After parts of earlier rounds were called off due to the atrocities in Paris last year, this weekend we are treated to some extra Champions Cup action. Here are our predictions for the rearranged fixtures:
Bordeaux Begles vs Clermont Auvergne
This is a trickier one to call than you might expect – Clermont’s history and stature would appear to make them favourites, but they do not always travel well and a win here for Bordeaux would put them right back in contention and leave just two points separating the four teams. The hosts have, however, rested a few of their big names (the absence of Adam Ashley-Cooper in the midfield is particularly glaring), and look to have to decided to focus on the league already – which is a real shame. Clermont, by contrast, are at full strength and while they have suffered here in the past (losing last season by 30 points), the away sides are favourites to propel themselves to the top of the pool. Clermont by 6.
Racing 92 vs Glasgow Warriors
The arrival of Dan Carter at Racing has proved a real boost for them – they appear to have signed the man who inspired New Zealand to the World Cup, rather than the one who played such a bit part role for Perpignan in his previous French sojourn. They are in fine form and sit atop both their pool, and the Top 14. Conversely, Glasgow are struggling in the PRO12 and appear to be suffering a real World Cup hangover, having contributed the majority of players to Scotland’s sterling effort at the global event. A loss for Glasgow would likely spell the end of their European campaign, while a win for Racing would all but qualify them for the knockouts. It is the most likely course of events in Paris. Racing by 12.
Stade Français vs Munster
Both these sides will have been galvanised by much needed wins in their respective domestic competitions last weekend, Stade beating Toulouse and Munster triumphing over Ulster. While Munster still sit in the top half of the table despite some horrid pre-Christmas form, Stade are wallowing in 11th in the Top 14. Conversely, the French side are still in contention in Pool 4 of the Champions Cup, whereas anything other than a bonus point win for Munster here would all but spell the end of their European campaign. That looks beyond the capabilities of this Munster side, and even though the Parisians have been below par this season they should win this one. Stade Français by 8.
US Oyonnax vs Ulster
The teams haven’t been announced yet, but with Oyonnax completely out of the running in Europe and already fighting for survival in the Top 14, you can bet they will rest players for this one. Ulster, conversely, are right back in the mix for qualification to the quarter-finals after their stunning win in Toulouse in round four. Ulster know they will need at least 10 points from their two games will the French minnows, with a trip to Allianz Park and Saracens also on the cards in January, so expect them to come out of the blocks all guns blazing to chase down four tries. They are certainly good enough to do it. Ulster by 15.
Toulon vs Bath Rugby
The final game of the weekend will be the most intriguing. Toulon are having an average season by their standards – they are fourth in the Top 14 and second in pool five, albeit with a game in hand. Winning has not been the problem, but there has been a real lack of continuity in their performances – they have just five tries and 50 points in three European games so far. Bath will know that the French giants are not infallible, but frustratingly the West Country club have myriad problems of their own to worry about. An away loss to Newcastle plumbed new depths in a dire season to date; key players are out of form and their whole attacking shape seems to have been somewhat worked out. They are good enough to beat a Toulon side lacking cohesion, but given their own poor form do they believe it? Home advantage swings it in the hosts’ favour. Toulon by 5.
Do you agree with our predictions? Get involved with your own in the comments section below.
By Jamie Hosie
Follow Jamie on Twitter: @jhosie43
Photo by: Patrick Khachfe / Onside Images