It's time for the semi-finals of the 2022 European Champions Cup, and here we have some additional free Rugby betting picks included in our look at the four teams taking part in the weekend's matchups.
The European Champions Cup is the premier club rugby competition in Europe. It's the rugby equivalent of the Super Bowl.
YOUR SEMI-FINAL LINE-UP ????@leinsterrugby ???? @StadeToulousain @racing92 ???? @staderochelais
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— Heineken Champions Cup (@ChampionsCup) May 8, 2022
In the semi-finals are four of European rugby's top sides; Leinster from Ireland, along with Toulouse, Racing 92, and La Rochelle, all from France.
Between them, these four teams have made up six of the last eight finalists, with two wins included.
Toulouse is the defending champions. They defeated La Rochelle 22-17 twelve months ago.
While Leinster won it back in 2018, beating Racing 92 by 15 points to 12 in a closely fought contest. The Irish side was also runners-up in 2019.
Racing also suffered the heartache of being runners-up once again, this time losing the final to Exeter Chiefs in 2020.
2022 Rugby Champions Cup Winner Betting
The latest Rugby betting favorite with the best online sportsbooks is Leinster. The Irish provincial side is just +100 to win their first Champions Cup since 2018.
Racing 92 (Metro) are next at +250, with their opponents on Sunday, La Rochelle, at +400. Toulouse is the outsiders at +600.
Full Rugby betting online odds can be seen below…..
| 2022 European Champions Cup Betting |  |  |
|---|---|---|
| Leinster | +100 | +100 |
| Racing 92 | +250 | +250 |
| La Rochelle | +400 | +400 |
| Toulouse | +600 | +600 |
Champions Cup Semi-Finals 2022
Both semi-finals take place this weekend, with Leinster and Toulouse meeting on Saturday and the all-French affair between Racing 92 and La Rochelle on Sunday.
- Match; Leinster v Toulouse
- Where; Aviva Stadium, Dublin, Ireland
- When; Saturday, May 14th, 2022
- Time; 10 am ET
- Match; Racing 92 v La Rochelle
- Where; Stade Bollaert-Delelis, Lens, France
- When; Sunday, May 15th, 2022
- Time; 10 am ET
Leinster are short-priced favorites to beat Toulouse in the latest rugby betting odds. The Irish side is -450, with Toulouse at +320.
The second semi-final is closer in betting. Racing 92 is -120 on the Moneyline, with La Rochelle at +110.
For me, I feel it's going to be a Leinster v Racing final. This would certainly be the final the neutrals would love to see, and I am betting on that outcome.
Now let's take a closer look at the four sides left in the competition
Leinster @ +100
Leinster is a fly in the ointment if you like. The Irish provincial side is the only team preventing French domination in the Champions Cup.
And with the French national side also flying high at the moment, it's a great achievement by Leo Cullen and his team to be standing their ground in the face of some formidable opponents.
What we are currently seeing from Leinster is the culmination of years of steady growth and years of sustainable decision-making.
The club doesn't rely on rich owners and a mass of outside names. They have grown organically, albeit with the help of having top-quality centrally contracted players under the Irish RFU.
If Leinster can go on and win the trophy again this year, it will be the fifth time they have won it, and they will become the joint-most successful club in the history of the Champions Cup, alongside Toulouse, who are currently out on their own with 5 Cup wins.
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Racing 92 @ +250
The French giants are currently on a run of six successive wins. The last time they lost? March 26th! And the team? Yes, La Rochelle.
And it wasn't just a defeat, it was a proper walloping, with Ronan O'Gara's side running out 19-0 winners.
Since that defeat, Racing has been at the races, to pardon the pun. They've put together six quality wins, culminating in their 41 points to 22 win over Sale last weekend.
Racing has never managed to lift the Champions Cup in their history. They've been runners-up on three occasions, 2016, 2018, and 2020.
La Rochelle @ +400
Like Racing, La Rochelle is yet to taste victory in the Champions Cup. The closest they have come was last season, when they reached the final, only to be beaten by 22 points to 17 by Toulouse.
This year they are back for a second bite of the cherry, and this time around they have a better idea of what is required.
In the Top 14, they currently sit 6th, just 1 point behind Racing 92, but with a game in hand.
Toulouse @ +600
French club Toulouse is the most successful side in the history of the Champions Cup.
Currently coached by Ugo Mola, the French Top 14 side has won this trophy a record five times - one more than Saturday’s opponents, Leinster.
This season hasn't been their best though. In the Top 14, they sit 7th, having lost eight of their 18 matches to date.
They're still okay for the Champions Cup next season, but finishing outside of the top 6 will see them miss out on the Pro 14 playoffs.
Who Will Win The 2022 European Champions Cup?
I've already stated that I think it will be Leinster against Racing 92 in the final.
Picking the winner of the final before the semi-finals have been played isn't ideal. Players could get injured, suspended, etc.
But if pushed to pick an outright winner now, I think I would go with Racing.
They looked incredibly impressive against Sale in their quarter-final, and if they can continue to play with that flair, they are going to take some stopping.
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