Leinster vs La Rochelle Predictions & Tips - Leinster to lift the trophy with handicap victory

By Ralph Staniforth

18 May 2023

Ralph Staniforth 18 May 2023

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Watch Leinster vs La Rochelle in the European Champions Cup on Saturday (16:45 BST)
Leinster have covered the -8.5 handicap 14 of their last 16 home matches in all competitions.
Can lightning strike twice for La Rochelle?

Expired

Leinster to take title home (Getty images)

Leinster vs La Rochelle Predictions

A repeat of last year’s final is on the cards at the Aviva Stadium as the two best teams in Europe battle it out. Leinster will be the favourites on home soil and will be keen to avenge last years defeat.

Leinster vs La Rochelle Predictions
Head-to-Head
Leinster Form
La Rochelle Form

Leinster have won 14 of their last 16 home matches in all competitions.
Leinster have covered the -8.5 handicap 14 of their last 16 home matches in all competitions.
La Rochelle lost their last away match.

Head-to-Head

La Rochelle have won both previous encounters between the sides.

The last result ended in a 24-21 win for La Rochelle in the final last year.

Leinster Form

The Irish side have been brilliant this season and have swept aside almost all their opponents. They have cruised into the final as expected.

Recent results include a 62-7 loss at the Bulls in the URC and a 41-22 home win over Toulouse. A 35-5 home win over the Sharks then followed.

The most recent result was a 16-15 home loss to Munster in the URC. An epic clash played out as Munster upset the odds to claim a well-deserved win on the back of sterling defence. Leinster were stifled throughout the match and conceded a drop goal at the end as they unexpectedly lost.

Team news will be announced soon but we expect a large change to be made with several start players left out. Captain Johnny Sexton remains side-lined with injury.

La Rochelle Form

La Rochelle are also unbeaten in this year’s competition and have been on a terrific run of form domestically since the turn of the year.

A 26-13 home win against Clermont in the Top 14 preceded a 47-28 home win over Exeter Chiefs. They would then go on to win 23-8 at Toulon.

La Rochelle lost 42-31 at Montpellier in their last match. They missed the chance to go top of the Top 14 table in an entertaining match of running rugby. One eye on the upcoming final may have distracted them as they conceded six tries in an uncharacteristic performance.

The coach is yet to announce his team as no new injury news has been announced yet so the strongest squad should be available for selection.

Verdict

Leinster v La Rochelle

I am backing Leinster to get revenge and win the match at home.

Leinster -8.5

Handicap

@9/10 - 4 Units

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