By Peter Ryan – @PeterRyanSports
Under the lights this Friday, we will see two European giants, Bath and La Rochelle, clash in a sensational contest.
This match holds great importance for both teams as they strive to lift the prestigious trophy in Cardiff come springtime.
It will be fascinating to see how the contest plays out, as well as the exciting betting options available.
Bath
When considering electrifying teams in club rugby today, Bath must be right up there.
The English club plays an eye-catching style of rugby that makes you want to tune in every time they take to the field.
They are currently at the summit of the Gallagher Premiership and will look to translate that good form as they start their campaign in Europe.
Bath are coming off a hard-fought victory against Exeter, where they edged the Chiefs 19-15 in a competitive clash that showed the team can secure results in tight games.
La Rochelle is an entirely different beast from the Chiefs, and Bath should expect a physical encounter with the French opponents.
Key Players
A player who will be key to their success is Thomas du Toit. The South African is one of the best props in the world today, and they will need all his physicality to front up to Ronan O’Gara’s side in the contest.
BATH, ENGLAND – OCTOBER 26: Thomas du Toit of Bath breaks clear to score their third try during the Gallagher Premiership Rugby match between Bath Rugby and Sale Sharks at the Recreation Ground on October 26, 2024 in Bath, England. (Photo by David Rogers/Getty Images)
While the pack will be crucial in securing a victory, you cannot talk about key players for Bath without mentioning Finn Russell.
The Scotsman is a sensational fly-half who can create something out of nothing in the blink of an eye. He will be instrumental in pulling the strings and creating headaches for the La Rochelle defence.
His halfback partner, Ben Spencer, is integral to the team. He knows how to control a game, and his box-kicking is outstanding.
These players will need to be at their best to pull off a great win against La Rochelle. Bath will see this game as a fantastic opportunity to start their European campaign on the right foot.
La Rochelle
La Rochelle are synonymous with the Champions Cup; the former champions always seem to be at their best whenever the competition comes around.
After a quarter-final exit to Leinster last time round, they will feel they have something to prove this year. In addition, they will be looking to bounce back after a disappointing defeat to Vannes in the Top 14 last week.
O’Gara’s side is very well-rounded, but their forwards will take most of the headlines, as few packs can compete head-on with them.
A vital part of that pack can be found in the second row, Australian international Will Skelton is a dynamic player for his team.
DUBLIN, IRELAND – MAY 20: Will Skelton of La Rochelle celebrates after the team’s victory during the Heineken Champions Cup Final match between Leinster Rugby and Stade Rochelais at Aviva Stadium on May 20, 2023 in Dublin, Ireland. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images)
His immense size and physical presence is always a handful for the opposition, and he will look to be at his best against Bath.
Jonathan Danty will aim to put on a show in the centre and could be a handful for Bath with his explosive running and ferocious defence.
The battle up front in the scrum will be key, and Uini Atonio will look to assert his dominance in that department.
La Rochelle will fancy their chances of heading to Bath and causing an upset because of the immense quality within their ranks. They always seem to perform at their peak in Europe.
The Bets
There are some intriguing betting options to consider for this game.
The best bet is for Bath to win. Given how the two sides have been playing, Bath should be able to secure a victory in front of their home crowd on Friday.
There is good value in backing Bath to win by more than five points.
Considering the English club’s ability to put points on the board, they could secure a relatively comfortable win if La Rochelle are not at their best.
You can never count the French club out, and they are more than capable of causing an upset in Bath. For those who enjoy a longshot, you could see a nice return if you back the underdog.
However, if La Rochelle do win, it will likely be by a narrow margin. The longshot bet is for La Rochelle to have a winning margin between one and five points.
Best Bet: Bath to win – 4/7
Value Bet: Bath to win by more than five points – 21/20
Longshot Bet: La Rochelle to have a winning margin between one and five points – 5/1
READ MORE: Will this be the year a South African club lifts the Champions Cup trophy?
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