Champions Cup: Round 4 Preview
Harlequins looking to cement top spot; Castres fight to stay in the comp!
Harlequins vs Castres Olympique
Friday 21st January
Twickenham Stoop
20:00 GMT
Harlequins enter the final round of the Champions Cup group stages with a perfect 3 wins from 3, a bonus-point win in this fixture would almost certainly guarantee them that coveted top spot in Pool B. Whilst Harlequins have already qualified for the knockout stages, Castres are on the opposite end of the spectrum as they sit 3 points adrift of the knockout places, making this game a must-win for the travelling French side.
Whilst Quins have already done enough to see them through to the latter stages of the tournament, Tabai Matson & co will have no intention of resting on their laurels but instead look to seal first place in Pool B. In what’s been an excellent week for Quins in terms of re-signings with the likes of Alex Dombrandt, Luke Northmore, Cadan Murley and a host of other key squad members all committing their future to the club, they’ll want to add the cherry on top with a win in front of the Stoop on Friday night. Quins have opted to make 10 changes to the starting lineup from last week’s dramatic win at Cardiff Arms Park. Joe Marler, Dino Lamb and captain Alex Dombrandt are the only members of the pack who retain their starting places from last week. Jack Musk and Simon Kerrod come into the front row at Hooker and Tighthead respectively, Hugh Tizard replaces Matt Symons at lock whilst Tongan international Viliami Taulani and club stalwart Luke Wallace replace Lawday and Chisholm in the back row. In the backline, only Louis Lynagh and Cadan Murley retain their starting positions from last week with most of the first choice group given a rest. Marcus Smith and Joe Marchant are also named on the bench primed to provide a hefty impact late in the game.
Castres will be ruing last week’s home defeat to Munster. In a game that looked certain to end in Castres coming away with four crucial points, a 78th minute Gavin Coombes score saw Pierre-Henry Broncan’s side only come away with a losing bonus-point for their efforts. Whilst those dropped points may end up being the difference between whether Castres make the knockout stages or not, they still have a slim chance to redeem themselves this week. With their European life on the line, the French side have opted to field a much stronger squad than in previous rounds. Six changes to the starting lineup have been made from last week, most notably, French international Gaetan Barlot returns at hooker to captain the side. After being named in France’s Six Nations squad midweek, Florent Vanverberghe also comes back into the side to start at lock. Last week’s man of the match Mateaki Kafatolu retains his place at flanker however this week he is part of a new-look back row with Nick De Crespigny and Kevin Kornath starting at blindside and number 8 respectively. Scrum-half Rory Kockott and centre Adrea Cocagi also come into the starting XV as the only changes made to the backline. As well as the changes to the starting lineup, Josaia Rasique and Vilimoni Botitu come into the matchday 23 on the bench. If the game is in the balance late on, those two could end up being the difference in this game and ultimately, whether Castres move on to the knockout stages.
Both of these sides have lots to play for in this contest. Quins are looking to wrap up top spot in Pool B whilst Castres are in a must-win situation. For those who don’t watch Castres on a regular basis, they’re a gnarly side who take pride in their defence, they certainly won’t make this an easy game for Quins. In saying that, whilst Quins have named a slightly weaker side than normal, they should be too much for a travelling Castres side with still a raft of world-class players in the matchday 23.
Prediction: Harlequins 31 - 23 Castres Olympique
Stade Toulousain vs Cardiff Rugby
Saturday 22nd January
Stade Ernest Wallon
13:00 GMT
CANCELLED
Bath Rugby vs Leinster Rugby
Saturday 22nd January
The Rec
13:00 GMT
Bath face the daunting task of hosting Leinster at the Rec in the last round of the Champions Cup group stages. Whilst the hosts have no mathematical chance of qualification, Leinster will be striving to seal their place in the knockout stages Bath are currently on a club worst, 10 game Champions Cup losing streak, and they have lost to Leinster 10 of the 12 times they have met in this competition. History does not seem to be on the West-country men’s side, and to be frank, the present doesn’t provide any indication of an incoming upset. Leinster are currently leading the Champions Cup in per game averages for the following statistics: Most Carries (138), Metres Gained (1179), Passes Completed (209), Defenders Beaten (32), and Offloads (17). The Irish juggernaut demolished Montpellier 89-7 last week in what was the joint third biggest margin in a Champions Cup game, and they seem hungry to win with another bonus point in order to claim as high a seeding as possible to benefit from home advantage in the latter stages of the competition.
With the Knockout stages out of reach, Stuart Hooper has opted for a host of changes from last week. A whole new front row featuring Arthur Cordwell, Jacques Du Toit and the return of England International tighthead Will Stuart will line up against the all International front-row of Leinster. Will Spencer starts ahead of Josh McInally and Sam Underhill is back at Openside with young Ewan Richards dropping out of the matchday 23 altogether. In the backs, Orlando Bailey, fresh from an England call-up is back in the 10 jersey. Bailey’s return causes a little shuffle with Cam Redpath shifting to his more natural inside centre position and Max Clark starting at outside centre. Lastly, Gabe Hamer-Webb is set to make his starting debut in the Champions Cup.
Leinster, still feeling hard done by the Champions Cup organisers’ decision to forfeit their Round 2 fixture against Montpellier, are leaving nothing to chance and Leo Cullen has named a powerhouse squad. The four-time Heineken Champions Cup Winners have named no less than 12 Internationals in their starting XV. In the forward pack, Michael Ala’alatoa and Josh Murphy replace Tadhg Furlong and James Ryan respectively, both of whom have been put under an injury cloud since last week. In the backs, Luke McGrath and Jonny Sexton both switch places with last week's respective starters Jamison Gibson-Park and Ross Byrne. Lastly, Robbie Henshaw returns to the starting lineup and Frawley reverts to the bench.
Josh Van Der Flier has highlighted that they will be taking this game very seriously, reflecting on ‘’the last time [Leinster] played at the Rec and it was a very tight game. It’s always hard to go away in Europe and it’ll be a tough challenge’’. Let’s not overthink this one, the gulf in quality between these two sides is large and with Leinster having the chance to improve their seeding for the knockout stages, they’ll be motivated to put in a similar performance to last week’s 82 point victory.
Prediction: Bath 14 - 41 Leinster
Leicester Tigers vs Bordeaux-Begles
Saturday 22nd January
Welford Road
15:15 GMT
CANCELLED
Ulster Rugby vs Clermont Auvergne
Saturday 22nd January
Kingspan Stadium
17:30 GMT
Les Januards visit Ulster at the Kingspan in a crucial game to deceit the fate of both clubs' fate in the Champions Cup knockout stages. The hosts are sitting at the top of Pool A and although already qualified, they will be looking to close out the group stages at the top of the pool to secure the best home advantage for the knockout stages. Clermont, on the other hand, are in a more precarious situation. The French club are in 7th, just two points clear of Montpellier and Glasgow, meaning that if they were to lose and both those teams won, they’d drop out of the top 8. This matchup is set to be a classic, and there is both recent and old history to make the pressure at the Kingspan rise even higher
Ulster have been on a tear in Europe as of late. The Belfast club has won their last six home fixtures, though all have ended in a nail-biting seven or less margin. They travelled to Clermont in December and edged out a 6 point victory which has put them in good stead. For this clash, Dan McFarland has opted for only 2 changes from the side that beat Northampton a week ago. Andrew Warwick’s absence at loosehead sees Eric O’Sullivan take his place, whilst 23-year-old Angus Curtis starts at inside centre with Stuart McCloskey and Stewart Moor both unavailable.
The situation is simple for Clermont, win this game and they guarantee themselves a spot in the knockout stages. A loss would mean that Montpellier have the chance to leapfrog them on Sunday with a win at home against Exeter. Jono Gibbes will have highlighted lots of improvement areas from the reverse fixture, in which Clermont were outclassed. With their champions cup survival on the line, the French side have made a whopping 10 changes from the one that beat Sale last week. The entire front row is replaced as Falgoux, Beheregaray and Slimani are all promoted from the bench. Paul Jedrasiak also starts at lock after appearing on the bench last week, he’s partnered by Puma Tomas Lavanini. Lucas Dessaigne is the final change to the forward pack, he starts at 7 whilst Jacobus Van Tonder shifts to number 8 in Fritz Lee’s absence. Morgan Parra and JJ Hanrahan form a new look halfback pairing with Camille Lopez on the bench and Sebastian Bezy omitted from the matchday 23. Tani Vili, JP Barraque and Cheikh Tiberghien are the final changes, they start at 12, 13 and 15 respectively.
This matchup seems to always produce an explosive, high-scoring affair as both sides contain a raft of world-class attacking players. In games where both sides boast attacking superstars, it’s all about which defence does a better job of containing them. Ulster’s defence throughout the season, in particular the champions cup, has been outstanding. I think the home side’s defence will be enough to hold off a gun-slinging Clermont side, especially with the crowd behind them.
Prediction: Ulster 33 - 26 Clermont
Scarlets vs Bristol Bears
Saturday 22nd January
Parc y Scarlets
17:30 GMT
After the reverse fixture being cancelled in Round 1, Scarlets and Bristol now square off. These two sides have never played against one another in the Champions Cup before. Bristol Bears sealed their entrance into the knockout stages with last week’s win over Stade Francais, leaving them still undefeated through three rounds. Scarlets on the other hand are rooted at the bottom of Pool B and have no chance of qualifying. The home side will be looking to bounce back from their 35 point humbling loss to Bordeaux last week.
Whilst Scarlets have little to no chance to qualify for the knockout stages, this game will mean an enormous amount to Dwayne Peel’s side. It will be the first time Scarlets play in front of a home crowd since October 22nd. Much of the talk throughout the week has been involving the pride factor, with an eager Scarlets crowd in attendance the home side will be desperate to put on a show. Six changes have been made from last week’s loss to Bordeaux. Up front, Welsh international Samson Lee replaces WillGriff John at tighthead whilst Morgan Jones and Shaun Evans come into the side at lock and openside flanker respectively. Dane Blacker and Rhys Patchell form an all-new halfback pairing as Gareth Davies is given a rest and Sam Costelow moves to the bench. Ryan Conbeer comes onto the blindside wing as the final change.
Bristol’s passage into the last 16 is safe, however, this game is still important for the Bears as they hunt for higher seeding. Pat Lam has made four changes from the side that beat Stade Francais last week. Two of those changes come in the front row with Jake Woolmore replacing Max Lahiff at loosehead and Bryan Byrne, who makes his first appearance of the season, starting at hooker. Ed Holmes is the final change to the pack as he fills in at lock for John Hawkins. The only change to the backline sees Charles Piutau return from injury, he starts in his familiar fullback position moving Luke Morahan to the wing and Ioan Lloyd into the 12 jersey in place of Piers O’Conor. Also, a notable inclusion on the bench is Siva Naulago, the former Rugby League player returns to make his first appearance of the season.
Scarlets’ and Bristol’s fates have already been sealed coming into this contest with the Welsh side having no chance of progressing and the Bears having already locked up a knockout spot. With Scarlets having named a side packed full of internationals and having the opportunity to play in front of their home crowd for the first time in months, I think they’ll be able to sneak past the Bears in a close tussle.
Prediction: Scarlets 24 - 22 Bristol Bears
Glasgow Warriors vs Stade Rochelais
Saturday 22nd January
Scotstoun Stadium
20:00 GMT
It’s all to play for in this contest as both sides come in with lots on the line. Glasgow will be looking to regroup after their 52-17 loss at the hands to Exeter last week. There’s no respite for the Scottish side as they face an in form La Rochelle team in their fight for a place in the last 16. La Rochelle’s bonus-point win over bath last week secured Ronan O’Gara’s side qualification into the knockout stages, however, this game gives them a slim chance to claim the top spot in Pool A.
The Glaswegians will be looking to leave last week’s loss behind them and right their wrongs this time around. Danny Wilson has opted to make four changes from last week. Two of those changes come in the front row with Oli Kebble replacing Jamie Bhatti at Loosehead and this week’s captain Fraser Brown moving George Turner to the bench. The final change in the pack sees Scottish international Richie Gray replace Kiran McDonald at lock. Rufus McLean is the only change in the backline, he’ll take the 11 jersey in place of Cole Forbes.
La Rochelle will be delighted to have sealed their place in the knockout stages last week instead of having to travel to Scotstoun needing a result. Now, whilst they have a spot in the last 16 wrapped up, they have a small chance to win Pool A. A loss in this fixture and other results not going in their favour could see Ronan O’Gara’s side drop as far as 7th in the group. As such, the French side have only made one change from last week’s win over Bath. Jeremy Sinzelle’s absence forces a shuffle in the back line as Pierre Boudement comes into the side on the wing with Raymond Rhule moving across to fill the void at outside centre.
Personally, this is my pick for the game of the round. These are two excellent teams and this battle boasts colossal head to head matchups all over the field. With Glasgow playing for their Champions Cup survival in an environment that is extremely challenging for visiting teams, I think they’ll be able to get the job done. Expect a low-scoring, defensive-minded battle where every visit into the 22 will be crucial as points will be at a minimum.
Prediction: Glasgow Warriors 23 - 19 La Rochelle
Sale Sharks vs Ospreys
Sunday 23rd January
AJ Bell Stadium
13:00 GMT
A dead rubber match at the AJ Bell between the already qualified Sale Sharks and the last placed Ospreys can’t change outcomes drastically, but there's still a lot to play for. The hosts are currently qualified for the Champions Cup knockout stages in 7th place with one win, one forced draw, and a loss, but have the chance to leapfrog Clermont and potentially Exeter (if Exeter were to lose against and not get 2 bonus points) into 6th or 5th place respectively. The added home advantage of finishing higher in the pool makes this a crucial game for Sale if they are to extend their Champions Cup ambitions beyond the Round of 16.
Ospreys are currently sitting dead last in Pool A, and whilst their Champions Cup hopes were dashed last week by Racing 92, they still have the chance to qualify for the Challenge Cup. With Bath (11th) having been pummelled by Leinster just two losing bonus points would secure a Challenge Cup berth.
Alex Sanderson’s men have had a lacklustre 2021/22 campaign so far and we have mentioned how they must now focus on making an unlikely but plausible Champions Cup run to salvage their season. They beat Ospreys in the reverse fixture, and that has been their only Champions Cup win this season, with their home game against Clermont cancelled and their reverse fixture narrowly lost at the Marcel-Michelin. Sharks are an ambitious side with an abundance of talent and ought to make a statement win to carry some momentum as well as the all-important home advantage into the Knockout stages. Sale have not scored a second-half point in the competition so far and that is evidence to the offensive struggles they have faced this season. Having said this, they do welcome back a host of top players that should provide the offensive oomph they have been missing.
Alex Sanderson welcomes back an all-new halfback pairing of Raffi Quirke and AJ MacGinty, with the former returning from a spell on the sidelines and the latter, who was due to start last week but pulled out late for the birth of his child, returning for this clash. The midfield is thus the only unchanged section of the backline, with the back three reshuffling. Hammersley returns to his preferred fullback position, and Aaron Reed moves into the vacant left-wing spot. The pack only sees Tom Curry swap out for his twin brother Ben who gets the nod to start this week.
As has been the case all season, when AJ MacGinty and Raffi Quirke are playing, this team has a much stronger offensive output. The bread and butter of their game plan remains physicality and dominating the breakdown, but the presence of Quirke and MacGinty means they will be attacking the gainline and looking to put support runners in holes as soon as the defence is on the backfoot.
Toby Booth has identified the need to challenge Sale’s physicality and breakdown work in order to upset the Sharks at the AJ Bell. The Ospreys have been struggling in Europe this season and will be setting their sights on salvaging their campaign and continuing to bring European, albeit Challenge Cup, rugby to their fans. They have lost their last 9 Champions Cup games and lost 25 of their last 26 away games in the competition, making this match an even tougher mental streak to break. Only 5 players retain their starting roles with a whole host of changes made by Toby Booth. Nicky Smith and Tom Botha form an all new prop pairing to surround Dewi Lake. Lloyd Ashley replaces Rhys Davies in the second row, whilst Sam Cross and Harri Deaves replace Will Griffiths and new Wales call-up Jac Morgan respectively, both of whom drop out of the matchday 23. Reuben Morgan-Williams and Josh Thomas form a new-look halfback duo, and Michael Collins comes into the midfield. Mat Protheroe, who is second in defenders beaten per game (6) in the Competition shifts from fullback to right wing to accommodate Dan Evans at the back. The host of changes will certainly be a call towards receiving a response, but also a chance to gel some of the players which have had less match time throughout the season, not to mention giving their Welsh call-ups a rest before an arduous Six Nations Campaign.
Prediction: Sale Sharks 30 - 17 Ospreys
Stade Francais vs Connacht Rugby
Sunday 23rd January
Stade Jean Bouin
13:00 GMT
Stade Francais’ knockout chances are slim but possible, they host the gnarly Connacht at the Jean Bouin in their quest to continue their Champions Cup campaign. A bonus point win with a margin of more than 6 points would be enough to leapfrog Cardiff in the coveted top 8, but they also need Wasps to lose and not pick up two losing bonus points. The chances are slim, but Stade have named a side with the intent of winning and giving themselves a chance at qualification. Connacht, who won this reverse fixture and picked up crucial bonus points in both their losses to Leicester, have been rewarded with automatic qualification into the Champions Cup round of 16. Andy Friend has highlighted their intent to win this match and put their French woes to bed, having lost on 6 of their last 7 visits to France.
The hosts have made 8 changes in their quest to defeat Connacht, and keep their European hopes alive. An all tight five features a front row of Castets, Latu and Alo-Emile. De Giovanni and Gabrillagues pair up in the Engine Room, shifting Francoz to blindside. Sekou Macalou returns to the starting lineup at Openside and Tala Gray captains the side from No.8 as usual. In the backs, Canadian International Will Percillier starts at half-back pairing with Puma Centurion Nico Sanchez. The backline sees Telusa Veainu swap wings, and Adrien Lapegue starts ahead of Paul Champs on the bench. The Parisians, once protagonists of this competition, are in a must-win situation against a side that has proved very capable in the opening round of the Champions Cup.
Andy Friend spoke about last week’s disappointment and highlighted the need to come here and win this game in order to qualify. The team is still full of belief, and whilst they are no longer in a must win situation thanks to previous results, they will feel that they need to bounce back from what was a poor second half melt down in Galway. The Connacht boys are a very well respected club and whilst history has not been kind to their travelling endeavours, they will feel they have all the cards in check to flip the script. Friend has opted for 5 changes for this clash. Jordan Duggan and Greg McGrath form the new Prop pairing in the only changes to the pack that dominated Leicester for 40 minutes last week. The backline sees three new entries, with Caolin Blade starting at 9 as Marmion drops out of the matchday 23. In the midfield, Sammy Arnold shifts from outside centre to inside centre as Bundee Aki will not travel to France. Lastly the back three sees new Ireland call-up Mack Hansen start on the left wing and Alex Wooton on the right, O’Halloran and Jack Carty retain their starting 15 and 10 jersey’s respectively.
In what is set to be a tight and physical affair, we’re giving Stade the home edge as well as the emotional edge. The Parisians are in a must-win scenario and that ought to propel them towards a much needed victory. Furthermore, whilst they are no longer top-dogs in Paris their fans still hold high standards for them and a failure to make the knockout stages would be a very big let down. Connacht have no doubt the ability to travel to Paris and win, but we’re predicting them to fall just short as they did a week ago.
Prediction: Stade Francais 29 - 27 Connacht Rugby
Racing 92 vs Northampton Saints
Sunday 23rd January
Paris La Defense Arena
15:15 GMT
CANCELLED
Munster Rugby vs Wasps
Sunday 23rd January
Thomond Park
15:15 GMT
In the penultimate fixture of the Champions Cup group stages, Wasps are fighting for their survival in the competition whilst Munster have the chance to leapfrog Bristol and take 3rd place in Pool B. Wasps currently sit precariously in 9th place, just one point behind Cardiff. The situation for Wasps is simple, win and they’re into the knockout stages, a loss on the other hand opens the doors for other teams…
Munster have been excellent through their three games in the Champions Cup, they’ve won all three of their contests and as a result, secured their place in the last 16 coming into this game. However, Johan Van Graan has opted to name a full-strength side as a bonus-point win would see them surpass Bristol and move into 3rd place in Pool B. The Irish side have made three changes to the starting XV from last week’s dramatic win over Castres. Two changes are made in the pack with Diarmuid Barron promoted off the bench to start at hooker in place of Niall Scannell for his first start in the Champions Cup. With Barron in the front row, Dave Kilcoyne is poised to make his 200th appearance for Munster at Loosehead. Jean Kleyn is the other change up front, he starts at lock with Fineen Wycherley moving to the bench. The full strength back row of O’Mahony, O’Donoghue and Coombes provide a daunting task for Wasps, O’Donoghue is set to make his 150th appearance for the club at just 27 years old. The final change sees Ben Healy take the reigns at fly-half with youngster Jack Crowley moved to the bench.
Wasps’ unexpected yet outstanding victory over the reigning champions Toulouse last week has left the door open for the Coventry based side to make the knockout stages. Lee Blackett’s side in 9th place, just one point behind Cardiff and Toulouse above them. Therefore, a win or two bonus points would propel Wasps into the top 8. If they aren’t to win, a losing bonus point would still promote them over Cardiff into 8th place, but that would give Stade Francais a chance to leapfrog them if they were to get a bonus-point win over Connacht. It’s a complicated scenario but essentially, a win has Wasps in the last 16. For this week Wasps have made 8 changes from last week’s victory. An all-new prop pairing sees Tom West feature at Loosehead and Elliot Millar-Mills start at tighthead. Elliott Stooke, Thomas Young and Nizaam Carr are the final changes to the pack, Alfie Barbeary and Tom Willis have been left out. Dan Robson makes his first appearance after his long-term injury to start at scrum-half to partner young Charlie Atkinson. Ryan Mills and Marcus Watson are the final changes to the starting lineup.
With Wasps’ Champions Cup survival on the line, it’s surprising that they’ve opted for so many changes. There are unavailabilities in the squad but Lee Blackett hasn’t opted to go for the ‘all guns blazing’ approach. Munster on the other hand, have opted to field a full-strength squad even with their qualification already sealed. It’s incredibly difficult to win at Thomond Park for any visiting side, especially when you aren’t at full strength. This task seems too much for Wasps, even though they have everything to play for, Munster should be far too strong for them.
Prediction: Munster 37 - 13 Wasps
Montpellier Herault vs Exeter Chiefs
Sunday 23rd January
GGL Stadium
17:30 GMT
The last game of the round has the potential of shaking up the composition of Pool A with the hosts needing just a bonus point to reach the knockout stages. Montpellier, just a week after having been criticised for putting the integrity of the competition in question, have the chance of piling misery on the hopes of Glasgow, and perhaps indirectly to Clermont. Exeter are already automatically qualified and cannot advance nor regress from their current 5th place seeding, thus they are playing for momentum and pride. Montpellier on the other hand, would need just a losing bonus point to knock Glasgow out of the top 8 and in the case of a win for ‘Les Cistes’ they would also drop Clermont to the 8th seed and setting them up for a Round of 16 match with Pool B table-toppers Leicester.
Benefitting from the forfeited match by Leinster in Round 2, and a week after their understrength side was demolished by Leinster at the RDS, Montpellier hold the keys to the makeup of the knockout stages in Pool A. Unsurprisingly, with the knockout stages on the line, Montpellier have opted to field a much stronger side to face Exeter, making 12 changes to the starting XV!
The pack is completely new, with Forletta, Paenga-Amosa and Haouas forming the new front row. Chalureau partners French international Willemse in the lock department and the backrow sees Zach Mercer and Nico JV Rensburg promoted to the starting lineup after featuring on the bench last week. Lastly, Yacouba Camara starts at openside and captains the side.
In the backline, the halfback pairing of Aprasidze and Foursans is unchanged. Other than that and Gabriel Ngandebe on the right-wing, everyone is new. Ex-South Africa International and regular starter Jan Serfontein is selected in the 12 jersey and partners Yvan Reilhac in the midfield. French international Vincent Rattez starts on the left field and Anthony Bouthier rounds out the back three at fullback. Needless to emphasise that the host of changes has been in bringing back key starters in order to get the job done against tough opposition like Exeter. In fact, even more big guns which haven’t featured in other Champions Cup games so far will be featuring from the bench in this matchup. South African International Cobus Reinach and Italian young-gun Paolo Garbisi are set to come on late and former French captain Guirado (who did play last week) is also on the bench.
Exeter have a lot less to gain or to lose from this match, however, we have no doubt Rob Baxter’s men will find their own motivation and know the value and momentum that a win will bring to their campaign. Conversely to Montpellier, they have held the ship steady and made just two changes to the starting XV. Josh Iosefa-Scott and Ian Whitten drop out of the matchday 23 with Sam Nixon and Sean O’Brien filling their respective vacancies. The Chiefs have been at the top of this competition before, and whilst their form has not been that of old both domestically and in Europe their momentum is visibly building week by week. Rob Baxter has spoken about peaking at the right time this season, and I’ll expect them to take pride in this week’s performance, but they do know that the goal and maximum effort is to be exerted elsewhere.
Given the unique circumstance of this match the prediction of this week’s result is heavily affected by off-field matters. Montpellier are fighting at the top of the Top 14 and had they fielded their strongest side against Exeter in the reverse fixture and Leinster last week, they could have seriously challenged in both. This week they have named a side far more competitive than they have done in any other round and we expect them to be hungry to progress to the Round of 16. This paired with Exeter’s qualification status and no way to improve their pool standing means that we are giving Montpellier the edge, albeit marginally because this Chiefs side is no joke.
Prediction: Montpellier 22- 21 Exeter Chiefs