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The Guardian - UK
The Guardian - UK
Sport
Robert Kitson

Weakened Leicester show why away sides need Champions Cup miracles

Ollie Chessum playing for Leicester against Bristol on 22 March
Ollie Chessum, Leicester’s captain, is not travelling to Bordeaux on Sunday, along with his England teammate Joe Heyes and Nicky Smith of Wales. Photograph: David Rogers/Getty Images

The odds on multiple away wins in this weekend’s Champions Cup last 16 are not terribly good. Since the single-leg concept was born three years ago there have been 24 matches, with the hosts losing only two. If that strike rate alters significantly this time it will certainly confound the bookmakers.

Bordeaux Bègles, the defending champions, have even been quoted at 1-100 to beat Leicester on Sunday, a remarkable price for a two-horse race. It might be slightly different if the Tigers were at full strength but, as the bookies are keenly aware, that is very much not the case with, among others, Ollie Chessum, Joe Heyes and Nicky Smith all non-runners.

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