Rugby Union: Gopperth Aims To Topple Toulouse

If you have money to spare, you should seriously consider backing Wasps to achieve another giant killing for the second time in a week as they take on Heineken Cup champions Toulouse this Saturday in Coventry.

Fresh from kicking Wasps to a famous victory on Sunday against Premiership leaders, Leicester Tigers, and in doing so ending the Tigers’ winning sequence of 11 consecutive wins, centre/fly half Jimmy Gopperth, 38, now has Toulouse in his sights.

Gopperth,now in his seventh season at Wasps, is such an influential player as his three penalties showed on Sunday, and just as importantly, the Kiwi’s experience of the big match occasion matters too.

One of the top goal kickers in world rugby and with more than 1600 points scored in the Premiership during his spells at Newcastle Falcons and Wasps, Gopperth’s class and calmness could well ensure that Toulouse suffer a shock defeat.

This contest in the European Champions Cup is an attractive gamble..the French team possess two of the top stars in international rugby..half backs Antoine Dupont, World Player of the Year, and Romain Ntamack..both capable of delivering dazzling displays.

Fresh from his triumph against Leicester Tigers, Wasps’ coach, Lee Blackett, has a squad full of confidence and should be strengthened by the return of winger/centre Paolo Odogwu and fly half Jacob Umaga.

And with forwards Brad Shields, Tom Willis and Alfie Barbeary on fire, why not risk Wasps, supported by thousands, creating another big upset?