Weekend Preview

Another massive weekend of European rugby action is upon us, with crucial Champions Cup mathes being played across the board. We take a look at three of the biggest clashes on this all important rugby weekend.

Leinster vs Castres

We begin our preview looking at Irish province Leinster, as they take on Castres in a match that will shape the destiny of the three time champions. Nothing less than a bonus point victory will be deemed a success as they look to get some breathing space between themselves and Harlequins and Wasps, who face off in the pools other game this weekend. Leinster began the year slowly but the busy Christmas period has been good to them as they returned to some good form. The emergence of Jack Conan in the back row, who starts on Saturday, has been big for the province, as has been the return to fitness of the indestructible Jamie Heaslip. Jordi Murphy completes a balanced backrow for the home side.  Fergus McFadden makes his first European start of the season in a strong Leinster backline. For Castres, the likes of Rory Kockett and  Richie Gray start, and so they will provide a stern test no doubt.

Bath vs Toulouse

Another do-or-die match, although that can be said for most games at this end of the season, sees Bath travel to Toulouse. Bath, the form side in England at the moment, found the going tough initially in this years competition, losing their opening two games at the hands of Toulouse and Glasgow. However, back to back bonus point wins over Montpellier has left them with a fighting chance of exiting the group. They name a strong side which includes Anthony Watson, statistically the most dangerous attacker in the competition so far. Toulouse will also be looking for a victory which would see them all but sure of a place in this years quarter finals. With their domestic form being patchy at best this year, European competition brings with it an extra importance for the French giants this year. Flood will start at ten for the home side, with Luke McAlister partnering Yann David in a strong looking midfield. Elsewhere Picamoles, Dusatoir and Nyanga make up an explosive backrow. See the app for line ups in full.

Munster vs Saracens

There has been much talk from the Munster camp this week of previous matches the province has been in of similar ilk to that which they will experience against Saracens this weekend. At home to Gloucester and away to Perpignan spring to mind as examples when, similar to this weekend, nothing but a win would do against the toughest of opponents. However the task at hand for this Munster team may be tougher than the sum of those two games combined. They travel to a Saracens side who look irresistible at home, physical and ruthless at the same time. Games between these two are always close, with an average winning margin of just three points in the six previous meetings between them.  The big team news from this one is that Conor Murray has failed to recover from a neck injury, being replaced by Duncan Williams in the starting line up. Keith Earls returns to the match day squad after a lengthy lay off.