In the Anglo-Irish half of the tournament we get the grudge rematch of that Grand slam final – only this time it’s personal – and some of it’s in Milton Keyes!
Laaaadies and genelman, in the blue corner we have the disputed cruiser weight champion of the world, the elusive, the effusive, Big Boss Man Blue Magic, taking on the veteran Hulk ‘Tiger’ Hogan, hailing from sunny little Ingerland, and the second part of this double header sees the heavyweight Northampton ‘British Bulldog’ do battle with the one, the only, Sttttttone Cold Ulster.
There are four big matches in the quarters, but being only slightly biased, Leinster versus Leicester is the biggest. Leinster have arguably played some of the most attractive rugby in tournament so far, and now they get to take on the English league leaders, in the same stadium and against many of the same players whose Grand slam hopes were dashed just two weeks ago. Leinster lost last weekend, but hey, you have to respect your elders and give the old codgers a break now and again. This week it is going to see the return of the blue steel that swept away Racing, Clermont and Saracens. Well it had bloody better do anyway! Leicester are a formidable team, with a point to prove after the 6 Nations, and no doubt in need of a bit of payback after losing out two years ago in Edinburgh. I really can’t wait, and the big moment seems to bring out the best in Leinster so I’m going with them.
Here’s one for all you trivia fans – where are two of the four Heineken Cup matches going to be played this weekend? Yes that’s right, Spain, as we see the Catalan influence on French rugby with both Perpignan and Biarritz taking their home matches to Spain and bigger stadiums. Four French team, only two will emerge out of this round – doesn’t seem fair does it? Ah shame! I’m not going to pretend to have an in depth knowledge of French rugby, apart from the fact that all the clubs operate on the budget of a small European country, and I guess what you pick up from going goggle eyed watching HCup. On current form Perpignan/Toulon looks like a pretty evenly match, being only 2 points apart in the T14. Perpignan are at home, which counts for a huge amount in France, and while they’re not doing so well in the T14 this year, they have a rich rugby history. Toulon are literally the nouveau riche in French rugby, very talented players, but away from home and still paying their dues in experience, this is going to be Perpignan.
Biarritz/Toulouse – this is a rematch of last seasons final, but Biarritz have home advantage this year. Biarritz’ll be keen to avenge last seasons loss, and I know that home advantage is massive in France, but Toulouse are in awesome form, top of the T14, and stuffed with players you’d give your right arm for. I’m going for Toulouse to be the team to buck home advantage and come away with a win.
I'd expect a rejuvenated Munster to sort out Brive in the Amlin - given Brives lowly standing T14. Hope they don't take it too lighlty though, you know what they say about the French at home...
Shark Bite
C’mon the Sharks! Three losses on the trot, this season is going pear shaped fast! The Lions have adopted their traditional dire early season form (as opposed to their dire mid season and end of season form). Don’t let this be the match they manage to turn the corner! Sharks by 10
Heineken Cup
Saturday , April 9
Perpignan vs Toulon 15:30
Leinster vs Leicester 18:00
Sunday , April 10
Northampton vs Ulster 13:30
Biarritz vs Toulouse 16:15
Amlin Challenge Cup
Thursday , April 7
La Rochelle vs Clermont Auvergne 19:45
Friday , April 8
Stade Francais vs Montpellier 19:45
Harlequins vs Wasps 19:45
Saturday , April 9
Brive vs Munster 13:00
Super Rugby
Friday , April 8
Highlanders vs Cheetahs 19:35
Saturday , April 9
Crusaders vs Bulls 19:35
Brumbies vs Hurricanes 19:40
Western Force vs Waratahs 20:05
Stormers vs Reds 17:05
Sharks vs Lions 19:10
Would only disagree on the Toulon game, I think Jonny Wilko might kick Toulon to victory in that one. But completely agree with the others; Leinster will have too much for Leicester at the Aviva and the Irish players in that side are fully aware of the psychological advantage they have over Leicester's English contingent. Northampton should put Ulster away without too much trouble and last year's champions Toulouse have so many big game players that they should jsut edge past Biarritz althought it will be immensely tight.
ReplyDeleteToulon Perpignan is going to be a massive game, and you're right, could see Jonny taking them over the line. I suppose it depends on how intimadated Toulon are by Perpignan's home crowd.
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