Three players who will look to impress ahead of next weeks Champions Cup games

Ian Madigan

The Ireland international starts at first centre for Friday’s game against Glasgow but there will be pressure on him to impress with Gordon D’arcy breathing down his neck looking for that number 12 jersey for the game against Bath next weekend. With Jimmy Gopperth performing well at outhalf in recent weeks it seems unlikely that Madigan will start at 10 against Bath with first centre being his best chance of a starting place. Having been used mainly as a substitute for the 6 Nations campaign Madigan will hope for a good performance on Friday or risk being dropped with Gordon D’arcy taking his place for the quarter-final against Bath.

Having started the last few games Chavancy will look to stake his claim for a place in the starting XV when Racing Metro take on Bayonne on Friday. With Jamie Roberts set to return to the side for the Champions Cup game against Saracens, Chavancy will look to impress on Friday night and keep Roberts out of the starting XV. Having impressed in Europe this season Racing will look to make it to their first ever European semi-final and deciding whether to play Roberts or not could have a big impact on whether they will get the win over Saracens.

Tom Stephenson

Northampton have named a strong side to play Wasps on Friday night with a host of internationals in the starting XV. However Luther Burrell is not included in the squad which gives Tom Stephenson a chance to impress. Stephenson has performed well in recent weeks and if he puts in an outstanding performance on Friday night he could earn himself a start against Clermont next weekend.

Ciaran Fallon