Racing 92 vs La Rochelle
There will be a French team in the Champions Cup final yet again when Racing 92 take on La Rochelle. The winner gets to face Irish powerhouse Leinster in the final. La Rochelle will be looking to go one better after losing in the final last season. They will want to give Captain Victor Vito the perfect farewell as he retires at the end of the season. Racing 92 will definitely not be in a sentimental mood as they chase their first Champions Cup. Both teams are stacked with international class and it should be a titanic battle for 80 minutes.
TIP: Both teams have match winners across the park but Racing will have the edge in the backline mainly because of them having the mercurial Finn Russell at flyhalf. He can be a match winner on his own but has shown that he is only human when put under pressure. La Rochelle will target him and see if he cracks under the special attention they will give to him. The bookies have Racing 92 as favourites but I tip La Rochelle for the upset win. The best odds on this bet are as follows: Worldsportsbetting 2.20, Playabets 2.10 and Sunbet 2.20
HEAD TO HEAD STATS
Racing 92 vs La Rochelle
- La Rochelle have won three of the last five matches between the sides.
- The home team has won the last five matches between the sides
- La Rochelle won the last match 19-0.
Latest results for both teams
Racing 92 beat the Sale Sharks 41-22 in their last match while La Rochelle beat Montpellier 31-19 in their last match.
PREDICTION
In these big European games the forward battle is most important and La Rochelle seem to have the edge in this department. The likes of Grégory Alldritt and Victor Vito will again need to lead the way if La Rochelle are going to win this match. Racing will look to their superstar backline players like Teddy Thomas, Virimi Vakatawa and Gael Fickou to create the same magic that they produced in the quarter final against the Sale Sharks. La Rochelle also have their dangerous players like Jonathan Danty and Raymond Rhule who are explosive if given any space. I am predicting a La Rochelle win by 8 points.
- Probable Starting XVs
Racing 92
15 Max Spring, 14 Teddy Thomas, 13 Virimi Vakatawa, 12 Gael Fickou (c), 11 Juan Imhoff, 10 Finn Russell, 9 Nolann Le Garrec, 8 Yoan Tanga, 7 Ibrahim Diallo, 6 Wenceslas Lauret, 5 Anton Bresler, 4 Bernard Le Roux, 3 Trevor Nyakane, 2 Teddy Baubigny, 1 Guram Gogichashvili
La Rochelle
15 Dillyn Leyds, 14 Jules Favre, 13 Jérémy Sinzelle, 12 Jonathan Danty, 11 Raymond Rhule, 10 Ihaia West, 9 Tawera Kerr-Barlow, 8 Grégory Alldritt (c), 7 Victor Vito, 6 Wiaan Liebenberg, 5 Rémi Picquette, 4 Thomas Lavault, 3 Uini Atonio, 2 Pierre Bourgarit, 1 Dany Priso
La Rochelle
Odds for this bet
The best odds on the La Rochelle victory are as follows:
Worldsportsbetting 2.20
Playabets 2.10
Sunbet 2.20
Odds comparison on the La Rochelle handicap :
The complete odds on the La Rochelle handicap:
Worldsportsbetting (+2.5) 1.91
Sunbet (+2.5) 1.89
Playabets (+2.5) 1.81
Predictions and Odds in details
The scrum battle will go a long way to deciding which team will win this match and La Rochelle certainly have the edge in this department. Both these teams are renowned for throwing the ball around the park but it will be interesting if they stick to this style in such an important match. There are great odds on the La Rochelle upset win but if you are looking for a safety bet then I suggest taking them on the handicap. The best odds on this bet are as follows: Worldsportsbetting (+2.5) 1.91, Sunbet (+2.5) 1.89 and Playabets (+2.5) 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.
