Weekend Preview

This week we take a breather from the Rugby Championship, however there is still top class action from across the globe this weekend.

Leicester vs Harlequins

Friday night brings us a crucial match from the Aviva Premiership, as struggling Leicester welcome a resurgent harlequins side to Welford road. Having been on the receiving end of a humiliating home defeat against Saracens early this season, Conor O’Sheas’s charges seem to be regaining some form, and will be buoyed following last weeks big win over London Welsh. However a wounded Tiger is nothing to be messed with, and Leicester will be baying for blood after what has been a down right embarrassing start to the season for the proud midlands club. Bath, London Irish and Gloucester have all bested tonights hosts this season, each by some distance. Leicester will be boosted by the return of Manu Tuilagi, who slots straight into the centre alongside Owen Williams. Recent signing Brad Thorn is set to make his home debut, starting in the second row. Quins name an unchanged side, and will fancy picking up a vital away win against their struggling counter parts.

Ulster vs Glasgow

Table topping Glasgow look to continue their dominance over the rest of the Pro12 when they travel to Ravenhill on Saturday evening. Although the Scottish side have already downed Leinster this season, this weekend’s clash represents their biggest test so far. Ulster are unbeaten at home this term, and are yet to be held below thirty points at Ravenhill. Aside from the blip away to Zebre two weeks ago when they played most of the game with 14, Ulster have been impressive this year, displaying a new width and attacking flair which has seen them pick up 4 try bonus points in 5 matches. Coming off the back of a big win over Edinburgh last time out, Ulster will not fear the visit of this so-far impressive Glasgow outfit. In team news Ian Humphreys comes in at 10 for Ulster for the injured Paddy Jackson, while Glasgow welcome back the dangerous Sean Maitland for his first start of the season.

Toulouse vs Toulon

The glamour fixture of the weekend no doubt comes from the south of France, as the might of Toulouse takes on the money of Toulon. While both teams may be considered the heavyweights of Top 14, the sides have had hugely contrasting starts to the season. Toulon have started in typical Toulon fashion, already like the team to beat in this years competition. The manner of these victories has been somewhat un-Toulon like however, as the typically physical and robust side have found a new appreciation for their outside backs, with just three tries being scored by the pack. As scintillating as Toulon have been, Toulouse have been every bit as disappointing. The historically scintillating side have found times tough of late, and although they got back to winning ways with a win over Stade Francais last week, there has been murmurs among those in the know that this side is well past its sell by date. Such is the extent of the crisis that Guy Noves, who has achieved almost saintly status in Southern France, has been heavily under fire and will feel pressure for his job mounting. Expect a big performance from two sides who are looking to establish a momentum for very different reasons.