Amlin Challenge Cup Special

We'll start off with the Amlin Challenge Cup and take a look at our 2 semi-finals. First up its Munster v Harlequins, followed by the All French affair of
  Stade Francais v. Clermont Auvergne.

Munster v. Harlequins (Thomond Park, Sat 30th April, 13.00 local time)

I saw a headline during the week which read " Monye backing Evans in shoot-out with O'Gara". As you can imagine, this made me laugh quite a bit, after I figured out who Evans was. For those of you who don't know, Nick Evans is the out-half who came onto the pitch in 2009 against Leinster as the bood sub in the scandal that was "bloodgate". Yes that is infact the last time I actually heard of Nick Evans making a headline in European Rugby. Now, all of a sudden he is the man to fear as he comes to Thomond Park tommorow with Quins. I don't know what is funnier though, the thought that Evans can out kick RO'G or the fact that Ugo Monye thinks this game is going to be decided on kicks?

Harlequins are placed 7th in the Aviva Premiership, while Munster are sitting at the top of the Magners eagerly awaiting the knock-out stages. In the European rankings, Munster are again at the top in 1st place and all the way down a whole 21 places are the Harlequins (22nd)... Sitting below Glasgow and Ulster!

I really don't need to go any further do I?

and oh yeah.... He's back!

RT Prediction: Munster (by atleast 10)

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Stade Francais v. Clermont Auvergne (Stade Charlety, Paris Friday 29th April, 20.45 local time)

I'm not going to pretend I know my stuff on French rugby. I simply don't watch any of it. From the little knowledge I have, I'd probably pick Clermont to win this. They have been a stronger team over the last few years and have always proved difficult opposition against both Munster and more recently Leinster in the Heineken cup. They are also in the hunt for the top 14 title while Stade have been out of the league for a while now. Both of these teams are typically French. They could turn up and play a fantastic game or they could just as easily not turn up at all. Michael Cheika is in charge of Stade at the minute and he will be keen to see them win this as it is the only chance they have of gaining Heineken Cup qualification for next year. If leage form is anything to go by then this would be easy to predict as Stade have lost 6 of their last 7. 

However if team selection is to play a part (and lets face it, it obviously should) then it would seem Clermont are saving themselves for their last Domestic game. Its hard to know. Clermont have a habbit of doing stupid things like that when it comes to claiming European silverwear hence their lack of it! But they have an embarrasment of riches when it comes to players.

RT Prediction: Clermont Auvergne