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Wednesday, January 19, 2011

Heineken Cup Round 6 Previews

Aironi v Ulster





Ulster stand on the brink of qualification for the first time since 99 (when they last won the cup). Surprisingly they could still top their group should they pick up more match points than Biarritz who are at home to Bath. The more likely scenario is that both Ulster and Biarritz will collect bonus point wins leaving Biarritz to qualify in 1st place with Ulster grabbing one of the best runners up spots.

RT prediction: Ulster

Racing Métro 92 v. Leinster






With Leinster already qualified and Racing Métro out of contention, it looks like a fairly useless game. Rest assured however that Leinster are travelling to Paris in search of a home quarter final. With Heaslip and D'arcy back on board and Leinster in the flying form they are in, who would bet against them home or away. I see nothing other than a Leinster victory here and a home quarter final for them.

RT prediction: Leinster


Munster v. London Irish






This game at the beginning of the campaign had the potential to be a cracker, sadly however it will not have any bearing on who wins the group. There is however, a challenge cup spot up for grabs. Munster have qualified for the knock out stages 12 years in a row, have played in four finals and won two of them. There plan would not have been to win a challenge cup at the beginning of the season however it would seem that Munster are at a cross roads and the Amlin challenge cup could prove to be a very useful competition in terms of developing the squad. I would really like to see McGahan go for the win here and use this competition to blood the likes of Ian Nagle, Scott Deasy, Tommy O'Donnel etc. These boys are the future of the club and it would do them good to expose them to European Rugby albeit not at the highest level.  London Irish are a useful side when they feel like it but no matter how much they try they will not beat a hurting Munster side in Thomond Park this weekend.

RT prediction: Munster







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