We take a look at the 4 quarter-finals taking place this week in the Investec Champions Cup and suggest a bet in each game.
Toulouse are the current favourites to win the Champions Cup at 37/20 ahead of Leinster at 19/10. You can get 6/1 and better the balance, including the Blue Bulls who are on offer at 17/1.
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SATURDAY
Bordeaux v Harlequins – Click here to bet
The Bordeaux Begles were too strong for the Saracens last week beating them 45-12 at home, confirming the form after their big group stage victory over the same opponent.
Harlequins were at home to Glasgow last week and the match started with Harlequins 6 point favourites and finished pretty close to the handicap with Quins winning 28-24.
Handicap: Bordeaux -15.5
This handicap has shifted out from an opening call of -13.5 and I think the money is spot on. This Bordeaux side are incredibly strong at home and the Harlequins are not generally great on the road as evidenced by their 52-7 beating at the hands of Saracens in the Gallagher Premiership towards the end of March.
Suggested Bet: Handicap, Bordeaux -15.5 at 9/10
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Leinster v La Rochelle – Click here to bet
Leinster booked their spot in the last 8 with a convincing 36-22 win over Leicester at home last weekend. That was their 6th consecutive victory across all competitions.
La Rochelle had to survive a last minute conversion attempt from the Stormers missing last week to win 22-21 in Cape Town. That broke a run of 4 successive away losses, all of which took place in the Top 14.
There has been plenty of recent history between these sides with Leinster overcoming La Rochelle 16-19 in wet conditions on the road in the group stages late last year. La Rochelle though had won their previous 3 Champions Cup encounters including beating Leinster, 27-26 in Dublin in the Final last year and they had also beaten Leinster 24-21 in the final the year before.
Handicap: Leinster -8.5
The money has come for Leinster all week with the early -6.5 disappearing and I think the punters are spot on and that Leinster can put this La Rochelle team to the sword in front of a passionate home crowd.
Suggested Bet: Handicap, Leinster -8.5 at 9/10
Northampton v Bulls – Click here to bet
Northampton booked their spot in the last 8 with a come-from-behind 24-14 win over Munster last weekend. They are a side in excellent form and they have only lost 1 of their last 10 matches in all competitions.
The Bulls started 18 point favourites at home to Lyon last week and they were full value for a 59-19 victory which must have left their fans optimistic about getting an away win and a semi-final spot. The Bulls have chosen to leave their Springbok players at home though and that means they have got an incredibly tough task and they also didn’t have the best travelling experience on their way to the UK.
Handicap: Northampton -12.5
Were the Bulls fielding their stronger side I would give them a chance on victory in Northampton, but as things stand I can’t see anything, but a comfortable home win.
Suggested Bet: Winning Margin Spread, Northampton by 11 to 15 points at 5/1
SUNDAY
Toulouse v Exeter – Click here to bet
Toulouse are the favourite for the competition and they showed why, when they beat Racing 31-7 at home last week. They have scored over 30 points in their last 6 home matches across all competitions.
Exeter Chiefs were at home to a well backed Bath side last weekend, but they stood firm winning 21-15 to book their spot in the last 8. Winning in France won’t be easy going and last time they were on these shores they lost 40-17 to Bayonne who are certainly not in the league of Toulouse.
Toulouse beat Exeter 28-20 at home when they last met in this competition towards the end of 2020.
Handicap: Toulouse -21.5
The cap is a big one, but is it big enough? Personally I don’t think so and think the French team will win comfortably.
Suggested Bet: Handicap, Toulouse -21.5 at 9/10
Note: All prices correct at the time of writing but are subject to change
