Leinster vs La Rochelle
It’s the clash of European heavyweights as Leinster play host to La Rochelle in the Champions Cup final. The Irish side have the obvious advantage of the match being staged at their home ground but they will take nothing for granted as they were dumped out of the last two Champions Cups by the same opposition. The defending champions will take confidence from the previous wins against Leinster but this will be the first time they are playing them in Ireland. Leinster will be smarting after they were shocked by Munster in the URC semi-final albeit them fielding a weakened team.
TIP: La Rochelle can expect an opening assault of mammoth proportions as Leinster will be fired up in front of their home fans. The home team are packed with Irish internationals and it is no surprise that they also look for fast starts that have become a hallmark of the Irish national team. La Rochelle have arguably the strongest forward pack in Europe so they will look to the likes of Will Skelton and Levani Botia to assert their physical presence early on. The bookies have Leinster as favourites and I’m also tipping them for the win. The best odds on this bet are as follows: Betway 1.30, Gbets 1.31 and Hollywoodbets 1.30
HEAD TO HEAD STATS
Leinster vs La Rochelle
- La Rochelle have won both the previous matches against Leinster.
- Leinster are playing La Rochelle at home for the first time.
Latest results for both teams
Leinster lost 16-15 to Munster in their last match while La Rochelle were beaten 42-31 by Montpellier in their last match.
PREDICTION
The Leinster team are still missing their Captain Johnny Sexton but Ross Byrne has been doing a sterling job in the great man’s absence. La Rochelle seem to be back to full strength for this match as have showed that they are no longer a one trick pony that runs the ball from anywhere on the field. They now gain dominance with their forwards before unleashing their backs to devastating effect. Leinster will want to build a lead as protecting a lead is when they are at their best. One of the highlights will be the scrum battle with both teams boasting all international front rows. The desperation of Leinster makes be predict a home win by 10 points
Probable Starting XVs
Leinster
15 Hugo Keenan, 14 James Lowe, 13 Garry Ringrose, 12 Robbie Henshaw, 11 Jimmy O’Brien, 10 Ross Byrne, 9 Jamison Gibson-Park, 8 Jack Conan, 7 Josh van der Flier, 6 Caelan Doris, 5 James Ryan (captain), 4 Ross Molony, 3 Tadhg Furlong, 2 Dan Sheehan, 1 Andrew Porter.
La Rochelle
15 Brice Dulin, 14 Dillyn Leyds, 13 UJ Seuteni, 12 Jonathan Danty , 11 Raymond Rhule, 10 Antoine Hastoy, 9 Tawera Kerr-Barlow, 8 Grégory Alldritt (captain), 7 Levani Botia, 6 Ultan Dillane, 5 Will Skelton, 4 Romain Sazy, 3 Uini Atonio, 2 Pierre Bourgarit, 1 Reda Wardi.
Odds for this bet
The best odds on the Blues victory are as follows:
Betway 1.30
Gbets 1.31
Hollywoodbets 1.30
Odds comparison on the Leinster handicap:
The complete odds on the Leinster handicap:
Betway 1.90 (-9.5)
Gbets 1.87 (-9.5)
Hollywoodbets 1.89 (-9.5)
Predictions and Odds in details
There are poor returns on the Leinster outright win but if you looking for better odds then we suggest the home team on the handicap. The best odds on this bet are as follows: Betway 1.90 (-9.5), Gbets 1.87 (-9.5) and Hollywoodbets 1.89 (-9.5)
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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.
