Darry Worthington previews the headline Round 6 Top 14 clash and gives his tips for the remaining six games.
Image Copyright – Steve Haag Sports
The headline clash of this weekend’s French Top 14 action will see log-leaders Toulouse take on a resurgent Lyon side. The hosts sit pretty at the top of the pops but will need to be wary of a Lyon side that is more than capable of causing an upset.
Toulouse v Lyon
Saturday 24 October
Stade Ernst Wallon
15:35
To Win (80 Mins)
Toulouse 2/9
Draw 23/1
Lyon 33/10
Toulouse
Toulouse have been the pacesetters during the early salvos of the season with the reigning Top 14 champions currently top of the pops with four wins from their five fixtures. Their only defeat thus far has come at the hands of Clermont, who they were pipped by mainly due to a second-half red card.
The log-leaders enjoyed a solid hit out last weekend as they beat Brive 16-36 away from home. The game saw Springbok winger Cheslin Kolbe once again steal the headlines with the former Western Province man grabbing two tries. The flying winger has been in sensational touch this term and you can expect him to cause Lyon all sorts of problems on Saturday.
Lyon
Les Wolves have turned the corner in recent weeks and are unbeaten in their last three fixtures registering two wins and a draw, This is some turnaround considering they were comfortably beaten in the opening two rounds of the season.
One of Lyon’s two wins came last weekend where they hammered Bayonne 62-10. It was a sign of intent from Pierre Mogoni’s men who will be looking to build on that win at the Stade Ernst Wallon.
Lyon will be slightly weakened for this one as they are likely to lose prop Demba Bamba who is set to link up with the French squad for their game against Wales.
Verdict: Toulouse 2/9
I expect a lot of tries in this one which is why I’ll be concentrating most of my betting on the overs live in-play points markets. While I still think Toulouse will win it at a canter, I think the smarter play is to bet on the points.
Round 6 Quickfire tips
Toulon v Castres – Toulon Win @ 1/8
Clermont v Pau – Clermont Win @ 1/11
Satde v Racing Metro – Racing Win @ 33/20
Agen v Bayonne – Bayonne Win @ 14/10
La Rochelle v Bordeaux – Bordeaux Win @ 18/10
