Champions Cup Rugby Preview – 1.00 pm kick off
Top spot in Pool 1 of the Champions Cup could be settled on Saturday. Toulouse can close out the group if they pick up a win in this one against second-placed Leinster. There are just the two points separating them and basically whoever comes out on top is in the driving seat. Can Leinster make the most of home advantage and earn top spot?
Leinster v Toulouse odds*
Leinster 1/5
Toulouse 7/2
Draw 25/1
* (betting odds taken from bet365 on January 10th, 2019 at 3:18 pm)
Leinster v Toulouse Preview
Leinster have to make it count now in this. At the end of the day, Leinster and Toulouse have been so dominant that whoever finishes up second in the duel at the top of the Pool should be alright. This Pool should produce one of the three best second-placed sides who move ahead to the next round.
When the two met back on October 21 there was an epic duel between the two sides. It was one of the best games in the tournament so far this season. Toulouse got the home win after Maxime Medard ran home a second try of the match in the 68th minute, which was converted. Then it was a matter of the French side holding out for the final ten minutes, which they did, for a 28-27 victory.
Leinster at least got a bonus point with Johnny Sexton helping things along with five successful kicks from five attempts. Their home form in the Pool has been immense. They trounced Wasps 52-3 and Bath 42-15 so they are not going to be a pushover back at the Aviva. Quite the contrary, bookmakers are giving them a -11 handicap at 10/11 odds* (betting odds taken from bet365 on January 10th, 2019 at 3:18 pm).
Toulouse have won both of their away games in the Pool but they had to work hard for them against Bath and Wasps. But they got the job done and with that home win over Leinster in the campaign, then it makes this interesting. How will they handle themselves on their travels? They have been strong in the try-scoring department and they will carry a bit of a threat. Even if they lose this, if they could grab a losing bonus point (at the same time preventing Leinster getting one) it wouldn’t be the end of the world.
Leinster v Toulouse Prediction
The home form of Leinster has been spectacular and they should be able to drive on to the win with the home crowd behind them in this one. Will it be enough to cover that handicap? There could be value in backing Toulouse sticking close and the 10/11 on a Toulouse +11 handicap looks a decent proposition* (betting odds taken from bet365 on January 10th, 2019 at 3:18 pm).
