Round four of the Heineken Cup sees Connacht travel to the south of France, Munster look for a double over Saracens, Leinster host Clermont and Ulster entertain Northampton at Ravenhill.
By Declan Whooley
Can Connacht focus on matters on the pitch as they travel to France?
After securing a brilliant win over Biarritz in the Sportsground last Friday, Connacht supporters were on the crest of a wave. Hope was renewed for the pool, Biarritz were denied a losing bonus point and every player stood up and was counted. None more so than man of the match, Mike McCarthy.
Unfortunately this week that bubble has been burst somewhat with the news that the Irish second row is set to join Leinster at the end of the season. Connacht were upset with Leinster’s pursuit of the player, with CEO Tom Sears publicly criticising the province for their actions. The comments have gone back and forth, but Connacht have more pressing concerns.
Biarritz sacked their management team after the defeat in Galway and will be out to make amends. They are a tough nut to crack at home and secretly Eric Elwood would surely take a losing bonus point. A win and they may just have to make another documentary.
Can Munster grind out a win at Vicarage Road?
Anyone who saw the match at Thomond Park last week will not have been blown away by the attacking performance of the English team. Chris Ashton was anonymous, Brad Barritt did not bring his international form with him and Owen Farrell’s play had all the hallmarks of a man overcome by the occasion. Four missed kicks ultimately cost his team dear.
Farrell’s form will be key
Munster will take great heart from their performance and will look to finish off any line breaks that come their way. They will be thankful that Jerome Garces will be the referee in charge, after his fellow country man Pascal Gauzerre was a bit whistle happy last week, very much to the dismay of the home supporters.
Saracens will keep it tight and hope to wear Munster down. These are the encounters Munster traditionally relish and while a losing bonus point would be acceptable, a win is a distinct possibility.
Will Leinster unleash their backline on Clermont?
It is hard to imagine that only Edinburgh have scored fewer tries than the reigning champions in this year’s competition. Considering Michael Bradley’s outfit have yet to score one, it is a remarkable stat considering a five-point haul on Saturday would put them top and in command of what appeared to be a difficult group.
Sean O’Brien back in sparkling form
Leinster could not stop Clermont’s unbeaten home-run last Sunday, though they gave it a good go. Sean O’Brien appeared like he had never been away and the match was in the balance throughout. If Clermont apply themselves right – not always the case with the French on away days – then they could well inflict upon Leinster their first defeat at the Aviva.
Joe Schmidt’s side should do enough to take the win, however, but four tries against this Clermont side could be a tall order.
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