The Heineken Cup quarter-finals take place this weekend

Our pals at spread betting firm extrabet.com preview the rugby

“It’s Easter weekend and the egg-chasing gets serious as the Heineken Cup enters its quarter-final stage.  Holders Munster remain in the competition and are strongest favourites in the four weekend games with a supremacy quote of 6-9 over the Ospreys with extrabet.com ahead of the Welsh side’s visit to Thomond Park.

Tie of the weekend however threatens to be Cardiff against Toulouse, a repeat of the inaugural tournament final played out at Cardiff Arms Park in January 1996 when a tightly fought contest saw Toulouse come away with the honours after extra-time had been played.  Another close game is expected this weekend although home advantage and a six-from-six strike rate in the pool stages means Cardiff get the nod as far as extrabet.com are concerned with the Welsh outfit 1-4  point favourites for the clash.  Elsewhere Leicester are 3-6 favourites over Bath and Harlequins 1-4 over Leinster.  Could be a happy Easter come Sunday – Quins no. 8 Nick that is!“

Posted: April 9th, 2009 by Michael Lintorn | Add Comment

How to make money on the Heineken Cup

The trends suggest Gloucester could defy the bookmakers

The pool stage of this year’s Heineken Cup is not long underway so we decided to have a look at the favourites’ chances based on past trends. Here’s why Toulouse are worthy favourites but Gloucester could be well worth putting money on:

Toulouse
Last season was the second time that a team from Pool 5 has lifted the Heineken Cup. Toulouse are the only ever three time winners of the tournament and were beaten in the final last year. Only one runner-up has been victorious the following year but that was the French club in 2005.

Munster
The holders have been drawn in Pool  1, home of two of the last three winners, but Leicester Tigers (2000-01 and 2001-02) are the only club who have ever retained the trophy. The last team to win the Heineken Cup from Pool 5, as Munster did last season, were Toulouse (2002-03) who lost the final the following year.

Stade Français
The prospects of the two-time runners-up are not looking good.

Posted: November 3rd, 2008 by Michael Lintorn | Add Comment