Stade Rochelais vs Leicester Tigers Prediction & Betting Tips - Champions Cup

Prediction published on 13/01/2024, 09:00  by Devesh Jaganath | Modified on 14/01/2024 at 02:15 in Champions Cup Prediction

The European Champions Cup returns this weekend, with La Rochelle taking on the Leicester Tigers on Sunday. The Tigers currently occupy the second spot in Pool 4, sharing the same point total as Leinster. Meanwhile, La Rochelle is eager to secure a victory to jumpstart their campaign, having faced two consecutive defeats at the beginning of the tournament. The two-time defending Champions Cup champions face a significant threat of elimination from the competition before reaching the Round of 16. La Rochelle's winless start in Pool D means they must accumulate points in the remaining two weekends to ensure their qualification for the knockout stage. Still, La Rochelle proves to be a challenging venue for any opposing team to secure a victory, and the reigning champions are expected to be determined and focused following their recent narrow defeat to a Manie Libbok touchline conversion in Cape Town.

The big news for the Leicester Tigers is that fly-half Jamie Shillcock will start ahead of Handre Pollard on Sunday. Shillcock also started the win over Stade Francais in the Tigers' second pool game. The Leicester Tigers have secured victories in both of their matches, overcoming a resilient second-string Stormers side and narrowly defeating Stade Francais. As a result, they currently occupy the second position in Pool 4. Following two morale-boosting victories against the Premiership leaders Bath, and the reigning champions Saracens, the team is now riding a wave of positive momentum and coach Dan McKellar will be eager to continue building towards the crucial stages of the season. Will they be able to do what Leinster did to La Rochelle on their home ground in December?