Written by @QuintenLetcher for @Hollywoodbets. Follow them both on Twitter and Facebook now!
Toulon vs Munster | Sunday 26 April | Stade Velodrome | 16:30
Reigning champions Toulon host a fired-up Munster side this weekend in the second semi-final clash. Having swept aside Toulouse last week, in a game that saw a determined Munster crashing over the whitewash a phenomenal six times, Ireland’s last-hope will fancy their chances against their upcoming French opponents. The lads from Limerick are the only Irish side to get through from the three that featured in the quarters, thanks to a resounding 47-23 home victory over Toulouse at Thomond Park. They face a tougher contest this week where they travel to Marseille.
To Win (80mins)
Toulon 1/4
Munster 3/1
Draw 25/1
Handicaps
Toulon (-8) 9/10
Munster (+8) 9/10
Toulon
Toulon look in fine form at the moment, bouncing back from shaky starts in both their French Top 14 and Heineken Cup campaigns. The defending champions were made to work harder than expected for their victories over Exeter and Glasgow, and suffered a shock defeat to Cardiff in the pool stages of the Heineken Cup, but nonetheless topped their pool and went on to secure a convincing 29-14 victory over a resolute Leinster. In their domestic competition they moved up to the top of the table following an impressive run of late, with seven victories from their last eight outings. They are further bolstered by the return of Jonny Wilkinson and Bryan Habana but are facing a race against time as their powerful second-row combination of Bakkies Botha and Ali Williams attempt to overcome injury in time to take to the field this Sunday.
Munster
Munster have had a dip in form in the Pro 12 over the past few rounds, losing three of their last four clashes and dropping down to second spot after leading the competition for most of the season. Still, they head into this match brimming with confidence following their impressive handling of Toulouse in the quarters. Four thousand Munster supporters are expected to invade Marseille this weekend as their club attempts to secure its first away victory over Toulon in what will be Munster’s eleventh Heineken Cup semi-final appearance. The tourists will be pleased with the return of Casey Laulala and James Cronin from injury, but await on fitness tests for JJ Hanrahan and Donnacha Ryan.
VERDICT: Toulon (-8) 9/10
Toulon has a side packed with world class-players that know how to win trophies. Munster have had a good season, but will be slightly out of their depth taking on the reigning champions on French soil, even with a few thousand members of the Red Army screaming from the stands. Toulon by 10-12.
Think we’ve got it wrong? Well leave your comments below and tell us how you think this is going to play out.
