Leinster vs Northampton Saints Prediction: Saints won’t give in easily

The first semi-final game of the European Rugby Champions Cup for the 2023/2024 season will see Leinster play Northampton Saints at the Croke Park in Dublin. The odds favor Leinster here, while Northampton Saints come in as underdogs. 

Leinster are coming off a defeat at the hands of Stormers in a game that ended 42-12. In the meantime, that was their second consecutive defeat, with their first ending in a 44-12 loss to Lions. However, this side has won consecutive games that extended to eight in the prior games to those defeats. In the meantime, the last European Rugby Champions Cup Leinster played was in the quarterfinal, and this side secured a 40-13 win over Stade Rochelais. While they now head into this semifinal, Leinster are back as huge favorites, and they will look to get back to winning ways as they eye the Champions Cup.

Northampton Saints lost last weekend to the Harlequins in a 41-32 encounter in the Premiership Rugby. In that game, Northampton Saints were behind by a score of 19-13 and in the second half, they failed to step up, losing 22-19. However, it is worth noting that that defeat was Northampton Saints' second in as many as 16 games in all competitions, as others have ended in wins. In the meantime, this side's last European Rugby Champions Cup was against Bulls, and they secured a 59-22 win. Heading into this game as underdogs, Northampton Saints hope to return to their best form and shock Leinster in this one as they eye their first win against their opponent since 2013.

The two teams are the best in their league, and they are looking to add the European Rugby Champions Cup to their tally. Leinster are heavy favorites, and they will be confident here. However, the visiting Northampton Saints have stepped up in many matches this season, and even though they have a poor record in this fixture, they have actually improved over the years. This is going to be competition at its peak, and I feel that Northampton Saints have what it takes to narrow the odds.