Brive – Toulouse

Brive will host Toulouse in the 5th round of the French Top 14, with the home side desperate to claim their first win of the season.

Brive has been atrocious in the first 4 rounds, as they not only lost all their matches, but actually failed to claim a single defensive bonus point. Already one of the big favorites for relegation, the hosts are on the back of a 6-62 loss at reigning champions Clermont and will obviously not be very confident coming into this clash.

Toulouse had a poor campaign last year, with the visitors failing to reach the playoffs despite having an excellent roster with plenty of star players. However, Toulouse has shown a different face at the start of this season, claiming 2 wins and 1 draw so far in 4 rounds. The team has been in very good form lately, coming after a brilliant 53-17 win against Stade Francais and also playing very well two rounds ago despite losing 16-20 at reigning vice champions Toulon.

Bet on Brive vs. Toulouse and claim your 100% (100 Eur) free bet at Ohmbet now!

Team news: Brive will make a number of changes to the lineup after the embarrassment they suffered last week against Clermont. Toulouse will mix it up a bit as well, but their lineup is looking even stronger than the one that destroyed Stade Francais last week, with the likes of Fritz, Medard or Flickou starting in the back line.

Brive has overperformed in the last two seasons given the fact that they are one of the poorest clubs in the Top 14, but this year it looks like they might finally face relegation. The hosts need to step it up quickly if they don`t want to get themselves into a deep hole, but facing Toulouse at this moment is not a good matchup for them.

The visitors are in great form and their level of play last week against Stade Francais has been fantastic. The team is confident and happy, something which did not happen too often last season – and when morale is good, Toulouse might just be one of the best teams in Europe, because they certainly have the talent. While there still is plenty more to prove for Toulouse, they are looking consistent and reliable and should be able to take care of a struggling team like Brive.

Home court advantage will be very important for Brive, as it is always the case in the Top 14, but this hasn`t helped them much in the 2 games they played at home this season. Not to mention Toulouse played well on the road so far, drawing with Oyonnax and losing by just 4 points against the strong Toulon.

The visitors are just better all around, they are looking good this season and will come into this match with plenty of confidence – in total contrast with Brive. Look for Toulouse’s versatile backs to create most of the danger in this match and be the X factor that eventually makes the difference.

My tip is Stade Toulousain to win. Odds on the bet are dropping, but Youwin still has an excellent price on the visitors. Prediction: Brive – Toulouse 16 – 24.

Pick: Toulouse
Odds: 1.98 @ Youwin
Stake: 9
Possible profit: 8.82
Event date: 23 September