Leinster vs Stade Rochelais Prediction & Betting Tips - Champions Cup

Prediction published on 12/04/2024, 12:30  by Steve Ashfield | Modified on 13/04/2024 at 04:30 in Champions Cup Prediction

Leinster bid to end the reign of European Rugby Champions Cup holders La Rochelle. This is match in the quarterfinals of the tournament with the winners away to either Northampton or Bulls in the last four. Leinster are the second seeds in the knockout stages and beat Leicester Tigers 36-22 at home in the last 16. They are four-time winners of the European Rugby Champions Cup but their last win was six years ago. The last two years have seen them beaten in the final and it was La Rochelle who defeated them. It was so close though with the combined winning margin being only four points. It wasn't so close when these two teams met in the pool stages. Leinster went to France and came home with a 16-9 win. Now back on home soil, they will be confident of a sixth straight win in this year's competition. Leinster are top of the United Rugby Championship and have won nine of their last ten home fixtures. 

La Rochelle had to travel to South Africa last weekend. They took on Stormers in the last 16 and won the match 22-21. Their grip on the European Rugby Champions Cup was almost torn away as they trailed 13-0 at the break. A strong second half comeback saw them win the match. Only Toulon have won this competition three years in a row. It's been an inconsistent defence by the Top 14 side who lost their first two matches in their pool. They eventually finished third to get through to the knockout stages. La Rochelle are currently fifth in Top 14 but have lost nine of their away games in that league, including the last four. We tip Leinster to win this match and be ahead at both half and full time.