Champions Cup Pool Predictions
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Ahead of tonight's Champions Cup opener, we have a go at predicting the how the pools will play out.
Pool 1
Racing 92
Munster
Leicester Tigers
Glasgow Warriors
Prediction: Racing 92. The Top 14 champions look like the team to beat in this group. A mediocre start to the season for the Paris side but have quite a good record in Europe. The other 3 sides in this group will push it close and will all fighting for a quarter final spot.
Pool 2
Connacht
Wasps
Toulouse
Zebre
Prediction: Wasps. In fantastic form this season, only suffering their 1st loss of the season last weekend to Saracens. Will be tough with Toulouse and PRO 12 champions Connacht in the mix but Wasps should edge through.
Pool 3
Toulon
Saracens
Sale Sharks
Scarlets
Prediction: Saracens. Reigning champions coming into the tournament, they look good value to retain their title. A tough opening fixture away to French giants Toulon, if they come out on top in that game they will send out a big message to the whole of Europe.
Pool 4
Castres
Northampton
Montpellier
Leinster
Prediction: Montpellier. Tough one to call. Challenge Cup champions look good under Jake White and sit 3rd in the Top 14. Teams will find it tough to deal with the power going forward and in defence that Montpellier carry. Leinster will be up there and will fancy their chances in pool 4, with the second round match away to Montpellier very important.
Pool 5
Ulster
Clermont Auvergne
Exeter Chiefs
Bordeaux Begles
Prediction: Clermont Auvergne. Another tough one to call but the team sitting at the top of the Top 14 might just edge this group. Anyone can beat anyone in this group. A poor campaign in Europe last year, Clermont will be hungry and determined to be successful this year. Ulster have started the season well and only suffered their 1st loss of the season last week to Connacht, they will push for a quarter final spot. Exeter who qualified in such dramatic fashion last year will also fancy their chances for a repeat this year.
