Defending champions La Rochelle tackle Exeter Chiefs at the Stade Marcel Deflandre on Sunday looking to make their third successive Champions Cup Grand Final.
Sunday 30 April
La Rochelle 19/100 | Draw 22/1 | Exeter Chiefs 39/10
Handicap
La Rochelle (-11.5) 17/20 | Exeter (+11.5) 17/20
Ronan O’Gara’s men claimed a memorable three-point win over Leinster in last season’s finale after falling to French rivals Toulouse the year before. They’re currently one-point off Les Rouge et Noir on the Top 14 standings and will be eyeing a coveted European and domestic double as their campaign reaches fever pitch.
Their performance in their 24-10 quarterfinal defeat of Saracens was about as imperious as it gets, and based on that showing they’ll be really hard to stop here. They’ve got power, flair and experience, and the form of the likes of Levani Botia makes them doubly dangerous.
The last time @ExeterChiefs came up against French giants in a #HeinekenChampionsCup semi-final, they stepped UP 💪
— Heineken Champions Cup (@ChampionsCup) April 26, 2023
Could it be déjà vu this weekend?
Rewatch that incredible win in 2020 ➡️ https://t.co/p5snKOUrLX pic.twitter.com/DUpMZOYwHg
Exeter have been a mixed bag this season, missing out on the Premiership playoffs but managing to secure this semi-final after a solid campaign in Europe.
The exodus of playing personnel seems to be continuing at Sandy Park, with as many as 19 squad members leaving at the end of the season – including many who started their triumphant 2020 Grand Final against Racing 92.
Chiefs will have their moments, but they will struggle to compete with what is a devastatingly effective La Rochelle outfit on Sunday.
Verdict: La Rochelle on the minus
Rob Baxter’s boys could be up against it here. Get on the hosts to bag a comprehensive win.
