European Rugby Champions Cup 2015-2016 Round 2 Predictions

The after shocks of last weekend will be felt in this competition for sometime to come with the games being postponed. Another one has been postponed this weekend as well. Here are my predictions for the games that are currently going ahead.

First here is a link to my review of the last round.

How did your predictions go for round 1?

4 from 6, and it was going so well until Sunday.

Ulster v Saracens

For me Ulster have been disappointing for the last couple of seasons as it looked like they were going to take the next step to win these competitions. They did get a rest last weekend with the postponed game. Saracens have started this season dominantly and whilst they didn’t pick up the TBP there was only ever going to be one winner. With this form I think they will get an important away win.

Saracens by 7

Benetton Treviso v Leicester Tigers

For all the talk of Treviso being a hard place to visit most teams come away with a win. With Tigers having had a good start to the season and they should be looking for a TBP win.

Leicester Tigers by 15

Bath v Leinster

Bath were one of the teams that were postponed last weekend. They have not been helped by comments from their owner saying that he can’t see how the  game can be played with the busy season. This has caused uproar from fans from other teams. It’s the last kind of thing the club need as they need for off field issues to quietened down and stop distracting the squad. Leinster looked flat and got well beaten by Wasps at home, we are either going to get a reaction or this will be a sign that the Dublin side aren’t the power they used to be.  I think that Bath will be glad for the break and secure a narrow win.

Bath by 3

Toulouse v US Oyonnax

Toulouse got a beating by Saracens last weekend as they clearly weren’t focused on the game. They have been going well this season and being at home I can’t see them having two poor performances back to back. Oyonnax have been struggling and this tournament is a big distraction from trying to avoid relegation. I can only see this one going one way and being a home win.

Toulouse by 10

Glasgow Warriors v Northampton Saints

Warriors were another that had their game cancelled last weekend and whilst they are going OK in the Pro12 they are still getting up to speed. Saints have had a poor start but to a certain extent managed to put that behind them for the victory last weekend. They are still not firing on all cylinders though and I think that this is the season Glasgow blossom in Europe and so I’m backing a home win.

Glasgow Warriors by 5

Scarlets v Racing Metro 92

Scarlets have started the season well but now that other teams are getting all their players back from the Rugby World Cup can they keep up the pace? Racing obviously had their home game postponed last weekend. Being based in Paris I can’t imagine how they have concentrated on rugby this week. So I think that Scarlets will be able to get an upset victory.

Scarlets by 7

Exeter Chiefs v Bordeaux Begles

Exeter really looked like panicked as it was a European game last weekend. Maybe they have listened to their publicity too much as some pundits have been really talking them up. Historically though teams that are successful in Europe have done it for a couple of seasons domestically first. Bordeaux are another team that didn’t play last weekend but they have had a decent start to the season but I think their priority is making the Top14 playoffs. With that in mind I think we are going to get a reaction from the Chiefs and a home win.

Exeter Chiefs by 10

Clermont Auvergne v Ospreys

This is a simple one, Clermont are very strong at home and very rarely beaten there. Ospreys had a good win as they integrated their world cup stars back in but this is a different prospect and they will do well to stay in touch.

Clermont Auvergne by 10

Stade Francais v Munster

I did this prediction before the game was postponed and I think it’s the right thing to do so. Part of what drove me to this prediction was that I couldn’t see Stade being in the right mindset after the events of last weekend. We’ll never know if this prediction would have been right.

Munster by 5

Wasps v Toulon

After Wasps big win in Dublin this is the big game of the weekend. Can they back up that performance? Wasps haven’t been that consistent but they do love playing at home. Toulon are the star-studded reigning champions and whilst they haven’t started well this season I think they will have too much class for Wasps.

Toulon by 7

What are your predictions? Please put them below.