Last week Hull FC made it two wins on the spin against two top teams to move into the top four.
So, for the Black and Whites their third consecutive home fixture represents a must win game in order to keep themselves on the right track and cement themselves inside the upper echelons of the league especially as they face a side they’re expected to defeat.
As for Toulouse, they missed out on a chance to lift themselves off the bottom of the table when they lost to Leeds last week. A win here would really make a battle of the scrap for survival once again but it will be tough against a Hull side pursuing a fifth consecutive home win.
Team News
Compounding the recent loss of Luke Gale, Josh Reynolds will miss the game with a ban whilst useful outside back Mitieli Vulikijapani is unavailable due to rugby union commitments at Twickenham this weekend. Aidan Burrell has also dropped out of the squad. Fortunately, Hull have Connor Wynne back as well as Davy Litten after a recent loan spell at Whitehaven.
There is a boost for Toulouse who have Chris Hankinson back after he missed the defeat at Headingley last week withdrawing from the side just before kick-off. However, Mitch Garbutt has now joined the likes of Dominique Peyroux in the treatment room. Lucas Albert is still suspended. The game still comes too soon for new signing Corey Norman.
Match Preview – Key Battles:
Jake Connor vs Olly Ashall-Bott: These two fullbacks are very different number ones but are equally dangerous. Jake Connor has every skill in the book and, like a locksmith, can figure out how to unlock any defence in the competition. Meanwhile, Olly Ashall-Bott is like lightning and will look to use his pace to cause Hull problems.
Joe Lovodua vs Tony Gigot: Despite being with the bottom club, Tony Gigot leads the way with assists in 2022. A mercurial talent with so much skill, he’s a player Hull FC need to shut down but likewise Toulouse need to stop the explosive and skilled Joe Lovodua who has transformed into a very dangerous half this season due to his brilliant running game.
Where the game will be won and lost:
Toulouse have a superb playing style and they will look to stretch the big Black and Whites with some off the cuff rugby league. However, if the strong pack put together at Hull FC can contain the energy of Toulouse, Hull may have too much for the French side rolling them down the field enabling the likes of Jake Connor to unpick their defence from close range.
Score Prediction: Hull FC 30-12 Toulouse Olympique
