European Champions Cup Preview: Pool 3

After three rounds of games in pool 3 qualification for the knockout stages is still up for grabs for all four teams in what is the most competitive pool in this years competition. Reigning European champions Toulon lead the way with 9 points and are closely followed by Leicester with 8 points with Ulster behind the Tigers with 6 points and the Scarlets completing the group with 4 points.

Ulster resurrected their chances of making through to the knockout stages with a much needed 24-9 bonus point win over the Scarlets. Having lost to Leicester Tigers and Toulon their win against the Scarlets has put them back into contention of making it through to the knockout stages. As for the Scarlets having picked up their first win of the competition against the Tigers, they failed to make it two wins from two in what was a disappointing display from the Welsh side. They will now look to get back to winning ways when they welcome Ulster to the Parc Y Scarlets this Sunday. They have a good home record this season having not tasted defeat so far and will need that to continue that if they are to have any chance of qualifying for the quarter finals.

Leicester Tigers produced one of the best performances of round three as they defeated two-time European Champions Toulon 25-21 at Welford road. In what was a must win game for the Tigers they were able to get their European campaign back on track thanks to the boot of Owen Williams and a try from former All Black Brad Thorn. They now face the daunting task in travelling to the Stade Felix Mayol where the reigning champions have yet to taste defeat in Europe’s elite competition. Toulon do not lose many games in Europe and Bernard Laporte will be looking for a reaction from his players as they go in search of their third European success in a row.