Leinster v. Toulouse (Aviva Stadium, Sat 30th April, 15.00)
Surely the clash of the weekend. In fact, the clash of the year. This is going to be a brilliant game. Looking at the quarter finals, Leinster took care of Leicester in Dublin, playing in 4th gear. On the flip side, Toulouse needed extra time to beat Biarritz in a pulsating game in San Sebastian. You can forget that result though. Tolouse booked themselves a place in the knock-out stages of the top 14 last weekend. They are entering their 10th consecutive Heineken Cup Semi Final and are of course defending champions. Leinster seem certain to have booked a place in theiir domestic knock out stages also. They are going into this game having won every cup game this year in sensational fashion. In my opinion and I've heard a lot of people say this too, it is to be Leinsters year again. They are a hard team to beat in the Aviva Stadium and their Heineken Cup form this year is light years ahead of the rest. Toulouse have selected based on form, leaving Jauzion and Dusautoir on the bench. A formiddable pair to spring from the bench, Leinster will need to note their presence when they come on. The back 3's from each team are world class. Fitzgerald, Horgan and Nacewa making up Leinsters contingent. Fitzgerald has had a dissapointing season to date, while Shaggy has averaged a try every 3 games. Isa Nacewa though is the man to look out for. He is at the heartbeat of every Leinster attack these days and his try in the quarter final was a glimpse of his talent when running from fullback. We've seen France counter attack on many occasion, Toulouse emply the same tactics. They are fantastic when they come together but thats only IF they come together. Its going to be a fantastic display of attacking rugby and I as the writer of Ruck-That would like to take this opportunity to wish all the Irish players and provinces the best of luck this weekend. (I do not write the Super Rugby Round ups)
Allez les Bleus....
RT Prediction: Leinster
******
Northampton Saints v. Perpignan (Milton Keynes, Sunday May 1st, 15.00 local time)
I'm going to keep this one short and sweet as I have been writting predictions now for the last hour and I'm fed up. Northampton, along with Leinster, are the only other team who are undefeated in the Heineken Cup this year. This is probably quite significant for Sundays encounter as it illustrates the type of season Northampton have been having. They are doing quite well in the Premiership but without a doubt, their main focus will be on the Heineken cup. Perpignan knocked out Toulon, who were no push overs by any means of the imagination. The Saints had a tough encounter too against an Ulster side who lacked the pedigree needed for the kncok out stages of this competition. I really should be saying Northampton to win this one, based on well, everything. I'm not going to though, I've had a sneaky feeling about Perpignan for a while now and I think they have it in them to win away from home. Their fullback Porical, is one of their best players and it shocks me that he isn't Frances first choice. Northampton don't lack class either, espescially in that department with Foden at the helm. They do have something about them this season to be fair but I'm going to go with my gut on this one.
RT Prediction: Perpignan
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