Shaun Goosen previews the Champions Cup Round of 16. Headline fixtures for the weekend include Munster's trip to Exeter as well as Montpellier's date with Harlequins at the GGL Stadium.
Friday 8 April
Connacht 46/10 | Draw 25/1 | Leinster 1/6 (21:00)
Connacht host Leinster at Galway Greyhound Stadium just two weeks after their 45-8 loss at the same venue. While it must be noted that the hosts were reduced to 14-men after just three minutes in that encounter, there’s no doubt that Leinster will be back themselves to get the job done again against their countrymen. It may not be as one-sided, but Leo Cullen’s charges should claim this one.
I can’t see any other result other than a Leinster win here.
Saturday 9 April
Sale 41/100 | Draw 20/1 | Bristol 21/10 (14:00)
Sale and Bristol clash at the AJ Bell on Saturday. The Sharks have weathered some inconsistent form to remain in contention for a Premiership playoff, although it does seem a rather tall order right now. In any case, they’ll fancy their chances against a Bears side that have taken some big steps back this season.
Sale should prove far too good for a Bristol outfit who have been massively disappointing this season.
Bordeaux 6/10 | Draw 20/1 | La Rochelle 29/20 (14:00)
One of the tightest games to call sees Bordeaux welcome La Rochelle to the Stade Marcel Deflandre on Saturday in a repeat of their Top 14 game last week. The hosts are second on the Top 14 standings while La Rochelle are just five points back in third. This will be the second-consecutive week the teams meet at this venue after La Rochelle pipped Bordeaux 16-15. The hosts should hit back here though.
As evidenced by last week’s result between these teams, this should be a close-run thing but I’m backing the hosts to win it. Top 14 home form generally counts for a lot more than in other competitions.
Toulouse 17/100, Draw 25/1, Ulster 44/10 (16:15)
Toulouse and Ulster meet at the Municipal Stadium on Saturday. The defending champions haven’t had it easy this season, and it certainly won’t be any different this weekend. Ulster have been a real force in the URC and will have real ambitions of going far in Europe too. Ultimately though, Toulouse should do the job at home here.
I just can’t see Ulster going to France and getting a result against this Toulouse outfit. Back the hosts.
Stade Francais 2/1 | Draw 20/1 | Racing 43/100 (18:30)
Stade Francais and Racing 92 face off in another all-French affair at the Stade Jean-Bouin on Saturday. The home side is languishing in 11th-place in the Top 14 after a rather forgettable domestic season, but do still have the opportunity to win silverware in Europe. Unfortunately for them, Racing 92 might have their number after beating them 53-20 at La Defense Arena a week ago.
You can’t look past last week’s result here. I don’t think home advantage will be able to offset the 33-point defeat suffered by the Parisians last week.
Exeter 5/10 | Draw 20/1 | Munster 7/4 (18:30)
Munster could pull a surprise when they tackle Exeter at Sandy Park. The Chiefs haven’t been their all-conquering selves this season, and the 2019-20 Heineken Cup champions will have a tough task winning silverware this campaign. Despite missing several players through injury, Munster may sneak this one to set up a big showdown at Thomond Park next week.
I like the look of this Munster side. They certainly have what it take to get one over their hosts this weekend. Small bet on Munster for me.
Sunday 10 April
Montpellier 49/100 | Draw 20/1 | Harlequins 7/4 (14:00)
The Top 14 leaders and the defending Premiership champions meet at GGL Stadium on Sunday. While the French outfit are heavily favoured, there’s an outside chance Quins could come through with a big performance and win in Montpellier.
The English are certainly good enough to get over the line here. I’ll have a small play on them to win away from home.
