Semi final time in the Heineken Cup, and four teams 80 minutes away from a Heineken Cup final.
First up is Saracens taking on Clermont Auvergne at Twickenham Stadium. Saracens build their play on massive physicality, and organised defense, then thye have some good strike runners in back play. Then of course they have Owen Farrell to knock the penalties over. They may not be the most exciting team to watch, dull you could say, but awesomely effective. Clermont are European royalty – stuffed with French internationals, and a pick and mix of the best international players. As well as a bringing their own impressive physicality, they have players like Fofana, Nalaga and Sivivatu that can turn a match on it’s head. For the sake of rugby, I hope Clermont win, I always enjoy watching them, and I’m going with them by 5.
Then on Sunday, Munster go to Marseille to take on champions Toulon. Munster have a huge pedigree in this competition, it’s their 10th semi, following on from a semi appearance last year. Munster have a very balanced team, and brought unmatched physicality and energy in their win over Toulouse. They’ll have to bring that and more to Marseille though, as they don’t get bigger and badder than Toulon, who can just crush the life out of you. It’s the million euro question, can Munster come up with the kind of form from the quarter finals, and pick the champions pocket. It’s not impossible, but on this occasion, I think they may just come up short, as the away venue will count against them.
Heineken Cup
Saturday , April 26
Saracens vs Clermont Auvergne
Sunday , April 27
Toulon vs Munster
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