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9 solid reasons to get pumped about the Heineken Cup this weekend

Enjoy it while it lasts.

The beginning of the end?

Mark McCafferty may well look at his watch, then tap his toes, fold his arms and possibly exhale loudly as he wages extinction on the European Cup as we know it.

Will this be the last time we kick off the Heineken Cup? Hopefully not, but there is no sign of a new Accord being struck any time soon.

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©INPHO

Ruan Pienaar is back

The Springbok will give Ulster a boost from the bench, and he’s sure to be given a rapturous welcome home after he passed up the sweet life in France for another few harsh winters in Belfast.

Zane Kirchner and Bryan Habana (pictured to his right and left below) won’t be far behind either.

image©INPHO/Photosport/Jason Oxenham

Leicester and Saracens are in town

Nobody likes them and they don’t care… so we’re all agreed we want to see Connacht and Ulster win tonight, right?

image ©INPHO/James Crombie

Ospreys never shirk a challenge against Leinster

Ahead of us we have three evenings with what promise to be three cracking games of rugby at prime time. Brace yourselves, because Saturday night’s clash between the Lions of Leinster and Ospreys could be the best of the lot.

image ©INPHO/Dan Sheridan

Who’s down with PBT?

If you mean Ulster’s ultra-exciting back three of Jared Payne, Tommy Bowe and Andrew Trimble; then it’s us, we’re down with PBT.

Payne’s switch back to the number 15 shirt also allows Darren Cave come back into the starting XV – he’ll be out to prove a point against Leicester tonight.

image ©INPHO

Munster aim to keep that intensity high at Murrayfield

Rob Penney’s men flew into every collision against Leinster last week. Repeat that kind of work ethic and they’ll make short work of Edinburgh.

image ©INPHO

Connacht gets a first look at James So’oialo

The Samoan utility back has been handed his first cap for the western province mere hours after being slotted into their Heineken Cup squad.

image Press Association Images

Leinster prefer Gopperth

After criticising his side’s game-management again last week, Matt O’Connor has opted for the experienced head at out-half on for this road trip. Ian Madigan will have to settle for making an impact off the bench.

imageGopperth v Madigan – round 6. ©INPHO/Dan Sheridan

Two words (and one extra letter): Racing v Clermont

Whatever other rubbish is on TV on Sunday nights, cancel it and book your place on the couch for a mouthwatering clash from France.

imageOh, did we mention Jonny Sexton could feature? ©INPHO

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