The European Champions Cup kicked off in superb style last weekend, delivering ten thrilling games of rugby for fans to sink their teeth into. Some surprise performances (good and bad) have upturned the predictions for pool rankings, and bonus points being won here, there and everywhere have truly set the cat amongst the pigeons. It may only be round two of the competition, but everything is to play for this weekend and no team can let standards slip. Looking ahead to the action over the next few days, here are a few key matches to look out for.
Munster v Saracens
Friday 24th October 2014
7.45pm KO
Both teams won their round one fixtures, and sit at the top of the Pool One. Saracens have five points to their name after gaining a winning bonus point for their four tries, two a piece for David Strettle and Chris Ashton (who moved into sixth place on the all-time top try scorers in European competition table). Munster go into this game with four points after a last-minute drop goal secured them victory in a tense battle with Sale Sharks. The Irish team will need to use the ball quicker than they did last week and carry the ball better if they want to stand a chance against the Saracens pack. With JJ Hanrahan on the bench, Anthony Foley’s men are already starting without a player who consistently adds vital points to the scoreboard. On the flip side, Owen Farrell starts at fly-half for Saracens whilst Marcelo Bosch and Brad Barritt will demand respect at midfield. Ashton, Strettle and Alex Goode remain as the back three. They and the fans will hope that the team can play with the same grit and determination that they displayed last week. Both teams have won their past three matches in European rugby and are pretty even when it comes to past meetings, however Sarries were dangerous last week and if they bring that attitude again, Munster will most definitely lose on home soil.
Northampton Saints v Ospreys
Saturday 25th October 2014
5.15pm KO
George North will face his Wales team-mates Dan Biggar and Rhys Webb as Ospreys travel to Franklin’s Gardens. Saints had a poor game against Racing Metro last weekend losing 20-11, meaning they go into this match with no points, whilst Ospreys earned themselves a winning bonus point in a sturdy victory over Treviso 42-7. Even though it is early in the competition, boasting five points means Ospreys are sitting at the top of the pool. Saints will be hungry for a win and players who last week were clearly having a bad day at the office, such as Ben Foden, will be itching to show that they are worthy of their Premiership title. These star names may put pressure on the Welsh side, who will need to be more physical to compete with the combination of strength and speed that Northampton are known for. Nevertheless, after last weekends display on both parts, this game is set to be a very interesting watch.
Castres Olympique v Leinster Rugby
Sunday 26th October 2014
2pm KO
Leinster have won three out of the four previous fixtures where these two teams have met, scoring 96 points against Castres’ 50. The three-times European champions will be hoping for a more convincing win than last weekend, which saw them claw back a win when they were down at half-time to Wasps. After this close-call, Leinster will be hoping to use Castres’ defeat last weekend against them. Rory Kockott kicked all of Castres nine points against Harlequins in a scrappy match, and the French side will need to be quicker over the ball to stand a chance against a clinical Leinster. On paper, the boys in blue look to be the more dominant side, but as discovered last week, with injury problems they can be given a run for their money by the unlikeliest of opponents.
Wasps v Harlequins
Sunday 26th October 2014
5.15pm KO
Replaying a Premiership fixture from a month ago, the two sides will battle it out at Adams Park, where Wasps will hope to do one better than last weekend. They almost triumphed over Leinster after leading at half time, their first-half display of rugby being slick and making the most of the injury struck Irish side. Their downfall was conceding two tries in the last 40 minutes, something they will be vigilant to compensate for this Sunday against Harlequins, who are looking to improve too. Coming in off the back of a win against Castres, Quins will want a more convincing performance than last week. They will need to use the ball to get at and through the Wasps pack and utilise the speed they occupy in players such as Marland Yarde and Mike Brown. Even though Quins won last time these two teams met, it was a close match and since then Wasps have really shown that they can stand up to formidable teams and should not be taken lightly; this game has the recipe to be a real showdown.
(Please note, all KO times are in local time.)
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