cardiff
Munster vs Bayonne
Bristol vs Lyon
La Rochelle vs Leinster
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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.
