The Champions Cup knockout round is upon on, and this weekend features four mouth-watering ties, including all-irish and all-french blockbusters.
Our rugby union expert guides you through the best bets from Europe’s premier club rugby competition.
Edinburgh v Munster
Edinburgh have a reputation for playing good rugby, and Munster have so much experience at the business end of this competition. It should be an excellent game, and who would have expected Edinburgh to get here after being in a group with French heavyweights Montpellier and Toulon?
Munster are favourites at 4/7, but Edinburgh are so effective at home. It is sure to be a close game, but home advantage could swing it in the Scottish team’s favour. Back Edinburgh at 5/4.
Saracens v Glasgow
A rematch of the pools, Sarries had the beating of Glasgow home and away. For all the improvements of the Warriors, it is hard to look past the English giants, who will have aspirations to win the Champions Cup this year.
Glasgow are outsiders at 5/1, whilst Saracens are 1/8. The handicap sits at 14.5, but Saracens have such depth that they often blow teams away in the final 20 minutes. Take Saracens on the Handicap (-14.5) at 10/11 with Grosvenorsport.com
Leinster v Ulster
This all-Ireland tie sees Ulster travel south to play Leinster at the Aviva. Ulster are in their first European quarter-final since 2013, and have plenty of talent all over the pitch. With a tough pack and all-star wing Jacob Stockdale, Leinster will have to put in a professional performance to progress to the semis.
This being said, Leinster are probably one of the best club sides in the world. They go into the game as 1/7 favourites, with Ulster rank outsiders at 9/2. Although Ulster have talented players, Leinster live for games like this on the biggest stage.
However, Ulster won’t roll over and die, so I would recommend taking them on the handicap (+13.5) at 4/5.
Racing v Toulouse
The final tie of the weekend is the Top-14 matchup between Racing and Toulouse. Both have a litany of stars, and Toulouse have some of the most exciting homegrown talent in the country throughout the spine of their team.
Toulouse are well and truly on their way back to Europe’s top table, while Racing have sat there for a while now. Racing are 1/2 to win at home, and Toulouse are 6/4 to pull off the upset.
Racing should get the win, but this game should be a treat for the neutral. Take Racing on the handicap (-4.5) at 10/11 and watch the tries come from all over the pitch.
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