Weekend Preview

Round 1 of the European Rugby Champions Cup brought back to fans what is undoubtedly one of the world’s best rugby competitions. This weekend we welcome round 2, and a whole host of quality match ups it brings with it.

Munster vs Saracens

We begin our preview in Thomond Park, with Munster taking on Saracens. Little needs to be said of Munster’s pedigree at home in Europe, although it must be noted that of late there have been a number of losses which have taken some of the aura away from the hallowed ground. The home side are sure to be in high spirits after last week’s win over Sale, in what could only be described as a typically Munster-esqe win last time out. Munster will hope for a somewhat less nervous affair this time around, but Saracens will be another step up entirely in terms of opposition. The English side are in flying form in the Aviva Premiership, and were wholly impressive in victory over Clermont in round 1. Both sides name relatively unchanged sides, most notably CJ Stander continuing at 8 for the Irish province despite the return to fitness of new signing Robin Copeland. Munster will give a performance full of heart, of that there is no doubt, but this Saracens side may just have the quality to come away from Thomond with the rarest of victories.

Ulster vs Toulon

This could easily be touted as a battle between two of the most disappointing sides of round 1. Most fans would have expected impressive wins from both of these teams in the opening set of fixtures, but were instead treated to a narrow loss (in the case of Ulster) and a wholly lacklustre victory (in the case of Toulon). Toulon especially will be disappointed with last weeks showing, huffing and puffing to a 28-18 victory over a Scarlets side yet to really get going in the Pro12 this year. They will travel to Ravenhill with a real point to prove, and have named a nearly full strength side to make the journey.  The only real change to the side is at nine, where Micheal Classens replaces Sebastion Tillous-Borde. Ulster possess one of the few packs in Europe capable of competing with Toulon in terms of sheer size, and if they can match them physically, a win against the champions of Europe should not be out of reach.

Castres vs Leinster

On Sunday Leinster make the difficult journey to France to take on Castres. Last weeks performance from the Irish province was far from convincing, but the Irishmen escaped with a win and will bring with them renewed confidence into the fixture. Leinster boast an impressive record over their French counter parts, winning 3 of the last 4 matches between the two sides. Add to that Castres current poor form, which has seen them win just three of ten matches this season; the chances of a Leinster victory seem to be very high. The only significant team news for this one is the news that Luke Fitzgerald will make his first start since March, coming in on the left wing. Noel Reid is the man who misses out, with Madigan moving to 12 and Kirchner dropping back to 15.