The Investec Champions Cup returns as Europe’s premier membership rugby competitors bursts into life with eight intriguing last-16 ties.
Greater than two months after the conclusion of the pool levels, the remaining sides enter knockout battle bidding to reach finals weekend in Cardiff in late May.
French giants like Toulouse, Bordeaux-Begles and Toulon look robust, whereas Leinster will really feel this can be their yr to lastly recover from the road after a string of runners-up finishes.
Northampton may be the Premiership’s best hope of a winner, whereas Glasgow will look so as to add continental success to the United Rugby Championship title secured dramatically in South Africa final yr.
Listed below are 5 issues to look at as within the spherical of 16 within the Champions Cup:
Sam Prendergast vs Marcus Smith
Harlequins proved doubters mistaken on this competitors final yr however the activity going through them in Dublin this weekend is about as tall as they arrive. A totally-loaded Leinster – RG Snyman and Jordie Barrett complementing the Irish core – at a packed out Croke Park? Harlequins will swing the bat, as was their mantra on their cup run final yr, however this seems a sticky wicket.
Maybe a extra intriguing battle inside a battle issues the 2 fly halves, with Sam Prendergast and Marcus Smith in direct opposition – simply as they have been on the opening weekend of the Six Nations. Their fortunes have fluctuated since, with Prendergast seemingly seizing the shirt and Smith dropping his however the finish to the event maybe leaving the Englishman higher positioned to secure a Lions berth this summer. The worldwide motion could also be over however Andy Farrell and his workforce of assistants might be watching this competitors carefully – and with both Ireland and England’s attack coaches on board, two very totally different playmakers might be assessed with an knowledgeable eye because the choices are narrowed down.
How do Toulouse cope with out Antoine Dupont?
Toulouse have a veritable galaxy of stars on which to name however any workforce would miss the participant that burns brightest, and even a facet of such vital energy and depth will miss Antoine Dupont massively. The scrum half’s season-ending cruciate ligament injury is a blow to Toulouse’s hopes of a repeat triumph – one wouldn’t precisely say that the French league leaders look susceptible for the go to of Sale, however the Sharks and any potential opponents down the road could spy a chink of their most spectacular armour.
The enhancing Paul Graou and Japan’s first-choice No 9 Naoto Saito are high quality choices however the strategies from France are that the ever-creative Ugo Mola could also be prepared to strive one thing unorthodox once more. The Toulouse head coach has toyed with utilizing Ange Capuozzo at scrum half at occasions this season, with the zippy Italian possessing loads of qualities that may make him a great match on the place and having performed there as a teen. If you happen to concern which will depart Toulouse brief at full-back, concern not: Thomas Ramos, Blair Kinghorn and Juan Cruz Mallia are three extra worldwide starters. Discuss a humiliation of riches…
Will Glasgow take the following step?
One reasonably feels that Glasgow are going below the radar greater than the reigning URC champions most likely ought to, with Franco Smith’s facet once more in good type and behind solely Leinster within the multi-national league. Although reasonably flat when crushed by Harlequins within the group stage, the Warriors pushed Toulon exceptionally shut on the Stade Felix Mayol in December and may have Sione Tuipulotu back soon enough to bolster their hopes.
A go to from Leicester is to not be underestimated, although the Tigers are in one thing of a state of flux with no alternative for Michael Cheika but appointed and Paul Gustard, the membership’s first alternative for the function, seemingly set to remain at Stade Francais. A assured, commanding efficiency at Scotstoun could also be a necessity to swell confidence forward of a possible quarter-final journey to Dublin.
Oh when the Saints…
Their Premiership title defence would possibly already be at an finish however that solely serves to simplify the equation for Northampton. Home disappointment might be forgotten by the Franklin’s Gardens devoted if the Saints can march on deep on this competitors. It’s comprehensible that some are writing off the prospect of an English finalist however the draw has opened up effectively for Phil Dowson’s workforce after their robust group stage marketing campaign.
After forging an impressive connection with England within the Six Nations, Fin Smith, Fraser Dingwall and Tommy Freeman will quickly be re-joined by membership and nation colleague George Furbank – beat Clermont Auvergne on Friday night time and a house assembly within the last-eight with Castres or Benetton beckons, which is about as pleasant because it will get on this competitors.
Any away day winners?
Any highway recreation within the Champions Cup tends to be robust and it could not essentially be a shock have been each dwelling facet to progress by way of to the quarter-finals. However this competitors does have capability for a shock – few thought Harlequins would get previous Bordeaux-Begles final yr, however the London membership’s madcap win was proof to by no means rely out an underdog.
The place may an away success come? That Castres-Benetton encounter is very intriguing, although the High 14 stalwarts are normally formidable on the Stade Pierre-Fabre. However what about Munster at Ronan O’Gara’s La Rochelle? There might be no scarcity of which means for the Irish coach as he encounters previous pals and foes in a gathering with province to which he gave a lot, however the noises rising from the west coast of France should not essentially encouraging for the previous fly half, together with his place maybe in peril. Might a Munster success convey a untimely finish to a transformative tenure?
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