Saturday Games:
Wasps v Exeter Chiefs – KO 15.15, BT Sport
This may be the Chiefs first ever top flight European quarter-final, and they may have scraped into it through luck (i.e. Morgan Parra brain fart) but they have still played incredibly well, beating both Ospreys and Clermont without some of their front line players. With Henry Slade, Dave Ewers, Damien Welch and Mitch Less recovered from injury, Exeter will be aiming to put Wasps to the sword at the Ricoh, as they did back in December.
Wasps, however, are coming into this game off a brilliant run of form. Unlike Exeter, who’s attack had been muted until their eight try win over Worcester last weekend, Wasps have racked up four consecutive victories, including a bonus point against fellow quarter-finalists Leicester Tigers. They will be looking for Nathan Hughes to make more ground than opposite number Thomas Waldrom to release the likes of Christian Wade and Elliot Daly.
Prediction: This will be a very close, fast paced game. I’m expecting a try fest. Exeter (hopefully) to win 32-37.
Saracens v Northampton Saints – KO 17.45, Sky Sports
Both Premiership and European Cup teams would have been hoping that the stars of the team of the year would return from international action jaded and needing a rest. They haven’t. Instead Owen Farrell, Billy Vunipola, George Kruis and the rest have continued their dominance. It cpuld even be said that Saracens are playing with an extra spark.
In contrast, Northampton have not been playing well. They suffered a heavy defeat to Wasps last week and Saracens are an even tougher task. They’re also off the pace for a top four Premiership finish, so could be considering sacrificing Europe to concentrate on the home competition. With this being an away game, they have very little chance to qualify for the quarter finals.
Prediction: Saracens, and easily. 29-9.
Sunday Games:
Leicester Tigers v Stade Francais Paris – KO 13.45, BT Sports
This is a fascinating replay of a pool stage match-up. In the first round of the competition Leicester triumphed 33-20 at home. The tables turned in France however, with Stade Francais winning 36-21.
Since then Leicester have moved into the Top four of the Premiership. To win Leicester need to be switched on for the full eighty minutes, unlike against Gloucester last weekend when they leaked 24 unanswered points in the first half.
Contrastly, Stade Francais have slipped to a very disappointing 12th in the Top 14, the league they won last year. Despite this captain Serio Parisse still believes his team can beat their English opposition, although the Tigers have won three of their last four Champions Cup encounters against the French side.
Prediction: Leicester to win 27-22
Racing 92 v RC Toulon – KO 16.15, Sky Sports
The only quarter final without English representation pits Racing 92, who currently sit third in the Top 14, against fourth place Toulon. Dan Carter will be aiming to propel his new Parisian side into the next round after they cruised through the pool stages, only losing away once they were assured of topping the group. They want to reap the rewards of the vast investment acky Lorenzetti has made to the club
Toulon, with its multitude of global superstars, are aiming for a fourth consecutive Champions Cup title. Their route to this stage was less simple, although they were unlucky not to top the group after winning five of six games. Matt Giteau knows what it takes to win this tournament and the new big signings, such as Ma’a Nonu, will want to stamp their mark on the team during the high pressure stage of Europe’s elite competition.
Prediction: Although French teams are usually very reliable at home, Toulon to scrape the win due to their pedigree in this competition. 19-17.
