Crunch Champions Cup Clashes

Champions Cup Rugby makes its debut in 2018 this weekend with only two rounds left in the pool stages of the competition.

We take a look at what we think is the biggest match from each pool. 

Pool 1 - Ulster v La Rochelle 

Ulster and La Rochelle face off this weekend with top spot in the pool on the line. 

Ulster head into the match having won 3 of their last 5 matches but have suffered two big defeats in the Pro 14 to Leinster and Connacht. See the highlights and stats from Ulster's last match against Leinster here

La Rochelle has only won 2 of their last 5 games including a 38 all draw to Oyonnax - who are currently bottom of the Top 14 log.  See the highlights and stats from La Rochelle's last match here

Pool 2 - Ospreys vs Saracens

A must win for both sides as Saracens will look to recover from back to back defeats to Clermont, while Ospreys will look to retain 2nd place in the pool. 

Saracens have welcomed back some key players and have looked to have recovered from their 7 game losing streak with 3 wins on the trot. Highlights and Stats from Saracens' win over Wasps

Ospreys, on the other hand, have only lost once in their last 5 games (12-9 to Scarlets) and will feel fairly confident they can secure a crucial victory. Highlights and Stats from Ospreys' 29-28 win over Cardiff Blues

Pool 3 - Exeter Chiefs vs Montpellier

Exeter Chiefs need nothing less than a draw if they hope to keeps their playoff hopes alive, while Montpellier can put pressure on Leinster at the top of the pool with a victory over the Exeter and even claim top spot with a bonus point win - if Leinster fail to get a single point against Northampton Saints. 

See the stats and highlights from Exeter's loss to Newcastle Falcons HERE

Montpellier have lost one of their last 5 matches while Exeter has won 3 of their last 5 matches. Stats and Highlights from Montpellier victory over Stade Francais

Pool 4 - Racing 92 vs Munster

Munster will make the trip to Paris with the goal of securing top spot in Pool 4 in mind while Racing 92 will look to replace the Irish side at the top of the group.

A loss for Racing could see them miss out on the playoffs completely and they will head into the match very confident after thrashing Clermont 58-6 in the Top 14.  

Munster have only lost one match since, to Leinster, since Johann van Graan took over at the club and are yet to lose in the Champions Cup this season. Highlights and stats from Munster's win over Connacht

Pool 5 - Bath vs Scarlets

An intriguing clash in pool 5 of the Champions Cup with Bath looking to stay ahead of Toulon, while Scarlets - who are only one point off the pace - looking to keep their playoff hopes alive. 

Bath edged Scarlets 13-18 the last time these two sides met in October. See the highlights and stats from Bath's win over Worcester Warriors here 

Scarlets have won their last 5 matches while Bath have won 3 of their last 5 matches. Scarlets v Dragons highlights and stats