Champions Cup Round 6

January 19, 2017
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Ultimate Rugby

As we enter Round 6 of the Champions Cup this weekend, we take a look at what each team needs from the final round of tournament to progress to the quarter-finals.

With four teams already securing their passage into the next round; here is how the Champions Cup table stands presently.

We give a low-down on what it will take for each team in order to progress to the quarter-finals of the Champions Cup

POOL 1

Munster v Racing 92

Munster secured Pool 1 with a hard fought victory over Glasgow Warriors at Scotscoun, but they will need to beat Racing 92 at Thomond Park to tie down a home quarter-final.

If they fail to beat the French champions, Munster can still get a top-four seeding but they would require other results to go in their way.

Munster will be hoping for one more inspirational performance to ensure they will not need any favours in order to secure a quarter-final in Limerick.

Racing 92 are out of contention after losing four out of five pool matches.

Leicester Tigers v Glasgow Warriors

Glasgow will need to rally the troops following a close defeat to Munster at home last weekend.

As they face an indifferent Leicester Tigers side, Gregor Townsend's men will claim a runners up spot if they manage to beat Leicester at Welford Road.

Should Glasgow lose, qualification could still happen if they pick up bonus points and other results end in their favour.

POOL 2

Zebre v Wasps

With Wasps destined to take all 5 points available in this fixture, and Toulouse win or Connacht beat Toulouse but don't score four tries, then Wasps will finish the group stages at the top of the table due to their head-to-head advantage over Connacht.

If Connacht win in France with a bonus point, then the Irish province will top the group regardless of what happens in this fixture.

Toulouse v Connacht

Massive encounter for both sides in this Pool 2 clash. If Toulouse fail to win, they will be dumped out of the Champions Cup. No amount of losing bonus points or results in Italy can save them if they are beaten by the Pro 12 champions.

As for Connacht, their fate is still in the balance. A win of any kind will see them progress, but it wouldn't necessarily guarantee them top spot in Pool 4.

If Connacht win with a bonus point, then Wasps will not be able to haul them back, even if Wasps do the same.

Win without a bonus point and Wasps score 5 tries in a win over Zebre, Connacht will find themselves in the runner-up places.

As Connacht lie 4 points ahead of Toulouse, there are several ways they could lose and still make the quarter-finals.

POOL 3

Saracens v Toulon

Saracens will progress regardless of any of the weekend's results, while Toulon need two points at least - a draw or two bonus points in a loss - to guarantee one of the runners-up places.

Toulon lost 31-23 in Round One being outscored 3 tries to 2 in the process, the French outfit have some ground to catch up in the head-to-head.

Sale Sharks v Scarlets

Scarlets would have been in contention for a play-off position if they held out Saracens on Sunday. Ashton's last minute try now means it is impossible for them to progress.

They are 5 points behind Toulon, even if they drew level with a bonus-point victory, they would lose out on the head-to-head basis between the two clubs.

Sale have had a disappointing campaign in Europe this season and remain pointless at the rear of Pool 3.

POOL 4

Castres v Leinster

Leinster are the number one seeds currently. Their dominance of Pool 4 means a bonus-point win will most likely be enough to top the standings.

Castres have a slim chane of qualifying as one of the three best runners-up, but will need to win 5 points at home on Friday.

They also need Montpellier to lose against the Saints, and Toulon & Bordeaux to be heavily restricted by their opponents.

Montpellier v Northampton Saints

Saints have struggled to make their mark on this year's tournament, they are out of contention for a quarter-final place.

Montpellier have a slim chance of progressing in 7th or 8th in the standings, if they secure a bonus-point victory.

They require Exeter to not gain a bonus-point win, and Toulon to leave the Allianz Park empty handed.

POOL 5

Ulster v Bordeaux-Begles

Bordeaux are in the same position as Castres, they are relying on results from domestic rivals. The visitors have to get five points at Kingspan Stadium for starters and hope Castres are restricted to a bonus point at least.

Bordeaux are hoping Toulon get no points out of their Saracens fixture and end the weekend with a worse points differential to themselves.

Ulster are out of contention after a poor campaign, despite beating Clermont at the Kingspan Stadium.

Clermont Auvergne v Exeter Chiefs