Sale vs Toulouse
The Sale Sharks welcome French giants Toulouse to the AJ Bell Stadium for this match in the Champions Cup. The home team will be looking to avenge their 45-19 hammering in the reverse fixture. The scoreline did not truly reflect the match as the English side has ample possession but failed to take their chances while Toulouse were brilliant in turning their chances into points led by their superstar Captain Anton Dupont. The home side will be disappointed not to have two of their best players in Dan Du Preez and Tom Curry who are injured although there is a return for England international Raffi Quirke albeit via the bench.
TIP: Toulouse have a perfect record of two wins from two and only need another victory to assure their passage into the knockout stage while Sale know another loss in this match will almost certainly see them eliminated as their final match is away to Irish giants Ulster. The Sale Sharks will be confident in this match as they have only lost once in their last 12 home matches. The bookies have Toulouse as favourites and I am also tipping them for the win. The best odds on this bet are as follows: Worldsportsbetting 1.53, Playabets 1.55 and Sunbet 1.54
HEAD TO HEAD STATS
Sale vs Toulouse
- Toulouse have won four of the last five matches against Sale Sharks.
- There has been one draw between the sides in five meetings.
Latest results for both teams
Sale Sharks beat Harlequins 24-16 in their last match while Toulouse lost 30-7 to La Rochelle in their last match.
PREDICTION
Sale have shown in the English Premiership this season that they have one of the strongest forward packs in Europe but they will be facing their biggest test against a Toulouse pack that is laden with international quality. Toulouse were soundly beaten in their last match in the Top 14 but they welcome back Dupont and it showed once again they really struggle if he is not available. The Sharks will look to the likes of Jean-Luc du Preez and Akker van der Merwe to get them over the advantage line with their powerful carries. The other Du Preez brother, Robert will want to launch the powerful Manu Tuilagi into the Toulouse midfield to burst open some gaps. The experience of the French team will see them to a close win by 6 points.
Probable Starting XVs
Sale Sharks
15 Joe Carpenter, 14 Tom O’Flaherty, 13 Sam James, 12 Manu Tuilagi, 11 Arron Reed, 10 Rob du Preez, 9 Gus Warr, 8 Jean-Luc du Preez, 7 Ben Curry (c), 6 Jono Ross, 5 Jonny Hill, 4 Cobus Wiese, 3 Nick Schonert, 2 Akker van der Merwe, 1 Simon McIntyre
Toulouse
15 Melvyn Jaminet, 14 Juan Cruz Mallía, 13 Pierre-Louis Barassi, 12 Sofiane Guitoune, 11 Matthis Lebel, 10 Romain Ntamack, 9 Antoine Dupont (c), 8 Alexandre Roumat, 7 Alban Placines, 6 Anthony Jelonch, 5 Emmanuel Meafou, 4 Richie Arnold, 3 Dorian Aldegheri, 2 Julien Marchand, 1 Cyril Baille
Odds for this bet
The best odds on the Toulouse victory are as follows:
Worldsportsbetting 1.53
Playabets 1.55
Sunbet 1.54
Odds comparison on the Toulouse handicap:
The complete odds on the Toulouse handicap:
Worldsportsbetting (-4.5) 1.90
Sunbet (-4.5) 1.89
Playabets (-4.5) 1.84
Predictions and Odds in details
There are poor returns of the Bulls outright victory therefore we suggest the home side on the handicap. The best odds on this bet are as follows: Worldsportsbetting (-4.5) 1.9, Sunbet (-4.5) 1.89 and Playabets (-4.5) 1.84
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.