I just gave him a little tap... photo from http://bit.ly/hcHc8C
Not pretty reading if you are a Scottish, Welsh or English supporter. The supposed flakiness of French teams on the road is questionable as three of the 6 French wins were away from home. And the one loss, that of Biarritz to Aironi, was nothing short of miraculous – Viadana is likely to rival Lourdes in the future for pilgrims.
This weekend they’re all the great back to back match ups to look forward to, an opportunity for teams to right all the wrongs from last week. I wouldn’t want to be in Aironi’s boots that for sure…
All the fixtures are at the bottom.
To get you in the mood, here are Toulouse's trys from last week:
Bath vs Ulster
This was a topsy turvey fixture last weekend, both sides seemingly intent on throwing it all away. Is there going to be more spirit of the game , old chap, or are we going to see some mongrel this week? I’m going to go with home advantage and tip Bath to win.
Ospreys vs Munster
Again bring it on! Munster had to come from behind last week to overcome the Ospreys, and it’ll be even harder this week away from home. They are without Paul O’Connell suspended for four weeks – Munster supporters would say that it’s a plot to keep Munster weak to give everyone else a chance. The Ospreys were a bit flat for me last week, good technical skills but not much flair. I’d tip them to come out on top this week.
Leinster vs Clermont Auvergne
The injuries are mounting up for Leinster now with Jamie Heaslip and Eoin O’Malley joining the host of other injuries. This is going to be another war of attrition against a physically huge and aggressive French team. Leinster may have lost last weekend but what they delivered in spades was heart. Whether heart is going to be enough this week remains to be seen on, on form and injuries Clermont must be favourites, but I think Leinster are going to pull one out the hat at what is going to be a freezing Aviva stadium.
Connacht vs Harlequins
Harlequins found Connacht surprisingly tough last week, and I think they are going to find the going even tougher this weekend. Connacht have quality players with confidence in their abilities and a good coach. They don’t have much depth, which could count towards the end of the match. I’m going with them to put some manners on their English guests
Racing Metro 92 vs Saracens
The anticipation for the match is nothing compared to the anticipation for the after match interview. Brendan Venter claims his on camera antics were a joke. Ho Ho Ho Brendan, you had us all in stitches. Looking at the result last weekend he should probably put a pause on his burgeoning acting career and concentrate on his coaching. Racing to win.
Toulon vs London Irish
Thinsgs are going horribly wrong at London Irish and unfortunately the pain is likely to continue against a buoyant Toulon. Who’s going to stop the French teams? Not London Irish anyway.
Otherwise, Leicester are going to have a fight on their hands with Perpignan, hard one to call that, Leicester with home advantage I guess.
Heineken Cup
Friday , December 17
Biarritz vs Aironi Rugby 18:00
Racing Metro 92 vs Saracens 20:00
Saturday , December 18
Toulouse vs Glasgow 13:30
Bath vs Ulster 13:30
Benetton Treviso vs Scarlets 13:30
Ospreys vs Munster 15:30
Toulon vs London Irish 15:30
Leinster vs Clermont Auvergne 17:45
Sunday , December 19
Wasps vs Newport-Gwent D'gons 13:00
Edinburgh vs Castres 14:00
Leicester vs Perpignan 15:00
Cardiff Blues vs Northampton 15:00
More Heineken Cup fixtures
Amlin Challenge Cup
Thursday , December 16
Stade Francais vs Bucuresti 19:45
Friday , December 17
Connacht vs Harlequins 19:00
Saturday , December 18
Agen vs Rovigo 13:30
Cavalieri Prato vs Bayonne 14:00
Bourgoin vs Montpellier 19:45
Sunday , December 19
Cetransa El Salvador vs Petrarca 11:00
Rugby Parma vs Leeds Carnegie 13:30
Newcastle vs Exeter 15:00
Sale vs Brive 15:00
Gloucester vs La Rochelle 17:45
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