Topsy turvy European weekend
Exeter were the big winners in Europe this weekend. They may not stand a chance of winning their group (Leinster made sure of that with a resounding 55-19 destruction of Glasgow), but their impeccable 41-10 victory over Montpellier has given them every chance of a best runner-up spot and quarter-final qualification. A tightly fought first half was replaced by a dominant Chiefs performance in the second, where Ollie Woodburn grabbed a pair of scores. They must now win (and preferably claim a full five points) against already-eliminated Glasgow next weekend to complete yet another remarkable turnaround.
On the other hand, Wasps will be absolutely livid with themselves. When you take a 21-0 lead – scoring three tries in the process – against a team already out of the competition, you have to convert that into a bonus point win. They didn’t. In fact, after a James Haskell red card and a concession of late points, they contrived to turn it into a 33-28 loss. Their hopes hang by a thread and nothing but a full-house of points will do against Ulster next weekend. The Northern Irishmen gave themselves a very real chance as they beat La Rochelle 20-13 in Belfast.
They won’t be the only English team kicking themselves this weekend. In Pool 5, Bath (previously looking like England’s best chance of a quarter finalist) fell at home to a rampant Scarlets team. The Welshmen are now in pole position to take the group with that 35-17 result. Toulon scored five tries in their 36-0 victory over Benetton, which compounded the headache for the West Countrymen. They face the Italians next weekend, whilst Toulon travel to Scarlets. A bonus-point win is a minimum requirement. Even that may not be enough.
Another Welsh team has made it difficult for another English team as well. Dan Biggar’s late penalty stole a 15-15 draw against Saracens. The champions sit third in the pool, but have the advantage of hosting Saints next weekend. They are in a very similar position to Bath in terms of their needs for next weekend. Saints themselves upset the applecart with a 34-21 win over Clermont.
Leicester Tigers may have been out of contention, but that was no excuse for such a limp display in their 39-0 loss to Castres. Racing kept the heat on Munster at the top of the group with an enthralling 34-30 home victory over the Irish.
Gloucester seal qualification
They may be in second place in their group, but a 45-24 bonus-point victory at Agen has already sealed Gloucester’s passage to the last eight. They will be joined by group leaders Pau, who beat Zebre 42-14.
Worcester Warriors remain with a very good shout, but could have made it even more probable if they’d turned their 24-all draw into a win against Connacht. They face Brive next week, who beat Oyonnax 29-19.
In Pool 4, London Irish put 47 points on Krasny Yar, but are a massive outside bet to progress any further. Edinburgh wrapped up the pool with a thrilling 34-33 win over Stade Francais.
Sale are in a slightly better position to make the quarters, although will have to upset the odds against Toulouse next weekend. They beat Lyon 15-13, whilst the French former giants lost 18-13 to Cardiff Blues.
Newcastle made sure of top spot in their group with a huge win over Enisei-STM, whilst Bordeaux edged the Dragons 36-28.
Villain of the week
He may have apologised and it may have been an error, but James Haskell’s high tackle, which resulted in a sending off, not only damaged the head of Jamie Roberts, but also his side’s chances of progression. Also, Mathieu Basteraud for his alleged homophobic comments – if found guilty, he must be charged with the stiffest sentence.
Hero of the week
It isn’t often that dead and buried teams can have such a profound impact on the tournament at this stage – if they do, it’s normally just whether they concede a bonus point in their losses. However, full credit to the spirit and pride of Harlequins and Saints this weekend. Also, a mention to Ollie Woodburn for his brace in bringing Exeter back into the mix.
Try of the week
Ben Foden showed pace and footwork of old as he cruised in for a try from inside his own half, standing up a number of would-be-defenders on his way.
Discussion points
Will any English teams make it through?
What will the quarter match-ups look like?
Who have been the surprise package of the tournament this year?
by Joe Large
Who is on the crocked list for England im aware of the following but im sure there are a lot more
Rockoduguni, Daly, Nowell
B.Vunipola, Hughes
Genge
Plus a couple with Bans looming over their heads
Haskell (???)
Marler (2 games)
Bloody hell. i didn’t know Hughes is out too. Impending recall for Ben Morgan ?
Who else is there?
The only other England qualified 8s playing regularly at the moment I can think of are Simmonds and Mercer
That’s about it isn’t? There’s a few that can like Wilson and Chisholm J but aren’t playing there regularly
Jackson Wray has played a lot at 8 this season. The fact he hasn’t been included in a squad yet makes me think he’ll be overlooked though.
Robshaw, Armand, Simmonds with Wray on the bench would be my choices with the players available.
Forgot about Wray – unfortunately I agree he’ll probably be overlooked. A shame
Think we’ll probably end up with Robshaw, Underhill and Simmonds.
Personally that’s the backrow I’d pick anyway with those available, and I’d love to see Mercer getting picked for the bench slot. Although I’d imagine we’ll just see two locks on the bench…
Sadly not sure that Big Ben is in good enough form at the moment. Not playing badly but not good enough for England. Was very much second best to Harrison against Saints 10 days ago. Am hoping that with some regular game time, he may regain the form that saw him named player of the 6N a couple of years ago.
Always thought Morgan massively raised his game at international level. One of those players who never hits the heights for club but excels in the international environment eg. Ma’a Nonu