The facts:
1. Toulouse have had one game in 3 weeks against a weak side, Scorpions. Fitness will be an issue.
2. All their games have been against weak sides, and they have only had 5 games so far, Wath Brow, Coventry, Hemel , Scorpions and Gloucester, who put 28 points on them in the previous round. Defence only tested once by Glos. This time around they are not prepared - they haven't even played better League 1 sides like Rochdale, Barrow, Keighly and York yet - to see how they scrub up.
3. Toulouse loose concentration for phases and have not demonstrated fightback ability. Good sides like Leigh will punish that.
4. This side has the 2nd best French players in France, next to Catalans. They thumped Catalans reserves in previous years, always; and Warrington last year [ semi reserves ] - but they had form being in the French Elite with strong opponents [ low Championship standard ] like Lezignan, Carcassonne etc. Form has not been tested this season.
5. If they were fit and match hardened, then i would expect there to be a 20 point difference in favor of Leigh. With form going in, they are likely mid Championship standard. But they are not at this moment.
4. Leigh do not need to break out a sweat - even when they go behind, they are a crack outfit and have proven they do not know how to loose at this level.
I predict an open game: Score Toulouse 18 Leigh 52-60
5. Leigh to loose?
FuiFui's virus spreads, [ not contageous ], the boys get jet lag [ 2 hour flight ], the boys get the turn up time wrong with time difference, they have a hangover from drinking too much red the night before, the boys throw handbags and 5 are sent off - down to 8, the ref is paid by an Indian bookmaker to disallow all Leigh tries.
Weather is cloudy with occassional showers. Perfect temperature in the evening. Conditions perfect.
Easy, easy. Enjoy the wine and hospitality guys.
