European rugby cup semi finals

Sports gamblers, particularly gamblers on rugby have just over a week to go before the Heineken Cup and Amin Challenge Cup semi finals, which once again feature two of the most successful Irish teams. Following their emphatic win against Leicester in the quarter finals of the Heineken Cup, Leinster will take on Toulous at the Aviva stadium in Dublin on 30^th April. This game represents a significant challenge for gamblers on rugby, with two of the most successful European rugby sides competing for a place in the final. Leinster were winners in 2008/9, and Toulous are of course the reigning champions, having also won in 2002/3 and 2004/5. The question for gamblers on rugby is whether home advantage will favour Leinster at the new Aviva stadium, as many rugby experts predict, and indeed whether Leinster can go all the way again and reclaim the Heineken Cup in Cardiff on the 21^st May. The other semi final features Northampton Saints against another French side Perpignon. Northampton beat Ulster in a close quarter final whilst Perpignon knocked out Toulon in a game decided by just 4 points. Rugby gambling will note that in both games the home side prevailed. Former winners of the Heineken Cup in 2005/6 and 2007/8, Munster are this year contesting the Amin Challenge Cup, and take on Harlequins in the semi finals in Limerick on the 30^th April. Irish gamblers on rugby will be hoping that home advantage will again be a decisive factor and that Munster can join Leinster and ensure that two Irish sides can reach the finals of these two important European rugby cups. The other semi final of the Amin Challenge Cup features two strong French sides in Stade Francais and Clermont Auvergne, each having had previous success in European rugby.  Irish gamblers on rugby may well believe that Irish sides can this year win both of the two most prestigious European rugby cups, and create a winning platform for the National side to head for the World rugby cup in confident mood.