Leinster vs Toulouse
Two European powerhouses clash in this match as Leinster welcome Toulouse to the Aviva stadium. The home team have a full strength team and will need to be at their best if they are to dethrone the defending champions. The man that is most important to Leinster is Johnny Sexton and if he can stay injury free for the match then the Irish team will win. Toulouse will be tired after their quarter finals heroics against Munster where they played a period of extra time then eventually won by virtue of a kick off.
TIP: Both teams are stacked with international players and it could easily be an Ireland vs France match bar a few players. Leinster dominated the early exchanges in their quarter final win over the Tigers but only scored three points in the second half. Toulouse on the other hand were 10 points down in the last quarter against Munster until their bench rescued them. The bookies have Leinster 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 1.26
HEAD TO HEAD STATS
Leinster vs Toulouse
- Leinster won the last match between the sides 30-12.
- Leinster have won three of the last five matches between the sides.
- The home team has won all five previous matches
Latest results for both teams
Leinster won their last match 23-14 against Leicester and Toulouse won their match against Munster in a kicking shootout after the match ended 24 all.
PREDICTION
This match will boil down to the French flair up against the structured play of the Irish side. There are several mouth-watering contests in this match but the highlight will be the battle between the two sets of halfbacks. Whichever pair can ignite their exciting backlines will go a long way to securing the win for their side. The Leinster starting XV looks stronger than Toulouse but the French side have the depth on the bench. The home team will need to build a sizable lead going into the final quarter. I am predicting a Leinster win by 12 points.
- Probable Starting XVs
Leinster
15 Hugo Keenan, 14 Jimmy O’Brien, 13 Garry Ringrose, 12 Robbie Henshaw, 11 James Lowe, 10 Johnny Sexton (c), 9 Jamison Gibson-Park, 8 Jack Conan, 7 Josh van der Flier, 6 Caelan Doris, 5 James Ryan, 4 Ross Molony, 3 Tadhg Furlong, 2 Rónan Kelleher, 1 Andrew Porter
Toulouse
15 Thomas Ramos, 14 Juan Cruz Mallía, 13 Pierre Fouyssac, 12 Pita Ahki, 11 Matthis Lebel, 10 Romain Ntamack, 9 Antoine Dupont, 8 Anthony Jelonch, 7 Francois Cros, 6 Rynhardt Elstadt, 5 Emmanuel Meafou, 4 Rory Arnold, 3 Dorian Aldegheri, 2 Julien Marchand (c), 1 Cyril Baille
Odds for this bet
The best odds on the Leinster victory are as follows:
Worldsportsbetting 1.25
Playabets 1.23
Sunbet 1.26
Odds comparison on the Leinster handicap :
The complete odds on the Leinster handicap:
Worldsportsbetting (-9.5) 1.91
Sunbet (-9.5) 1.89
Playabets (-9.5) 1.81
Predictions and Odds in details
Both teams have excellent forwards pack but the real battle will be at scrum time as an all Irish international front row of Tadhg Furlong, Rónan Kelleher and Andrew Porter will be up against an all French international front row off Dorian Aldegheri, Julien Marchand and Cyril Baille. This match has a test match feel to it therefore the home support will carry Leinster to victory. There are poor odds on the Leinster win therefore we suggest the home team on the handicap for better returns. The best odds on this bet are as follows: Worldsportsbetting (-9.5) 1.91, Sunbet (-9.5) 1.89 and Playabets (-9.5) 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.
