Catalans-8. 5

French side look value with home advantage.

Obviously Rovers have hit form at exactly the right time and taken their place in the play offs- but it has to be said they have faced some very tough physical games over the last month. I thought HKR looked a bit tired at the end of the win over Cas and while Morgan will be delighted to be here he couldnt have picked a tougher play off tie than Catalans on their own park.

Catalans have been up and down in recent weeks and turned in a couple of very poor performances. But we should not forget their overall form this season- it has been excellent. They have beaten a number of the very best sides and at times looked, to me anyway, strong enough to go all the way to the final.

Lot of power in the forwards, but their defence has been excellent and the discipline much much better.

I know Rovers pulled off a terrific win here recently but this is a different game altogether. I expect Catalans forwards to get on top this time and the French to punish Hkr for what can be some pretty average defence near the goal line.

It wont be a hammering but im confident Catalans will do it by at least a couple of score. Expect another big game from Ian Henderson- those dummy runs will be absolutely vital any time the big forwards get a quick play the ball.

Catalans-8. 5 with vc at 1. 91