9-12-16 EUROPEAN RUGBY CUP

FRIDAY 9^TH DECEMBER

POOL 4

NORTHAMPTON V LEINSTER

Northampton: Foden, K Pisi, Luther Burrell, Hanrahan, Elliott, Myler, Groom; Waller, Haywood, Hill, Paterson, Lawes, Gibson, Wood (capt), Picamoles.

Replacements: Hartley, Waller, Denman, Ratuniyarawa, Harrison, Kessell, G Pisi, Tuala

Leinster: Kearney, A Byrne, Ringrose, Henshaw, Nacewa (capt), Carbery, L McGrath, J McGrath, Cronin, Furlong, Toner, Triggs, O'Brien, Van der Flier, Heaslip.

Replacements: Tracy, Healy, Bent, Ruddock, Conan, Gibson-Park, R Byrne, O'Loughlin.

I think that if the Irish are to get back to where they were a few years ago this is a match that Leinster must win and show that they have a sense of class that we haven’t seen in recent seasons. I think the Irish side will win and win well

SATURDAY 10^th DECEMBER

POOL 1

MUNSTER V LEICESTER 

I do think that this is a hard match to call as I don’t know what way Munster will perform. If they perform well they could get a bonus point win but if they play with worry and death in their heads I don’t think this game will be as easy.

RACING V GLASGOW

This is a match that Glasgow must be at least competing in. In order to be seen to improve themselves as they have not shown themselves in European competition. Racing has shown that they are one of the best teams in Europe over recent times. They have shown why they are the best and I think that for Racing an easy win should be ideal but it does depend on first how the French team preforms away and how Glasgow do. I see this as a Racing win  

POOL 3

SARACENS V SALE

Saracens would see this as an easy match as they are the bigger and I think this will be an easy win for them

POOL 5

ULSTER V CLERMOUNT

Ulster have not been showing the best of performances during this season in both the pro 12 and the European qualifiers. I think that Clermont have got the best chance of winning the championships from the French sides when things go right  

SUNDAY  11^TH DECEMBER

POOL 2

WASPS V CONNACHT

Here is a match that I think is hard to predict as Connacht have shown this season that in Europe they can compete with the best and it does seem to have a poor effect on their Pro 12 form but will the effect of losing Pat Lam have a huge effect on them I wonder as the club needs to sort this out now 

POOL 3

TOULON V SCARLETS

I would be both surprised and disappointed if Toulon did not get a win and a bonus point from this match

POOL 4

MONPELLIER V CASTRE

I think Monpellier will win this purely based on the fact that they are doing better in the French Rugby league

POOL 5

EXETER V BORDEUX

I think that Exeter will win this match and have a more than fair chance of reaching the quarter finals