The Champions Cup is in its final stages, and the semi-finals take place this weekend. The top four teams in Europe battle it out as both Saracens and Toulouse take on the Irish giants.
With so much at stake for all teams, and with Toulouse and Munster looking to win their first titles in this decade, rugby fans should be in for an absolute treat.
Our rugby union expert talks you through the best bets from the European Champions Cup.
Saracens v Munster
Saracens take on Munster at the Ricoh Arena on Saturday afternoon, and it is sure to be a titanic battle. Munster toiled and ground out their way to an impressive win against Edinburgh in the quarter finals, whilst Saracens demolished Glasgow. Sarries look real good value as they chase another domestic and continental double, and are comfortable favourites at 3/10.
Munster, who are so good at their Thomond Park home, will probably struggle against Saracens’ all-star line-up, even with Lions star Peter O’Mahoney marshalling the pack.
Munster are 9/4 to claim the win, but I think a safer bet is Munster with the handicap (+8.5), which is available at 4/5 with Grosvenorsport.com. I think Saracens will win, but it will be much closer than they like.
Leinster v Toulouse
Two of the most historic teams in European rugby face off in this cracker of a European semi. Both teams sit atop the standings of most European Champions Cup wins with four apiece, but Toulouse have spent a while in the wilderness until this current crop of players. Leinster on the other hand are used to success in recent years, and many of their squad has achieved great things at both international and Lions level.
Toulouse’s exciting, young core thrilled the neutral during the 6 Nations, with Antoine Dupont, Romain Ntamack and Thomas Ramos all standing out during a tough campaign, and at club level they are joined by overseas stars including Jerome Kaino, Charlie Faumuina and the electric Cheslin Kolbe.
Whilst Leinster have an exceptional game plan that is executed at the highest level, Toulouse play thrilling, off the cuff rugby that is impossible to defend and incredible to witness. It should be a fascinating fixture between two worthy semi-finalists. Leinster are favourites, arguably rightly so, and can be backed at 2/5, but Toulouse are 7/4 to carry on their fairytale campaign, and I think that is a very real possibility.
Leave a Reply
You must be logged in to post a comment.