Champions Cup Round Three

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Racing Metro v London Irish
Stade Olympique Yves-du-Manoir
Light Cloud, 8 Degrees, 7mph SSW Winds

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Racing Metro

15 Johan Goosen, 14 Joe Rokocoko, 13 Casey Laulala, 12 Henry Chavancy, 11 Marc Andreu, 10 Remi Tales, 9 Maxime Machenaud, 8 Chris Masoe, 7 Wenceslas Lauret, 6 Bernard Le Roux, 5 Francois van der Merwe, 4 Luke Charteris, 3 Cedate Gomes Sa, 2 Dimitri Szarzewski (c), 1 Julien Brugnaut.

Replacements: 16 Camille Chat, 17 Eddy Ben Arous, 18 Ben Tameifuna, 19 Thibault Dubarry, 20 Yannick Nyanga, 21 Mike Phillips, 22 Juan Imhoff, 23 Brice Dulin

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London Irish
Manager: Ozzy3213  
                 

01. Joe Marler	09. Aaron Smith
02. Bismarck du Plessis	10. Henry Slade
03. David Wilson
04. Matt Symons (c)	11. Marland Yarde
05. Sebastien Vahaamahina	12. Samu Kerevi
06. Sean O'Brien	13. Jesse Kriel
07. Marcell Coetzee	14. Anthony Watson
08. Duane Vermeulen	15. Tim Nanai-Williams

16. Tom Youngs 17. Scott Sio 18. Frans Malherbe 19. James Broadhurst 20. Fulgence Ouedraogo 21. Sebastien Tillous-Borde 22. Aaron Cruden 23. Delon Armitage

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Leicester Tigers v ASM Clermont Auvergne
Welford Road
Light Rain, 8 Degrees, 12mph SSW Winds

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Leicester Tigers
Manager – LukeLovesLuka

01. Max Lahiff	09. Fourie Du Preez
02. Schalk Brits	10. Quade Cooper
03. Owen Franks
04. Pascal Pape (c)	11. Matt Banahan
05. Kearnan Myall	12. Billy Twelvetrees (k)
06. Liam Messam	13. Mathieu Bastareaud
07. JMF Lobbe	14. Henry Purdy
08. Thomas Waldrom	15. Kurtley Beale

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16. Stephen Moore 17. Gethin Jenkins 18. Brian Mujati 19. Steve Mafi 20. Wycliff Palu 21. Micky Young 22. Freddie Burns 23. Drew Mitchell

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Clermont

15 Nick Abendanon, 14 David Strettle, 13 Aurélien Rougerie, 12 Wesley Fofana, 11 Noa Nakaitaci, 10 Camille Lopez, 9 Morgan Parra, 8 Fritz Lee, 7 Alexandre Lapandry, 6 Damien Chouly (c), 5 Sébastien Vahaamahina, 4 Jamie Cudmore, 3 Davit Zirakashvili, 2 Benjamin Kayser, 1 Thomas Domingo.

Replacements: 16 Marthinius Van Der Westhuizen, 17 Raphael Chaume, 18 Daniel Kotze, 19 Flip Van Der Merwe, 20 Vito Kolelishvili, 21 Ludovic Radoslavjevic, 22 Brock James, 23 Albert Vulivuli

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Ospreys v Saracens
Liberty Stadium
Light Rain Shower, 10 Degrees, 18mph SW Winds

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Ospreys

15 Dan Evans, 14 Tom Grabham, 13 Jonathan Spratt, 12 Josh Matavesi, 11 Eli Walker, 10 Dan Biggar, 9 Brendon Leonard, 8 James King, 7 Justin Tipuric, 6 Dan Lydiate, 5 Alun Wyn Jones (c), 4 Lloyd Ashley, 3 Dmitri Arhip, 2 Scott Baldwin, 1 Paul James.

Replacements: 16 Sam Parry, 17 Ryan Bevington, 18 Aaron Jarvis, 19 Rory Thornton, 20 Dan Baker, 21 Thomas Habberfield, 22 Sam Davies, 23 Hanno Dirksen

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Saracens
Manager – Pooly

01. Ben Franks	09. Lee Dickson
02. Richard Hibbard	10. Nicolas Sanchez
03. Jannie Du Plessis
04. Patricio Albacete	11. Hosea Gear
05. Geoff Parling	12. Maxime Mermoz
06. James Haskell	13. Henry Trinder
07. Theirry Dusatoir	14. Chris Ashton
08. Dave Denton	15. Simon Hammersley

:-
16. Motu Matu'u 17. Xavier Chocci 18. Paul Hill 19. Brad Davies 20. Akira Ioane 21. Brad Weber 22. Pat Lambie 23. Miles Benjamin

Tactics:

- Try to get an advantage in the set piece and turn the screw if weakness seen
- Look to get pace of backs into game in opposition half
- Impact bench to see out the game
- Push for the TBP if there's a good distance on the score board in the 2nd half

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Munster Rugby v Northampton Saints
Thomond Park
Light Rain, 9 Degrees, 14mph SW Winds

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Munster

15 Andrew Conway, 14 Keith Earls, 13 Francis Saili, 12 Denis Hurley, 11 Simon Zebo, 10 Ian Keatley, 9 Conor Murray, 8 CJ Stander (c), 7 Jack O'Donoghue, 6 Dave O'Callaghan, 5 Mark Chisholm, 4 Donnacha Ryan, 3 BJ Botha, 2 Mike Sherry, 1 Dave Kilcoyne

Replacements: 16 Duncan Casey, 17 James Cronin, 18 John Ryan, 19 Dave Foley, 20 Robin Copeland, 21 Tomas O'Leary, 22 Rory Scannell, 23 Lucas Gonzalez Amorosino

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Saints:

1. Mako Vunipola
2. Dylan Hartley (c)
3. Ramiro Herrera
4. Joe Launchbury
5. Michael Paterson
6. Sam Jones
7. Schalk Burger
8. Sergio Parisse
9. Sam Hildago Cline
10. Matt Giteau
11. Nick Cummins
12. Weslie Fofana
13. Oliver Deveto
14. Adam Ashley Cooper
15. Ben Foden

Replacements:
16. Ashley Johnson 17. Wyatt Crockett 18. Martin Castrogiovanni 19. Courtney Lawes 20. Billy Vunipola 21. Joe Simpson 22. George Ford 23. Alex Dunbar

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Oyonnax v Harlequins
Stade Charles-Mathon
Light Cloud, 8 Degrees, 7mph SSW Winds

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Oyonnax

15 Florian Denos, 14 Silvère Tian, 13 Vincent Martin, 12 Eamonn Sheridan, 11 Fetu'u Vainikolo, 10 Regis Lespinas, 9 Fabien Cibray (c), 8 Viliami Ma'afu, 7 Olivier Missoup, 6 Pierrick Gunther, 5 Leon Power, 4 George Robson, 3 Antoine Guillamon, 2 Jody Jenneker, 1 Laurent Delboulbès.

Replacements: 16 Jeremie Maurouard, 17 Soane Tonga'uiha, 18 Marc Clerc, 19 Valentin Ursache, 20 Pedrie Wannenburg, 21 Piri Weepu, 22 Nicky Robinson, 23 Geoffrey Fabbri

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Harlequins
Manager – Steven_Sharks

01. Cian Healy	09. Henry Pyrgos
02. Scott Baldwin	10. Colin Slade (k)
03. Kyle Sinckler
04. Pieter Steph Du Toit	11. Jack Nowell
05. Jim Hamilton	12. Luther Burrell
06. Jamie Gibson	13. Jonathan Joseph
07. Jaco Kriel	14. Yoann Huget
08. Nick Easter (c)	15. Santiago Cordero

16. Rob Buchanan 17. Ben Robinson 18. Tadhg Furlong 19. Will Witty 20. Michael Hooper 21. Luke McGrath 22. Juan Martin Hernandez 23. Jaco Taute

Look to get go forward up front so we are able to get our backs on the front foot and in space. Look to secure win then look for TBP. Patience in attack but sensible percentage rugby. When in the Oyannax half look to get Slade standing flat and Pyrgos darting. Look to get our outside backs into space and in one v one situations (ideally against Oyannax front 5)

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Bath v Sale Sharks
Recreation Grounds
Light Cloud, 9 Degrees, 11mph SW Winds

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Bath Rugby
Manager – CJB

01. Richard Barrington	09. Richard Wigglesworth
02. Mikey Haywood	10. Beauden Barrett
03. Ben Tameifuma
04. James Gaskell	11. Liam Williams
05. Graham Kitchener	12. Christian Lealifano
06. Siya Kolisi	13. Damian De Allende
07. Liam Gill	14. Juan Imhoff
08. Josh Beaumont	15. Rhys Patchell

16. Rory Best 17. Steven Kitchoff 18. Scott Wilson 19. Charlie Matthews 20. Justin Tipuric  21. Tony Falateu 22. Maxime Machenaud 23. Michele Campagnaro

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Sale Sharks
Manager – SJE

01. Jack McGrath	09. Kieran Marmion
02. Tommy Taylor	10. Bernard Foley
03. Davit Zirakishvilli
04. Iain Henderson	11. Josua Tuisova
05. Christian Day	12. Kyle Eastmond
06. Sean McMahon	13. Gael Fickou
07. Matt Kvesic	14. Semesa Rokoduguni
08. CJ Stander	15. Nick Abendanon

Subs:
16. David Paice 17. Marcos Ayerza 18. Martin Moore 19. Matt Garvey 20. Louis Picamoles 21. Faf De Klerk 22. Johnny Sexton 23. Simon Zebo

Attack: We will be playing an expansive, high intensity offloading game looking to keep the ball moving. Look to use a rugby league shape with runners on the gain line and out the back door to force the opposition into making defensive decisions. Numerous playmakers across the back line allows us to constantly change the point of attack. Marmion to keep the fringe defence honest with his snipping runs.

Breakdown: Quick ball is the aim on attack. Mobile pack and physical back line to clear out rucks and ensure we get it. We will look to get over the gain line off all carries to give a target to hit. Defensively when the initial contact is won we will look to commit numbers and get over the ball turning it over or at least slowing opposition ball up. Otherwise we will strengthen the line.

Defence: Straight line blitz defence focused on winning the gain line collisions and driving the ball carrier back. Line speed is crucial. Foley will look to defend deep with Bendy covering the backfield while Roko steps in to the line. Marmion will sweep behind the line to cover chips and grubbers. 
 
Scrum: Strong scrummaging unit in the front row with the support of a powerful 4-8 will look to get the better of the opposition and build a strong attacking platform. We will look to put a slight wheel on where possible to take the opposition backrow out of play and then attack the space available and look for one on ones in the backline.
 
Lineout: Four mobile, athletic jumpers allows us to genuinely mix it up on attacking ball. Primarily looking to play off the top and get the backs on the ball in space. Will also look to use Stander around the back or in midfield off a shortened line. Back Taylor to hit his man as one of the most accurate throwers in the AP this year to date. Defensively Day to get up in the air at the front and challenge on opposition ball looking to make it as messy as possible.

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mark

Conditions are up on both threads

Harlequins
Manager – Steven_Sharks

01. Cian Healy	09. Henry Pyrgos
02. Scott Baldwin	10. Colin Slade (k)
03. Kyle Sinckler
04. Pieter Steph Du Toit	11. Jack Nowell
05. Jim Hamilton	12. Luther Burrell
06. Jamie Gibson	13. Jonathan Joseph
07. Jaco Kriel	14. Yoann Huget
08. Nick Easter (c)	15. Santiago Cordero

16. Rob Buchanan 17. Ben Robinson 18. Tadhg Furlong 19. Will Witty 20. Michael Hooper 21. Luke McGrath 22. Juan Martin Hernandez 23. Jaco Taute

Look to get go forward up front so we are able to get our backs on the front foot and in space. Look to secure win then look for TBP. Patience in attack but sensible percentage rugby. When in the Oyannax half look to get Slade standing flat and Pyrgos darting. Look to get our outside backs into space and in one v one situations (ideally against Oyannax front 5)

Saints:

1. Mako Vunipola
2. Dylan Hartley (c)
3. Ramiro Herrera
4. Joe Launchbury
5. Michael Paterson
6. Sam Jones
7. Schalk Burger
8. Sergio Parisse
9. Sam Hildago Cline
10. Matt Giteau
11. Nick Cummins
12. Weslie Fofana
13. Oliver Deveto
14. Adam Ashley Cooper
15. Ben Foden

Replacements:
16. Ashley Johnson 17. Wyatt Crockett 18. Martin Castrogiovanni 19. Courtney Lawes 20. Billy Vunipola 21. Joe Simpson 22. George Ford 23. Alex Dunbar

Saracens
Manager – Pooly

01. Ben Franks	09. Lee Dickson
02. Richard Hibbard	10. Nicolas Sanchez
03. Jannie Du Plessis
04. Patricio Albacete	11. Hosea Gear
05. Geoff Parling	12. Maxime Mermoz
06. James Haskell	13. Henry Trinder
07. Theirry Dusatoir	14. Chris Ashton
08. Dave Denton	15. Simon Hammersley

:-
16. Motu Matu'u 17. Xavier Chocci 18. Paul Hill 19. Brad Davies 20. Akira Ioane 21. Brad Weber 22. Pat Lambie 23. Miles Benjamin

Tactics:

- Try to get an advantage in the set piece and turn the screw if weakness seen
- Look to get pace of backs into game in opposition half
- Impact bench to see out the game
- Push for the TBP if there's a good distance on the score board in the 2nd half

Leicester Tigers
Manager – LukeLovesLuka

01. Max Lahiff	09. Fourie Du Preez
02. Schalk Brits	10. Quade Cooper
03. Owen Franks
04. Pascal Pape (c)	11. Matt Banahan
05. Kearnan Myall	12. Billy Twelvetrees (k)
06. Liam Messam	13. Mathieu Bastareaud
07. JMF Lobbe	14. Henry Purdy
08. Thomas Waldrom	15. Kurtley Beale

.
16. Stephen Moore 17. Gethin Jenkins 18. Brian Mujati 19. Steve Mafi 20. Wycliff Palu 21. Micky Young 22. Freddie Burns 23. Drew Mitchell

Bath Rugby
Manager – CJB

01. Richard Barrington	09. Richard Wigglesworth
02. Mikey Haywood	10. Beauden Barrett
03. Ben Tameifuma
04. James Gaskell	11. Liam Williams
05. Graham Kitchener	12. Christian Lealifano
06. Siya Kolisi	13. Damian De Allende
07. Liam Gill	14. Juan Imhoff
08. Josh Beaumont	15. Rhys Patchell

16. Rory Best 17. Steven Kitchoff 18. Scott Wilson 19. Charlie Matthews 20. Justin Tipuric 21. Tony Falateu 22. Maxime Machenaud 23. Michele Campagnaro

Sale Sharks
Manager – SJE

01. Jack McGrath	09. Kieran Marmion
02. Tommy Taylor	10. Bernard Foley
03. Davit Zirakishvilli
04. Iain Henderson	11. Josua Tuisova
05. Christian Day	12. Kyle Eastmond
06. Sean McMahon	13. Gael Fickou
07. Matt Kvesic	14. Semesa Rokoduguni
08. CJ Stander	15. Nick Abendanon

Subs:
16. David Paice 17. Marcos Ayerza 18. Martin Moore 19. Matt Garvey 20. Louis Picamoles 21. Faf De Klerk 22. Johnny Sexton 23. Simon Zebo

Attack: We will be playing an expansive, high intensity offloading game looking to keep the ball moving. Look to use a rugby league shape with runners on the gain line and out the back door to force the opposition into making defensive decisions. Numerous playmakers across the back line allows us to constantly change the point of attack. Marmion to keep the fringe defence honest with his snipping runs.

Breakdown: Quick ball is the aim on attack. Mobile pack and physical back line to clear out rucks and ensure we get it. We will look to get over the gain line off all carries to give a target to hit. Defensively when the initial contact is won we will look to commit numbers and get over the ball turning it over or at least slowing opposition ball up. Otherwise we will strengthen the line.

Defence: Straight line blitz defence focused on winning the gain line collisions and driving the ball carrier back. Line speed is crucial. Foley will look to defend deep with Bendy covering the backfield while Roko steps in to the line. Marmion will sweep behind the line to cover chips and grubbers. 
 
Scrum: Strong scrummaging unit in the front row with the support of a powerful 4-8 will look to get the better of the opposition and build a strong attacking platform. We will look to put a slight wheel on where possible to take the opposition backrow out of play and then attack the space available and look for one on ones in the backline.
 
Lineout: Four mobile, athletic jumpers allows us to genuinely mix it up on attacking ball. Primarily looking to play off the top and get the backs on the ball in space. Will also look to use Stander around the back or in midfield off a shortened line. Back Taylor to hit his man as one of the most accurate throwers in the AP this year to date. Defensively Day to get up in the air at the front and challenge on opposition ball looking to make it as messy as possible.

London Irish
Manager: Ozzy3213

01. Joe Marler	09. Aaron Smith
02. Bismarck du Plessis	10. Henry Slade
03. David Wilson
04. Matt Symons (c)	11. Marland Yarde
05. Sebastien Vahaamahina	12. Samu Kerevi
06. Sean O'Brien	13. Jesse Kriel
07. Marcell Coetzee	14. Anthony Watson
08. Duane Vermeulen	15. Tim Nanai-Williams

16. Tom Youngs 17. Scott Sio 18. Frans Malherbe 19. James Broadhurst 20. Fulgence Ouedraogo 21. Sebastien Tillous-Borde 22. Aaron Cruden 23. Delon Armitage

PREDICTIONS OPEN

Pms to me please this week

RESULTS:

Racing Metro 26 (T:2 C:2 P:4)
London Irish 32 (T:4 C:3 P:2)

Leicester Tigers 26 (T:2 C:2 P:4)
Clermont Auvergne 26 (T:2 C:2 P:4)

Ospreys 19 (T:1 C:1 P:4)
Saracens 28 (T:3 C:2 P:3)

Munster 19 (T:1 C:1 P:4)
Northampton Saints 29 (T:3 C:1 P:4)

Oyonnax 18 (T:2 C:1 P:2)
Harlequins 34 (T:4 C:4 P:2)

Bath 24 (T:2 C:1 P:4)
Sale Sharks 27 (T:3 C:3 P:2)


BONUS:
Full: CJB, Fluxy, Luke, Prop, Bam, Chris, SJE, Pooly
Score: Matt, Steve & CJ
Missed: Pete

Racing Metro 25 - 30 London Irish

Racing 28 - 28 Irish
Metro have come into some very good form (against a poor Saints side in all honesty) and despite having a strong forward pack I haven't seen anything of Slade really as a no10 for Exeter in real life. More quality for the away side but Racing at home are tough to beat.

Racing 92 v London Irish 21-22

Racing 21 - 27 Irish

Irish get the advantage up front, whilst second row is an even battle. Irish edge the back row and take the pack overall. Decent HB contest, with Irish taking the centres and the back three. Good away win for Irish.

Metro 20-31 Irish
Feel Irish can dominate through their forward pack and backs can pick off the pieces.

Metro 22-28 Irish

Not a full strength Metro side and the Irish pack should get on top and give the backs the platform to win away.

Racing 24 - 24 London Irish

Metro 24-25 Irish

A tough place to visit but Irish have went out all guns blazing. Wilson's lack of form and a lack of quality in the engine room are Irish's main issues but that's a great backrow and back 3 and they should jut sneak this one.

Metro 22-27 Irish
That Irish back row and centre pairing will make alot of gain with their half backs pulling the strings. Bench will bring Metro pretty close but being able to bring on Cruden will see Irish take a top win.

Metro 23 - 25 London Irish

Racing Metro 20 - 27 London Irish

Metro are one of the stronger French sides, but they side they have out in real life this week is a fair bit stronger than that which Irish are up against today. It will tell up front, with the quality Irish pack getting a nudge on at the set piece, and has enough power and dynamism to win the battle around the park. From there, they'll control the game, I'm not sure there's enough for a bonus point, but would expect a decent score here from Irish

Leicester Tigers 22 - 29 ASM Clermont Auvergne

Leicester 25 - 18 Clermont
French sides not doing so great away from home and the Tank is in such a great vein of form he's going to be the difference in this game and a lot of power throughout the home side that I can see them getting the home win.

Leicester Tigers v ASM Clermont Auvergne. 25-24

Tigers 26-24 Clermont
Prefer the Clermont front five. Tigers back row has more about it. Big carries here. One each in the half backs and Clermont backs have more about them. Bench can come and win this for Leicester

Tigers 23-25 Clermont

Clermont front 5 can get on top here although backrow battle shades to Tigers. Lack of form at 10-12 for Tigers causes issues.

Leicester 21 - 20 Clermont

Leicester 21-24 Clermont

Really tough for Tigers against a very strong Clermont outfit. Can only really see Tigers getting on top in the backrow with Clermont a bit stronger in every other department.

Tigers 25-27 Clermont
Tough match for Tigers but fortunate that Waldrom seems to have gained some form so their back row will just take the advantage. Clermont stronger out wide and can get some good gains here. Looking at the bench there really isn't massive impact from either. I feel that the packs are fairly close but Tigers could mess up some Clermont ball but not enough with that potent backline.

Tigers 26 - 25 ASM

Leicester 19 - 21 Clermont

Leicester have the big pack needed to take on Clermont up front, but the French side look a bit stronger behind the scrum, and its tough to see any side realistically getting one over their pack. Its very close, and even factoring in French form away from home, but Clermont will take this one

Ospreys 21 - 25 Saracens

Ospreys 6 - 22 Saracens
Too much for the away side, can't see Ospreys threatening at all if I am honest. Poor sides in the pro12 this year except the Scottish teams.

Ospreys 24 - 26 Saracens

Slight edge to Sarries up front, whilst second rows are fairly even. Two good back rows hat edge to Sarries and they win the packs. Two even HB pairings, not much in the centers, slight edge to Sarries in the back three. Think Sarries edge this one.

Ospreys 17-23 Saracens
Sarries have a better front five. Prefer the Sarries back row with the better 8. Sarries more solid in the backs.

Ospreys 20-22 Saracens

Relatively tight looking at the starting sides but Sarries bench is a step up.

Ospreys 19 - 22 Saracens

Ospreys 22-30 Sarries
Pretty simple, Sarries are much stronger than an Ospreys side who's performances have been ok this season but not standout. Backrow and fly half battle will be interesting to watch but else where it leads to a good Sarries win.

Ospreys 20 - 21 Saracens

Ospreys 19 - 24 Saracens

Saracens have the advantage over the Welsh side in pretty much every facet of play. The Welsh regions struggle against sides in our league, and even with Biggar and other Welsh internationals making Ospreys the strongest of those teams, I think Sarries will have enough to take the win on the road. Lacking a bit of thrust off the bench for the bonus

Munster 20 - 28 Northampton

Munster Rugby v Northampton Saints.21-22

Munster 19 - 22 Saints

Saints take the front row comfortably, but second rows more even. More in the Saints back row and they dominate the pack. One apiece at HB, also one aiece at centre, with fairly tight back threes. Saints pack advantage sees hem home.

Munster 20-24 Saints
Munster are beatable as shown by Leicester and think the Saints have enough to do it.

Munster 12-22 Saints

Pack battle tight but Saints a step up at 10 and in midfield and should ease their way through this one.

Munster 23 - 25 Saints

Munster 18-24 Northampton

Munster not at their best but they're always tough at home. Saints looking strong across the board but prefer Munster halfbacks, this isn't enough to stop a good Saints win.

Munster 20-28 Saints
Munster have been pretty poor to be honest, not alot to say about this game and think that Saints have huge advantages in front 5, at 12 and on the bench. Good win.

Munster 15 - 19 Saints

Munster 23 - 29 Saints

Saints are the Euro specialists on here, and it tells here against a Munster side which doesnt quite match up to the Irish province strength of old. Too much power in the pack, and plenty of cutting edge in the backline, will give Saints a solid win.

Oyonnax 18 - 30 Quins

Oynannox 18 - 26 Harlequins
Haven't been overly impressed with the home side when I've seen them, Quins are definite contenders this year in Europe and have some great attacking options that can benefit from their pack.

Oyonnax v Harlequins 21-22

Oyonnax 18 - 39 Harlequins

Mis-match here.

Oyonnax 15-31 Quins
Quins just too good everywhere

Oyonnax 20-30 Quins

Quins backs a big step up and the hardworking backrow should give them a decent platform.

Oyonnax 17-27 Harlequins

Routine win for Quins and they'll have control for the majority of the match. Some form issues in the props but Quins step it up in the rest of the XV.

Oyonnax 18-28 Quins
That Quins back line will rip Oyonnax to shreds here. Looking up front Oyonnax are no shirkiers but think they will struggle with the pack replacements Quins can bring on.

Oyannax 17 - 27 Harlequins 

Oyonnax 17 - 30 Harlequins

Quins gone with a strong outfit on the road, and Oyonnax have been struggling this season. Quins firepower across the backline will cut the French side to shreds, and should be an easy win.

Bath Rugby 22 - 23 Sale Sharks

Bath 22 - 20 Sale
Not sure there is enough power in the Sale midfield, but otherwise an even contest where home advantage just sways it. Beaumont a very good player. Doesn't seem Sale's usual first choice team.

Bath v Sale Sharks 21-22

Bath 24 - 23 Sale

Sale edge the front row for me, but prefer Bath at second row. Two fairly even second rows, and think the packs overall are quite tight. As a duo edge to Bath at HB, two exciting centre combos whilst Sale edge the back three. Really tough to call, home advantage sways it.

Bath 24 - 23 Sale

Bath 22-23 Sale

Sale with the edge in the pack but Bath's backs better in this all AP fixture. I think Bath might have sneaked it with a game plan but I have to go with Sale. 2 very strong benches.

Bath 23-27 Sale
Front row Sale can get some advantages, Bath bring it back in the 2nd row and looking at the back row I think Sale have very good balance and can get the advantage here. Half-back battle and centres slightly closer but Sale will get better breakdown ball. Back 3 to Sale as well with benches fairly even. Sale bringing a good layout of how they will tackle the game using their fairly mobile pack. A good win there.

Bath 25 - 26 Sale

Bath 22 - 27 Sale

Bath look weak at the set piece to me, and up against a Sale side which is so strong at that area I think they should have started with their best props. Sale have some serious power around the park, while the backlines are close. Baths backs will keep them in it, but Sale have the platform to take the win away from home

Slowest results ever......