Sale Sharks vs La Rochelle
The Sale Sharks play host to La Rochelle in this crucial Group 4 match in the Champions Cup. This encounter is a straight knockout match with the winner progressing through to the round of 16. The two-time defending champions La Rochelle had a disastrous start to their title defence, losing their opening two matches but bounced back with a bonus point win over the Leicester Tigers. Sale started with a comprehensive win over basement dwellers Stade Francais before losing to Leinster and the Stormers. They need nothing short of a win while the visitors will progress with even a draw.
TIP: The home team have been boosted by the return from injury of their playmaker George Ford. The number ten was sorely missed as his team slumped to three consecutive defeats in his absence. La Rochelle are also at full strength for this match as their title defence is on the line. Both teams rely on their physicality to win matches but Sale will struggle to contain the French giants. The bookies have the La Rochelle as favorites and I’m also tipping them for the win. The best odds on this bet are as follows: Betway 1.40, Gbets 1.41 and Hollywoodbets 1.42
HEAD-TO-HEAD STATS
Sale Sharks vs La Rochelle
- Three of the previous four matches between the teams have been won by La Rochelle.
- All four matches have been won by the home team.
Latest results for both teams
The Sale Sharks lost 21-14 to the Stormers in their last match while La Rochelle beat Leicester 45-12 in their last match.
PREDICTION
La Rochelle have shown that they are not afraid to play matches away from home as they famously beat Leinster in their own backyard to lift the title last season. They have looked a different side after the return of their inspirational Captain Gregory Alldritt. He has looked at his best and Sale will need to stop him before he gets on the front foot. The home team will be looking to Ford to direct them around the park and to control the game with his educated boot. Sale need to be accurate with their kicking as the visitors have a deadly back three that love to counter attack. I am predicting an away win by more than 10 points.
Probable Starting XVs
Sale Sharks
15 Sam James, 14 Tom Roebuck, 13 Rob du Preez, 12 Sam Bedlow, 11 Arron Reed, 10 George Ford, 9 Gus Warr, 8 Josh Beaumont, 7 Ben Curry (c), 6 Sam Dugdale, 5 Jonny Hill, 4 Ben Bamber, 3 Nick Schonert, 2 Luke Cowan-Dickie, 1 Tumy Onasanya
La Rochelle
15 Brice Dulin, 14 Teddy Thomas, 13 UJ Seuteni, 12 Yoan Tanga, 11 Dillyn Leyds, 10 Antoine Hastoy, 9 Tawera Kerr-Barlow, 8 Gregory Alldritt (c), 7 Levani Botia, 6 Paul Boudehent, 5 Will Skelton, 4 Ultan Dillane, 3 Uini Atonio, 2 Quentin Lespiaucq, 1 Reda Wardi
Odds for this bet
The best odds on the La Rochelle victory are as follows:
Betway 1.40
Gbets 1.41
Hollywoodbets 1.42
Odds comparison on the La Rochelle handicap:
The complete odds on the La Rochelle handicap:
Betway 1.90 (-6.5)
Gbets 1.87 (-6.5)
Hollywoodbets 1.89 (-6.5)
Predictions and Odds in details
There are poor odds on the La Rochelle outright win therefore we suggest backing the away team on the handicap for better odds. The best odds on this bet are as follows: Betway 1.90 (-6.5), Gbets 1.87 (-6.5) and Hollywoodbets 1.89 (-6.5)
Other tips for the weekend (Predicted winners are in BOLD text)
Leicester vs Leinster
Racing 92 vs Cardiff
Munster vs Northampton
Saracens vs Lyon
Oyannax vs Cheetahs
Dragons vs Sharks
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.
