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European Champions Cup - Preview
With the Rugby World Cup providing entertainment over the past two months, domestic rugby was always going to be a bit of an anti-climax by comparison. Thankfully we have some European Champions Cup Rugby to look forward to this weekend and some cracking games lined up. Here’s our preview and predictions for all 10 games this weekend:
Leicester Tigers v Stade Francais
First up on Friday evening we have last season’s champions Stade, traveling to Welford Road. The Tigers have lost just one of their last 28 home games in Europe’s top flight and given Stade’s poor start to the season, this game should go the way of the home side. There are a host of World Cup stars on display here including Ayerza, Parisse, Gonovea, as well as the Youngs brothers. With troublemaker Pascal Pape also lining out, there’s sure to be a few “physical” confrontations. Verdict – Leicester Tigers
Oyonnax v Ulster
Next up, Ulster will travel to France to play Oyonnax who have just sacked their coach ahead of the game. How very French! Six defeats in eight games led to recent arrival Olivier Azam being shown the door at a very awkward time. Ulster meanwhile have made a strong start to the season and new coach Les Kiss has plenty of Irish stars to unleash this evening including Andrew Trimble, who is keen to re-establish himself in the Irish squad. With Toulouse and Saracens also in this group, it’s a must win game to remain in contention. Verdict – Ulster
Racing 92 v Glasgow
Racing host last season’s Pro 12 Champions Glasgow Warriors, in what is Glasgow’s 50th away game in Europe’s top flight. Glasgow will be looking for just their seventh win on the road and it will be a very tough ask against one of the form teams in France. Strengthened by the return of their Argentinian contingent including Juan Imhoff, Racing should have too much for the Scots, who will at least be looking to leave with a bonus point. Keep an eye out for the offloading Fijian Nakarawa, who will look to cause the French side some problems. Verdict – Racing Win
Saracens v Toulouse
One of the matches of the weekend, Toulouse will look to end their run of consecutive European defeats when they take on Sarries. Namibian hard man, Jacques Burger will be unavailable for the home side due to a ban, but there are plenty of able replacements including the Vunipola bash brothers and rising star Mario Itoje. The French team may struggle to adapt to the artificial pitch and Saracens should draw first blood in this pool of death. Verdict – Saracens
Munster v Treviso
Kicking off at the same time in Italy, Treviso will be welcomed by a resurgent Munster. At opposite ends of the table in the Pro 12, this game should be straight forward for Munster, but Treviso have been known to pull a surprise in the European Cup. With CJ Stander pushing for inclusion in the Irish squad and some real talent out wide in the form of Zebo, Munster should have plenty of firepower to withstand any fight from the Italians – Verdict – Munster
Northampton v Scarlets
With Jim Malinder amongst the shortlisted candidates for the England role, he will be keen to show what his team can do. Despite some glimpses of brilliance, Scarlets have never delivered in Europe and they will be keen to put this right with an opening away win. With Racing 92 and Glasgow the other two teams in this group an opening win will be crucial for both teams. There have been 10 head to heads between these two teams, Northampton lead 6-4. After this evening that should read 7-4 – Verdict Northampton
Bordeaux v Clermont
The all French clash should be an absolute cracker. Two of the most exciting backlines in Europe will go head to head on the French east coast. Despite French teams having a reputation for being poor on the road, Clermont have won 9 of their last 11 away fixtures in Europe. These two teams played out a 26-26 all draw two months ago and expect this game to be equally close – Verdict – Bordeaux
Leinster v Wasps
There is plenty of recent history between these two teams in Europe with two wins each and a draw last season. The big news for Leinster fans is the return of Sexton, while Wasps are boosted by having ex Leinster outhalf Jimmy Gopperth in their ranks. Toulon and Bath are the other two teams in this group, so there is no room for a slip up. Home wins are a minimum, whilst bonus point could prove the difference in this group. It should be a very close game with Leinster scraping home – Verdict – Leinster
Toulon v Bath
Toulon had a rocky start to their season, but with their ridiculous wealth on international talent returning post World Cup they look unstoppable. Ford will have his work cut out for him if he wants to cause an upset in the South of France. Toulon have never faced Bath in Europe’s top flight, but have recorded 11 wins in 12 matches against English opposition and this trend should continue. Steffon Armitage will also be desperate to show English fans what they missed out on in the Rugby World Cup. Verdict – Toulon
Ospreys v Exeter
Exeter have been flying in the premiership and lie in second place after a fantastic victory against Leicester last weekend. Ospreys meanwhile have been struggling in the Pro 12 without their Welsh international contingent. This is an opportunity for them to get their season back on track. It will be interesting to see how Exeter juggles the premiership & Europe and if they can remain competitive in both tournaments. Despite their excellent start to the season, home advantage may be enough for the Ospreys in the final game of the weekend – Verdict - Ospreys
Fred Culazzo
