Challenge Cup Final 2013

Jamie Heaslip has found his form just in time to
be called up for the Lions' tour to Australia 

Tonight’s Challenge Cup final, the kickstart of what could be a memorable summer of rugby, is dominated from a betting – and general opinion – point of view – that Leinster are near certainties for a fourth European trophy in just five seasons, and it’s hard to disagree despite the deeply impressive performances of Stade Francais in both their quarter and semi-finals on the road.

This season at Leinster will be the last of an era, with Joe Schmidt and Johnny Sexton both leaving at the end of the season, but barring a double header of defeats to Clermont this season has been very much identical to the previous ones. Early injuries, combined with the rapid improvement that Clermont made, saw them exit the Heineken Cup at the earliest stage, but since the turn of the year, they’ve ended their season in traditionally strong style. In 2013, they have 10 league victories to their name – scoring 183 points since the beginning of March – while also scoring 92 points in their quarter and semi-finals, overpowering Biarritz 44-16 at the same venue as tonight’s final.

Stade Francais need to win tonight to retain a Heineken Cup place next year due to their disappointing end towards the Top 14, being battered by the same Biarritz side Leinster saw off with ease here 52-16 on the final day of the season and ending up 10^th. On that form, a handicap of 11 points may well be generous, but Francais can be expected to put up a huge fight and were 7 point underdogs at both Bath and Perpginan. As admirable as their successes there were, Leinster area  different propostion and look the bet to win both halves tonight.

Advice 

3 pts Leinster to win Both Halves (8/11 Bet365) 


Already Advised (11th October 2013) 

6 pts Any Heineken Cup team to win (13/8 Betfred)

1 pt Stade Francais (8/1 Hills)