Exeter Chiefs v Toulouse: Prediction, Tips and Odds

Toulouse made a frightening start to their European Champions Cup defence as they blew away Ulster 61-21 last Sunday.

Even the miserable conditions couldn't dampen their spirits as they played with a real joie de vivre against their underpowered opponents and arguably took pity on them as they eased off in the second half.

Next up is a trip to Exeter, who have trekked back from Durban, where they lost 39-21 to Sharks and have rung the changes, making five alterations to their run-on side, while they are also boosted by Wales skipper Dafydd Jenkins' return on the bench.

The record six-time winners have also shaken things up, making four changes but recalling the likes of Juan Cruz Mallia and Francois Cros hardly counts as weakening, while Blair Kinghorn should also play a part off the bench.

With captain Antoine Dupont, Romain Ntamack and Thomas Ramos clicking behind the scrum, the reigning champions look well set to pile further pressure on a Chiefs side that is still to win in the league this season.

Exeter Chiefs v Toulouse betting tips and predictions

Toulouse -24 - 7/5

Toulouse belied the wet and windy conditions at their Stade Ernest Wallon home as they scored almost at will in the first half of their win over Ulster.

The visitors improved after introducing their internationals off the bench in the second half, but there was also a feeling that Ugo Mola's men were playing within themselves.

That doesn't bode well for the 2020 European champions, the Chiefs, who have undergone a significant squad overhaul over the last 18 months.

Rob Baxter has taken to publicly criticising his players in a bid to get the most from them, but individual errors remain an issue and Toulouse will seize on any opportunities.

The decent forecast conditions on Sunday should suit the visitors' expansive brand of running rugby and they could cut loose at Sandy Park.

A similar win to last April's 64-26 victory when these two met in last season's quarter-finals could well be on the cards.

Emmanuel Meafou anytime tryscorer - 6/5

Even if Dupont, Ntamack and Ramos take a while to get going, Toulouse's forwards could still pile on the points, with Emmanuel Meafou a candidate to cross after doing so twice against Ulster.

The giant lock stands at over two metres tall and close to 23 stone, but his game is not solely about size, with him displaying decent footwork and subtle hands when needed.

Such physicality does help, though, and both tries last week saw him receive the ball from Dupont five or so metres out and barge over the line, carrying some would-be tacklers with him.

The 26-year-old's size can make him undefendable and the Chiefs could struggle to stop him.

Romain Ntamack anytime tryscorer - 21/10

Of far slighter build but just as effective is fly-half Ntamack, whose game appears to have matured since returning from the long-term knee injury that saw him miss last year's World Cup.

He was previously among the most flamboyant playmakers in the game, but the 25-year-old has become far more pragmatic, playing what's in front of him rather than trying to score with every play.

That doesn't mean he has lost his eye for the line, going over for Toulose's second try against Ulster, benefiting from another Dupont pass as he darted through a gap close to the line. Similar opportunities could occur in Devon.

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Exeter Chiefs v Toulouse odds

Exeter Chiefs - 7/1
Tie - 40/1
Toulouse - 1/14

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This article was written by a partner sports writer via Spotlight Sports Group. All odds displayed on this page were correct at the time of writing and are subject to withdrawal or change at any time.