Weekend Preview

The pool stages of this year’s Champions Cup comes to its thrilling climax this weekend, with all but 1 of the quarter finalists yet to be decided. We look at three of the most important clashes this weekend.

Wasps vs Leinster

When this group was initially drawn, Leinster would have felt they had dodged a bullet in not drawing any French teams. However this has turned into one of the competitions most competitive groups, and both Leinster and Wasps enter this match knowing only a win will guarantee qualification. Leinster have been slow burners so far this season but came alive last weekend in their drubbing of Castres. Looking back to their irresistible best at times, the visitors have made two changes to their side, with Kane Douglas and Dominic Ryan coming in in place of Mike McCarthy and Jack Conan respectively. Otherwise it is unchanged; meaning the dangerous looking backline from last weekend gets another chance to shine. The home side Wasps have been wholly impressive this year, looking competitive throughout which culminated in their away victory over Harlequins last weekend. Like their visitors, they too make two changes, as Kearnan Myall and Alapati Leiua both drop out of the matchday squad due to injury. They are replaced by James Gaskell and Ben Jacobs, who line out alongside Elliot Daly who makes his 100^th appearance for the side.

Northampton vs Racing Metro

Like Pool 2, both of these sides go in to Saturdays game in search of a win to secure quarter final qualification. Unlike Pool 2 however both will know that a bonus point of some description should be enough to send a second team out of this group, thanks to the presence of whipping boys Treviso. These two met in the pools opening fixture, in what was a dour game which will be more remembered for Ben Fodens error to allow Racing win, rather than any compelling play from the French side. He will be absent tonight, and is among three changes to the Saints line up,  which see Alex Corbisiero and Salesi Ma’afu enter in the front row. For Racing, Jamie Roberts and Teddy Tomas enter the backline in what are there only changes. Since the aforementioned match both teams have been on a bit of a run, going unbeaten in their 4 previous matches, so this is sure to be a tight one.

Clermont vs Saracens

Top spot in pool 1 is still very much up for grabs, as Clermont welcome Saracens to what will be a raucous Stade Marcel Michellin. Both of these teams have looked like competition contenders from the outset, and the prospect of losing one of them before the quarter finals is hard to believe. But both will know that a bonus point is a must to ensure qualification. Last years semi final thumping of Clermont by Saracens must still be on the minds of some of those from the Massif-Central club, and revenge will be sought on Saturday. Saracens however will take confidence from last weekends dismantling of Munster. They make just one change, with David Strettle returning to the side to replace Marcelo Bosch.