Clermont and La Rochelle will square off in the European Rugby Challenge Cup final on Friday the 10th of May.
The final of the 2018/19 Challenge Cup will see French rivals Clermont and La Rochelle square off in Newcastle. While the venue isn’t exactly an ideal spot for an entertaining game of rugby, both teams are likely to have a go with ball-in-hand so we could still be in for something of a spectacle.
Clermont v La Rochelle
Friday 10 May
St’ James Park
To Win (80 Mins)
Clermont 4/9
Draw 20/1
La Rochelle 2/1
*Forecast Odds
Clermont
They can in to the tournament with the favourites tag firmly affixed to their necks and Clermont certainly haven’t disappointed. The French giants made light work of their opposition in the pool phase winning all six of their pool phase fixtures.
Clermont didn’t let off the gas come the knock-out phase either as they beat Northampton 61-38 in the quarters and then beat Harlequins 32-27 in the semis. They have also head into this one off the back of a solid domestic result as they beat Perpignan 35-13 in the Top 14 last weekend.
La Rochelle
La Rochelle have been rather impressive themselves this term winning five of their six group fixtures with their on defeat coming to the Bristol Bears, whom they beat 39-15 when the sides met again in the quarter-finals. They followed that quarter-final victory up with an impressive 24-20 semi-final victory over an inform Sale side.
The ‘Mariners also head into this one off the back of some impressive domestic form having won their last three fixtures, with their most recent win being a 30-21 result against a Toulon side who had finally picked up a bit of form.
Head-to-Heads
Clermont have a distinct edge when it comes to the last five head to heads winning three while one game ended in a draw. The two sides have slugged it out in the Top 14 twice this season with the game going the way of whoever was the home side on both occasions. And with this weekend’s game being played at a neutral venue, things could be mighty interesting.
Verdict: Clermont 4/9 *Forecast Odds
Clermont are a real quality side with numerous seasoned veterans among their ranks. I can see these wise heads leading them to the title this weekend.
Written by Darry Worthington for Hollywoodbets
