French Top 14 - 1st Sept

[NIGEL2611]

Montpellier v Toulouse Wednesday 1st September 2010, 17:00

Handicap Betting :nonfbm_toggle('nonfbm9414467');void(0)'>Hide

Montpellier (-2.0) :void(0)'>10/11

Handicap Draw (-2.0) :void(0)'>22/1

Toulouse (+2.0) :void(0)'>10/11

As the handicap suggests this will be a close game between two of the leading teams. But in saying this, due to the stupidity of the French Union & the TV schedule (3 games in 10 days!) all of these games will be spoiled due to teams having to rest players. Toulouse even with the size & depth of their squad will not be at full strength, so Montpellier should pick up the points but nothing is guaranteed - no bet for me! Bayonne v Brive Wednesday 1st September 2010, 18:00

Handicap Betting :nonfbm_toggle('nonfbm9414476');void(0)'>Hide

Bayonne (-8.0) :void(0)'>10/11

Handicap Draw (-8.0) :void(0)'>22/1

Brive (+8.0) :void(0)'>10/11

Bayonne have started the season well, they are a physical side and almost caused a shock on the first day of the season, away at Toulouse! Brive on the other hand have been out muscled in two of their games and beat a poor Perpignan in the other! Bayonne to cover the -8 for me! Perpignan v Biarritz Wednesday 1st September 2010, 18:00

Handicap Betting :nonfbm_toggle('nonfbm9414479');void(0)'>Hide

Perpignan (-6.0) :void(0)'>10/11

Handicap Draw (-6.0) :void(0)'>20/1

Biarritz (+6.0) :void(0)'>10/11

By their own standards both of these clubs are currently in turmoil and this game could go either way! I would probably side with Perpignan but that is only because they are at home! My advice is to leave this game alone! La Rochelle v Toulon Wednesday 1st September 2010, 18:00

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La Rochelle (+7.0) :void(0)'>10/11

Handicap Draw (7.0) :void(0)'>22/1

Toulon (-7.0) :void(0)'>10/11

Toulon let me down in the last game and I didn't like what I saw from Mr Wilkinson. Sure he kicks well but Rugby is now more than just kicking and I thought Toulon lacked imagination in attack. La Rochelle have surprised people with their start, they also have a solid kickers in Baboul & Lebourhis and if they can beef it up against Toulon I believe that they can not only cover the +7 handicap but I think they will win this game! +7 Too generous to walk away from! Stade Francais v Castres Wednesday 1st September 2010, 18:00

Handicap Betting :nonfbm_toggle('nonfbm9414483');void(0)'>Hide

Stade Francais (-10.0) :void(0)'>10/11

Handicap Draw (-10.0) :void(0)'>20/1

Castres (+10.0) :void(0)'>10/11

Stade will have a strong side out, unlike Castres who will rest due to fixture congestion. Stade rested most of their side against Toulouse and so in their minds this is a must win game against a side who will have a home fixture against Racing Metro in fours days on their minds. Stade to cover the -10 for me! Bourgoin v Agen Wednesday 1st September 2010, 18:00

Handicap Betting :nonfbm_toggle('nonfbm9414485');void(0)'>Hide

Bourgoin (-9.0) :void(0)'>10/11

Handicap Draw (-9.0) :void(0)'>20/1

Agen (+9.0) :void(0)'>10/11

Two candidates for relegation here! Bourgoin are yet to score a try this season, but in De Bernado they have a solid kicker. Agen have scored points & tries this season, are they good enough to win maybe they are and maybe Bourgoin can win at home, will either of these teams carry my money-NO CHANCE! Racing Metro v Clermont Auvergne Wednesday 1st September 2010, 19:45

Handicap Betting :nonfbm_toggle('nonfbm9414469');void(0)'>Hide

Racing Metro (-6.0) :void(0)'>10/11

Handicap Draw (-6.0) :void(0)'>20/1

Clermont Auvergne (+6.0) :void(0)'>10/11

Another fascinating contest, I liked what I saw of Racing against Toulon and they really seemed to enjoy rubbing the Toulon noses in the ground. Again what Clermont team will turn up, they play Montpellier on the 5th! For me -6 should be achievable for a side with stong ambitions and currently riding on the crest of a wave after a shock away win! Handicaps taken from Paddy Power. Good Luck everyone!

[De Danann]

Re: French Top 14 - 1st Sept Nigel, First class, I would go along with most of your predictions...However, Bourgoin (-9) v Agen could be a bit of value. I say this because Agen have omitted 11 players from winning side last weekend. Home advantage , potential first win , plus the most important ingredient, "hunger" may get them over the -9 barrier......best...Danann