Harlequins vs Montpellier
16th April 2022 – Kick Off 1230hrs
Rugby – England – European Champions Cup
Pick Quins -11 handicap
Bookmaker William Hill
Odds: Even Money odds taken 19:42 GMT on April 14th, 2022
Harlequins still need to mount a big fightback to get through their Round of 16 tie against Montpellier on Saturday.
Quins put four second-half tries on the board in France last weekend to give themselves a chance.
But there is still a tremendous amount of work for the English champions to do to turn around a 14-point deficit in the tie.
Table of Contents
Harlequins Preview – Can Quins do enough?
Harlequins have an uphill battle on their hands to keep their European hopes alive this season.
In France last weekend they found themselves 34-0 down just after halftime.
But Quins did produce a fightback, coming up with four tries in the match.
They lost 40-26 but at one point there it was looking a whole lot worse.
Back at the Stoop, Harlequins are 2/7 odds-on match favourites* (odds recorded 19:42 GMT on April 14th, 2022 at William Hill).
All of the initiative has to be in their court right from the first whistle.
Harlequins have won six of their last eight home matches in the Premiership and European Champions Cup combined.
This season they have taken home wins over Cardiff and Castres in Europe.
The latter of those against French opposition was by just three points.
To get through to the next stage, they have to find at least a 15-point winning margin which looks a tall order.
Their confidence will be bolstered by the second half openings that they created against Montpellier.
But a Harlequins -10 handicap is where the line is set for this one at 10/11* (odds recorded 19:42 GMT on April 14th, 2022 at William Hill).
Quins have lost six of their last eight fixtures played against TOP 14 teams.
They have also suffered a loss in both of their previous Heineken Champions Cup knockout stage matches at home.
Harlequins are going to have to come out of the blocks fast.
They have hosted Montpellier twice before with a W1 L1 record, their only win in four matches home and away against them.
Harlequins’ only win over them was a 41-18 home success in 2015.
Montpellier Preview – TOP 14 side to hang on
The damage in this tie may well have been done by Montpellier in the first 40 minutes last weekend.
Knowing that Quins are going to come at them hard, that will likely leave them space to exploit at The Stoop.
In the match outright Montpellier are the 5/2 underdogs* (odds recorded 19:42 GMT on April 14th, 2022 at William Hill).
They are well in control of this tie, despite shipping those late tries in the first leg.
The form of Montpellier stands up.
They have won all but three of their last eleven matches in all tournaments (D1 L2).
Montpellier have visited England this season, losing heavily at Exeter 42-6 in the pool stage.
There was also a mammoth defeat for them by an 89-7 score at Leinster.
Saturday’s trip to London is all going to be about damage limitation as they have a healthy advantage on the scoreboard.
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Montpellier have won only one of their last four away matches (all in the TOP 14).
In three of their last four on the road, they have failed to score more than 16 points.
Looking back further, only in three of their last eight road matches in all tournaments have they gotten above 16 points on the scoreboard.
Montpellier have failed to win any of their previous eight trips to England in European rugby action.
How much pressure will Quins put on them?
How much pressure will Montpellier be able to handle on the day?
Harlequins vs Montpellier Betting Advice
The outcome of the game, in terms of who is leading on the scoreboard at the final whistle, doesn’t appear to be in much doubt.
Harlequins should win this match, but the question is, will they do it by enough?
It’s a tough margin to run around, and Harlequins -11 handicap at evens may just be worth pushing for* (odds recorded 19:42 GMT on April 14th, 2022 at William Hill).
Key Facts – Harlequins vs Montpellier Betting Tip
- Harlequins have lost both previous home knockout matches in the European Champions Cup
- Harlequins have lost 6 of their last 8 matches against French opposition
- Montpellier are winless in eight previous visits to England
A Harlequins 1-15 winning margin is at a quote of 5/1 for Heineken Cup Rugby betting* (odds recorded 19:42 GMT on April 14th, 2022 at William Hill).
Of the two teams, Montpellier are in the strong position of the two.
They just need to keep chipping at the scoreboard with kicks more than anything.
Montepllier have suffered some heavy losses on the road this season in Europe and one may come here.
But the visitors will probably do enough to get through.
The best betting odds for Harlequins vs Montpellier
Harlequins to win: 2/7 at Bet365
Draw: 20/1 at Bet365
Montpellier to win: 5/2 at Bet365
