A FEAST OF action awaits rugby fans again this weekend with the knock-out stages of the northern hemispheres premier club competition throwing up four fascinating and highly-competitive quarter-finals.
For the first time in a decade Munster won’t be there but five past champions have made this phase, with the depth of French rugby evident with four representatives. It is a testament to the progression of this competition that all four home sides have moved their games to larger venues, including two new grounds for the competition in Barcelona and Milton Keynes.
Perpignan Vs Toulon; KO 3.30 (Irish time)
These giants clash in the novel setting of the Olympic Stadium in Barcelona, where the ‘home side’ will seek to draw on their fanatical Catalan support base. Both sides lie outside of the knock-out positions in the Top 14, this is likely to weigh more heavily on the tournament virgins Toulon whose outspoken owner has made no bones around the fact the European progression is secondary to league performance.
Both sides progressed smoothly through the pool stages with a highly-creditable away draw in Welford Rd the highlight for Perpignan whilst Toulon inflicted a heavy defeat on Munster to qualify. Perpignan will be seeking to avenge a home league loss to Toulon, who should be buoyed by their trouncing of Stade Francais in Paris last weekend. Goal kicking could well be the key, in what is likely to be a tight encounter, with both Porical and Wilkinson deadly accurate with the boot. Whilst the bare form suggests Toulon, home advantage and greater experience should see Perpignan home.
Leinster V Leicester Tigers; KO 6pm
This evening sees the tie of the round where Leicester Tigers seek to salvage some national pride in the Aviva in a rematch of the 2009 final.
The two-time winners will have no fear of Dublin (remember 2002) and on the back of two impressive away wins in the premiership will clearly relish the role of outsiders here. Both sides are selecting from mostly full squads; the loss of long-term injury victim Rob Kearney will barely dent a Leinster side who have built a relentless counter attacking game around his replacement, the irrepressible Ica Nacewa.
It looks like Shane Jennings will be passed fit to face his old club, allowing Joe Schmidt to name his preferred back row whom have proved the foundation stone of their impressive march through the campaign to date. Sean O’Brien & Jonny Sexton, statistically the best player and back in Europe respectively, will have key roles to play and with Brian O’Driscoll & Nacewa calling the shots out wide the attacking threats are obvious.
Tigers will have to plan without one of the lynchpins of their scrum, Marco Ayerza, suspended for injudicious use of his forehead in last weekend’s league encounter. This is likely to bea loss sorely felt, and is sure to give the rapidly improving Leinster front row a boost. Otherwise, Tigers will be close to full strength with a combination of pace and athleticism from Youngs & Croft and brute physicality from the Tuilagi brothers out wide. Toby Flood appears to have put his poor showing in the grand slam decider behind him over the last weekends, and will relish the opportunity to settle this particular score.
A high quality encounter is in store and whilst Leinster won’t be concerned with losing provincial bragging rights last weekend the defeat is sure to be used as a motivating tool in the home dressing room. Leinster are given the nod to progress but with two high quality defences on show don’t be surprised if this comes down to a shoot out between the 10s.
Northampton Vs Ulster; KO 14.00
Two former champions clash in an effort to reclaim former glory in what the bookies price up as the most one sided clash of the weekend. Ulster won’t see it that way and go into this game on the back of an impressive run of 6 victories, albeit against sides shorn of key players during the six nations. Northampton by contrast went through a run of six league defeats since Jan 1st, three of these at Franklin Gardens.
The return of their front line internationals has seen in impressive return to form though, with three wins and 12 tries which will have boosted confidence no end.
Northampton will seek to expose any perceived weakness in Ian Humphrey’s defensive channel, and will use their back row and two very physical centres to best effect in this regard, James Downey & Rogers Wilson will play a major role and will be keen to get one over on their compatriots. With explosive pace in the back three it will be no surprise to see Chris Ashton further perfecting his swallow dive at some point.
Ulster South African influence will provide a solid foundation, with Ruan Pieenar in particular an inspired addition to the squad. The versatile Sprinbok has been winning games almost single handed since his arrival and his presence has brought the best out of his half back partner, Humphreys, who has looked a vastly improved player this season.
If this result goes against Northampton they may rue leaving behind their Franklin Garden base for a ground they have never played before, but they have come back into form at the right time and are taken to advance in what should be an open encounter.
Biarritz Vs Toulouse; KO 3.30 (Irish time)
To round off the weekend an all French encounter and a repeat of last year’s final. Toulouse sit clear at the top of the Top 14 and the reigning (and four times) champions will not relinquish their crown without a fight. Biarritz for their part will bring a contrasting style to the occasion using an experienced pivot in Yachvilli to control the tempo, field position and kick their goals.
The Basques boast an impressive scrummaging pack and a top quality No 8 in Imanol Harinordoquy and have one victory over Toulouse this season already in the bag. They are experienced campaigners at the business end of this competition and won’t be intimated by the occasion.
Toulouse for their part boast star quality from 1-22 with Jauzion, Clerc, Dusatoir et al having been around this particular block many times before and will perform from memory if nothing else. Domination up front and exploitation of the inevitable gaps is a trusted approach and Biarritz will be well aware that unless the ball is in Row Z they cannot take a breather.
Over familiarity can sometimes result in dour encounters in these all French cup ties; this one may be no different and is likely to be a cagey affair and a test of nerve for both sides. All indicators point towards Toulouse but I am plumping for the twice beaten finalists Biarritz to spring the surprise of the weekend, their desire to avenge last year’s heartbreaking final defeat in front of a frenzied Basque following may hold the key.
If you’re having a bet: four home victories return 52 for a 10 stake.