Toulouse vs La Rochelle
Defending champions Toulouse play host to La Rochelle in the first of the Top 14 semi-finals. It is of course a rematch of last years final when the home team pipped the then European Champions. The roles are reversed for this match as Toulouse are the European Champions and are chasing the historic double. La Rochelle will no doubt have revenge on their mind and showed that they can win on the road when they beat Toulon in the quarter finals. The home side have arguably the best player in the world in Anton Dupont. The code-switching superstar will be the difference between the teams come the end of eighty minutes.
TIP: There are a number of mouthwatering head-to-head battles but it is hard to look past the nines as Dupont and Tawera Kerr-Barlow go against each other. Both players are key to their team in attack and defence. The experience of winning multiple domestic titles will certainly favour Toulouse but the desperation of La Rochelle to win their maiden Top 14 crown will make sure this match goes down to the wire. The bookies have Toulouse as favorites and I am also backing them for the win. The best odds on this bet are as follows: Tictacbets 1.35, Wanejo 1.35 and Bettabets 1.35
HEAD-TO-HEAD STATS
Toulouse vs La Rochelle
- The last five matches between the sides has seen one draw and two wins apiece.
- The home side is unbeaten in the last seven matches between the sides.
Latest results for both teams
Toulouse lost 40-28 to Lyon in their last match while La Rochelle beat Toulon 34-29 in their last match.
PREDICTION
Both teams love to run the ball so defence will be key in this match. In the Champions Cup final, Dupont put in one of the best defensive efforts ever seen by a backline player and he will be key again. The Toulouse pack has been dominant this season but will face their sternest test yet. La Rochelle have attacking threats across the park with the likes of Dillyn Leyds and Teddy Thomas but the man that carries the biggest threat is Jonathan Danty. The powerhouse centre always gets over the advantage line and usually requires two defenders to bring him to ground. The power of the Toulouse forwards will carry them to an 8-point victory.
Probable Starting XVs
Toulouse
15 Blair Kinghorn, 14 Juan Cruz Mallia, 13 Paul Costes, 12 Pita Ahki, 11 Matthis Lebel, 10 Romain Ntamack, 9 Antoine Dupont (captain), 8 Alexandre Roumat, 7 Jack Willis, 6 François Cros, 5 Emmanuel Meafou, 4 Thibaud Flament, 3 Dorian Aldegheri, 2 Peato Mauvaka, 1 Cyril Baille
La Rochelle
15 Dillyn Leyds, 14 Jack Nowell, 13 UJ Seuteni, 12 Jonathan Danty, 11 Teddy Thomas, 10 Antoine Hastoy, 9 Tawera Kerr-Barlow, 8 Grégory Alldritt (captain), 7 Levani Botia, 6 Judicael Cancoriet, 5 Will Skelton, 4 Ultan Dillane, 3 Uini Atonio, 2 Tolu Latu, 1 Louis Penverne
Odds for this bet
The best odds on the Toulouse victory are as follows:
Tictacbets 1.35
Wanejo 1.35
Bettabets 1.35
Odds comparison on the Toulouse handicap:
The complete odds on the Toulouse handicap:
Tictacbets 1.90 (-6.5)
Wanejo 1.87 (-6.5)
Bettabets 1.89 (-6.5)
Predictions and Odds in details
There are poor odds on the Toulouse outright win therefore we suggest the home team on the handicap for better odds. The best odds on this bet are as follows: Tictacbets 1.90(-6.5),Wanejo 1.87 (-6.5) and Bettabets 1.89 (-6.5)
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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.
