european champions cup teams and predictions 15-1-16

FRIDAY

OSPREYS V CLERMOUNT

 

Ospreys: Dan Evans; Hanno Dirksen, Jonathan Spratt, Josh Matavesi, Eli Walker; Dan Biggar, Brendon Leonard; Paul James, Scott Baldwin, Aaron Jarvis, Lloyd Ashley, Alun Wyn Jones (capt), Sam Underhill , Justin Tipuric, James King.

Replacements: Sam Parry, Nicky Smith, Ma'afu Fia, Rory Thornton, Dan Baker, Tom Habberfield, Sam Davies, Owen Watkin.

Clermont Auvergne: Scott Spedding; David Strettle, Jonathan Davies, Wesley Fofana, Noa Nakaitaci; Camille Lopez, Morgan Parra; Raphael Chaume, Benjamin Kayser, Daniel, Kotze, Loic Jacquet, Sebastien Vahaamahina, Damien Chouley, Fritz Lee, Viktor Koleishvili.

Replacements: John Ulugia, Vincent Debaty, Michael Simutoga, Paul Jedrasiak, Camille Gerondeau, Ludovic Radosavljevic, Brock James, Albert Vulivuli.

PREDICTION

I think that this should be a match that the Ospreys should win as I think that the Ospreys are getting better and as it is at home the French do not play that well away from home so this could be difficult for them. I think Ospreys will win by no more than 7

SATURDAY

OYONNAX V TOLOUSE

Toulouse must win this as it is too important for them not to. To keep some form of pride in the competition as this has not been a good name. For Oyonnax would be a win to put in their books for the ages. I think that Tolouse will win by more than 7 possibly with a try bonus point  but would not be shocked if they lost not a good season

SARACENS V ULSTER

This is a match that I am not that sure of predicting. If Ulster did not have what happened to them last week I would think Saracens but a win like that can change a few things especially because it was away as well as this. I think this could be settled by a kick at goal or a wrong pass. Ulster does have the pressure of the Irish as they are the only Irish team doing well this season Saracens by less than 7.

BORDEUX V EXETER

Exeter need to win in France to keep quarter final hopes alive and as neither of these sides have history in Europe it is a difficult game to call. I think Exeter will get the win but not by more than 7  

MUNSTER V STADE FRANCAIS

Where are Munster that great Munster side who were a sum of their parts and could beat anybody at any time I have not seen thejm this season but this might be a matter of who just plays worse in the match as the French don’t play well away a win for Stade might seal a spot in the quarters.

LEISTER V TREVISO

 

This has to be a 5 point win for Leister and it has to look easy as anything less might be looked at as a sign of weakness.

LEINSTER V BATH
 

Leinster are due a win and bto me this is where it will come as it has been very difficult for them to get a win and they have not shown who they are in this tournament. I would go as far as to say if Leinster doesn’t win this matches there might be some big changes. I think it will be close but Leinster will get the edge as a team of their quality are due a big win.  

SUNDAY

RACING V SCARLETS

This should be a big win for Racing and if they don’t get a bonus point I think that will be a big success for the Scarlet’s as I think that Racing are so much better than the Scarlet’s and as they are at home the scarlet’s will not be able to compete.

NORTHAMPTON V GLASGOW

Another match that is difficult to call for different reasons but this has not been Glasgow’s year in the slightest and they have shown there weakness all season. I do however think that Glasgow are due a big result and it might be this one. If they lose this match they should be out and they have not shown any sense of form this season. I think that Glasgow winning de4pends on Glasgow. If they play like they have last season they will win but if they play how they have this season thewy will loose and loose badly.  

TOLON V WASPS
 

Toulon is the best team in Europe at the moment and a win for wasps would secure them a spot in the quarters. Wasps are doing very well this season and for that reason I think that this match will be very close. I think that Toulon have too much for Wasps and think that they will win by less than three. There could be bonus points for both sides as they both probably think they are through in 1^st and 2^nd.