Brive V Munster
I have just arrived in Brive, to commentate on the match tomorrow for Sky Sports. It is a lovely intimate, quaint town and the Munster supporters should have a very pleasant stay.
Brive are struggling in a big way this season lying in 12th place at present in the French league. In my opinion a lot of French teams struggle with their aerobic fitness and Brive especially. I nearly ended up joining the Brive team team years ago, prior to my retirement.
I spent a weekend down there reviewing the facilities and observing them play. Brive have stated that they are focusing on targeting the scrum having practiced 50 live scrums at training last Tuesday. It is important for Munster not to get dragged into the slower more grapple-like match that would suit Brive.
Munster on the other hand, need to play with a high-octane pace and tempo that will ultimately stretch the Brive defence put them under huge pressure. Munster are showing very good form of late, after a mixed season and are aware that that if they get through this one, they have a great chance of obtaining some silverware. It is a superb opportunity to breed some of the younger players.
Let’s hope that we see a good balance of youth and experience.
Prediction: Munster to win
Leinster V Leicester
When the draw finally came through and Leinster were drawn against Leicester, few would argue that it was the worst draw that Leinster could have hoped for. Leicester, the beaten finalists at the hands of Leinster in 2009 will be looking to atone for that disappointment. They had a real toe-to-toe street fight with Harlequins last weekend and the victory was the perfect curtain-raiser for this game
It will be the game of the weekend and not far off a repeat of the Ireland / England game in the Aviva 3 weeks ago. Toby Flood and Ben Youngs face another massive day at the office and a lot will hinge on how they cope with the pressure. Flood has said how much they need to close the space down of the Leinster half backs so expect to see Leicester right up in Jonny Sexton’s face. The scrum will be momentous and Martin Cartrogiovanni will be looking forward to getting his teeth into Cian Healy (not literally).
This game will be closer than people think but I feel Leinster through their experience and awakening last weekend at the hand of Munster will pull it off to win.
Prediction: Leinster win
Northampton V Ulster
It is 12 years since Ulster became the first Irish team to win the European Cup. They have had a series of disappointments since in Europe but are back this year playing as consistently as they have ever done under the impressive management of Brian McLaughlin, David Humphreys and Jeremy Davidson. They are showing great doggedness and grit in winning some tight games of late.
Northampton are a side on the up and were very unlucky to lose against Munster in the quarter-final last year. They are young and are playing an abrasive, physical game and many would believe an outside bet for the Heineken cup this year.
Stephen Ferris is a massive loss for Ulster but I believe they need another strike runner out wide, someone like Tommy Bowe! He would be an amazing signing if he was to return. I believe the experience that Northampton earned last year will count for a lot. On this basis, I feel it is a bit early for this Ulster team and they will lose narrowly.
Prediction: Northampton to win
