Exeter vs Montpellier
This match would have been one of the prime matches in the first round of the Cup but the French team have send a largely second string team to Sandy Park. Only the French will know why they won’t send a full strength team to kick the tournament off. The hosts know anything other than a bonus point victory will be regarded as a failure. They have a full strength team and should be looking for a comfortable victory. The Chiefs have stars all through their line up and although this season they have not been at their best, they will want to put on a show for their fans.
TIP: The Chiefs as always won’t deviate from their plan of dominating up front and using their forwards in multiple phase play. The one aspect of their game that is lacking this season has been their rolling maul. They have struggled to get it to fire and they will be hoping that this is the match that it gets to work. The bookies have Exeter as heavy favourites and I’m also tipping them for the victory. The best odds on this bet are as follows: Worldsportsbetting 1.04, Playabets 1.03 and Sunbet 1.02
HEAD TO HEAD STATS
Exeter vs Montpellier
- In the previous four matches between these sides both teams have two wins.
- Chiefs won the last match 41-10 at Sandy Park in 2018.
- Latest results for both teams
Chiefs beat Saracens 18-15 in their last match while Montpellier beat USA Perpignan 30-6 in their last match.
- PREDICTION
The Chiefs team will be looking to assert their forward dominance early on so that can lay the platform for their potent backline. They have stars like Stuart Hogg and Jack Nowell waiting to pounce if they are given any space. The most dangerous player in the Chiefs line up is number eight Sam Simmonds and although he is not scoring tries like last season, he remains their biggest threat as he has great pace and loads of power. The Montpellier team love the forward battle but I feel in this match they are not going to stand a chance against this Chiefs team. The home team to win by 19 points.
- Probable Starting XVs
Exeter
15 Stuart Hogg, 14 Jack Nowell, 13 Henry Slade, 12 Ian Whitten, 11 Tom O’Flaherty, 10 Joe Simmonds, 9 Jack Maunder, 8 Sam Simmonds, 7 Sam Skinner, 6 Dave Ewers, 5 Jonny Hill, 4 Jonny Gray, 3 Josh Iosefa-Scott, 2 Luke Cowan-Dickie (c), 1 Alec Hepburn
Montpellier
15 Julien Tisseron, 14 Josua Vici, 13 Yvan Reilhac, 12 Thomas Darmon, 11 Gabriel N’gandebe, 10 Louis Foursans, 9 Gela Aprasidze, 8 Kelian Galletier (c), 7 Jeremie Maurouard, 6 Nico Janse van Rensburg, 5 Bastien Chalureau, 4 Mickael Capelli, 3 Henry Thomas, 2 Brandon Paenga-Amosa, 1 Enzo Forletta
- Odds for this bet
The best odds on the Exeter victory are as follows:
Worldsportsbetting 1.04
Playabets 1.03
Sunbet 1.02
- Odds comparison on the Montpellier handicap :
The complete odds on the Montpellier handicap:
Worldsportsbetting (+23.5) 1.90
Sunbet (+22.5) 1.88
Playabets (+23.5) 1.87
- Predictions and Odds in details
This match will be decided in the forwards and the Exeter pack is certainly stronger in all areas. The Montpellier team are very inexperienced and most of the players have not played in the Champions Cup before. The home team will be looking for tries and will want to secure the bonus point early in the match. There is no money on backing Exeter on the outright win therefore I suggest the away team on the generous handicap. The best odds on this bet are as follows: Worldsportsbetting (+23.5) 1.90, Sunbet (+22.5) 1.88 and Playabets (+23.5) 1.87
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.
