Lyon vs Toulon
Two star studded teams meet in the final of the Challenge Cup as Lyon take on Toulon in Marseille. Lyon overcame Wasps in the semi-final while Toulon were excellent when they beat Saracens to make the final. Lyon will welcome back Jordan Taufua for this match and no doubt the All Black will add power to the Lyon pack. Toulon also welcomes an international star in Cheslin Kolbe who returns after breaking a finger. The match will decided between the forwards and both teams seem very evenly matches therefore the match could be very tight.
TIP: The Toulon team should have the advantage as they are multiple European winners although very few if any of those players still remain in the team. They will also be bolstered by having two current world champions in Kolbe and his Springbok team mate Eben Etzebeth. The giant lock will be keen to walk away with silverware as this will be one of his final matches for Toulon as he leaves at the end of the season. The bookies have Toulon as favourites and I am also tipping them for the win. The best odds on this bet are as follows: Worldsportsbetting 1.40, Playabets 1.38 and Sunbet 1.41
HEAD TO HEAD STATS
Lyon Vs Toulon
- Toulon have won the three of the last four matches against Lyon.
- Lyon last beat Toulon away from home was in 2019.
Latest results for both teams
Lyon lost 42-10 in their last match against Bordeaux while Toulon won 37-20 against Pau in their last match.
PREDICTION
This match will see many great head to head contests but one of the standout match ups is between scrumhalves Baptiste Serin and Baptiste Couilloud. Both players are key to their team’s chances but Serin has the more experienced Louis Carbonel as his halfback partner and this attacking axis could sway the match Toulon’s way. Lyon may have the advantage at scrum time but Toulon certainly have the advantage in the backline with two world class wingers in Gabin Villière and Kolbe. They are both super-fast and strong and if they are given any space they will be the match winners. I am predicting a Toulon win by 12 points.
- Probable Starting XVs
Lyon
15 Toby Arnold, 14 Josua Tuisova, 13 Pierre-Louis Barassi, 12 Charlie Ngatai, 11 Davit Niniashvili, 10 Leo Berdeu, 9 Baptiste Couilloud, 8 Jordan Taufua (captain), 7 Patrick Sobela, 6 Dylan Cretin, 5 Romain Taofifenua, 4 Joel Kpoku, 3 Demba Bamba, 2 Guillaume Marchand, 1 Sébastien Taofifenua.
Toulon
15 Aymeric Luc, 14 Cheslin Kolbe, 13 Julien Heriteau, 12 Duncan Paia’aua, 11 Gabin Villière, 10 Louis Carbonel, 9 Baptiste Serin, 8 Sergio Parisse, 7 Charles Ollivon (captain), 6 Cornell Du Preez, 5 Brian Alainu’uese, 4 Eben Etzebeth, 3 Beka Gigashvili, 2 Christopher Tolofua, 1 Jean Baptiste Gros.
Odds for this bet
The best odds on the Toulon victory are as follows:
Worldsportsbetting 1.40
Playabets 1.38
Sunbet 1.41
Odds comparison on the Toulon handicap :
The complete odds on the Toulon handicap:
Worldsportsbetting (-6.5) 1.91
Sunbet (-6.5) 1.89
Playabets (-6.5) 1.81
Predictions and Odds in details
In the semi-final Eben Etzebeth was at his colossal best and he will need to repeat that performance when he comes up against Romain Taofifenua. These two players are the enforcers of their teams and the one that comes out on top will go a long way to deciding which team wins the match. There are poor odds on the Toulon win but if you are looking for better odds I suggest taking Toulon on the handicap. The best odds on this bet are as follows: Worldsportsbetting (-6.5) 1.91, Sunbet (-6.5) 1.89 and Playabets (-6.5) 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.