Brian O'Driscoll's Champions Cup Predictions!

The 2018/19 Heineken Champions Cup begins this weekend meaning there are fresh predictor and fantasy games to get involved with at Superbru. Leinster will be looking to retain their 2017/18 title as they kick-off this year's campaign against Wasps tomorrow night and we're very fortunate to have a legend of their club, Ireland and rugby in general to help us out with our opening picks!



BT Sport ambassador and analyst, Brian O’Driscoll, has given us his thoughts on how each of the Round 1 fixtures will play out as well as giving us his tip for the tournament. Last year's Champions Cup win was Leinster's fourth in total and their first without O'Driscoll, and BOD now makes his old club favourites to retain the Cup this year and achieve back-to-back European Cup wins for the first time since he was involved in the 2010/11 and 2011/12 triumphs.

O'Driscoll: 'I think we'll see similar teams battling it out again this year and I certainly think Leinster are capable of retaining the trophy. As I've just been saying [having previously discussed the Leinster game], their squad is very strong. Clermont haven't qualified of course and I don't see Montpellier being ready just yet but if you were to name a couple of teams now that could rival Leinster then you'd have to consider Exeter Chiefs and Saracens who've started the season strongly.'

Feel free to let us know your own pick for this year's outright winner in the comments section along with your thoughts on O'Driscoll's picks below! Round 1 of the Champions Cup features plenty of interesting fixtures including an exciting clash between Scarlets and Racing 92 - currently the tightest match to call in this round based on picks made so far at Superbru.



Here are each of the picks BOD has made for Round 1, along with his thoughts on each game.

Leinster vs. Wasps

'Leinster's squad looks really strong, they're playing well and with this being their first game looking to retain the trophy I think they'll win it. Another thing Leinster have in their favour is their small injury list which is something Wasps don't have and they may also now be without Nathan Hughes due to his disciplinary case. I think the one thing that could affect Leinster is the big storm that is expected to hit Dublin which would make conditions more difficult and could prevent them getting a bonus point.'
O'Driscoll's pick: Leinster by 15

Bath vs. Toulouse

'This will be a close one and I think we could see each of the teams in this group take points off one another. Toulouse are re-emerging and will be tough to beat but there's something about The Rec, I always enjoyed playing there and games at that ground always seem to be exciting. It's one of the better places to play and I think with home advantage Bath can edge it.'
O'Driscoll's pick: Bath by 4

Exeter Chiefs vs. Munster

'Munster’s form has been disappointing in terms of results but I think that hides the fact they’ve actually put in some good performances and could easily have come away with something last weekend against Leinster had a few more decisions gone their way. Exeter Chiefs are looking incredibly tough to beat though, especially at Sandy Park, so I’ll be going with the home side again.'
O'Driscoll's pick: Exeter Chiefs by 9

Montpellier vs. Edinburgh

'[After being told that there are currently 86% backing Montpellier at Superbru] I agree but I do think Edinburgh are a better side than some people may think. They have one of the better defences in the Pro14 and could make it tough but I think Montpellier are looking good, they’re up in the top 6 of the Top14 and should have too much.'
O'Driscoll's pick: Montpellier by 12

Scarlets vs. Racing 92

‘Scarlets have a great record at Parc y Scarlets and this should be a very exciting game against last year’s finalists. I won’t pretend I’ve seen all of Racing’s games so far this season but with Zebo in form and Teddy Thomas returning to training they’ll be strong. It should be a great game and I’m going with Scarlets by 6.’
O'Driscoll's pick: Scarlets by 6

Ulster vs. Leicester Tigers

‘This is a really interesting one and I think there is the potential for an away win. Ulster have a few injuries and haven’t put in great performances even when they’ve managed results against the likes of Edinburgh and the Southern Kings. However, I think Leicester are conceding too many points which you may be able to get away with at times in the Gallagher Premiership but are less likely to in Europe.’
O'Driscoll's pick: Ulster by 5

Gloucester vs. Castres

‘I’m going to have to go with another home win! Cipriani has obviously been a standout for Gloucester but I think they’ve made some really astute business all round picking up the likes of Grobler from Munster to strengthen the pack. There seems to be two sides to Castres depending on whether they’re home or away and I also wonder whether or not their heart will be more in the Top14 than the Champions Cup this year.’
O'Driscoll's pick: Gloucester by 11

Lyon vs. Cardiff

‘Lyon are playing well and are almost becoming the new Toulon now that they’ve had some money invested as well. We saw Cardiff bounce back from a losing start to the Pro14 against Munster and they’ve picked up some more victories since but I think Lyon should be able to get the victory here as the home side.’
O'Driscoll's pick: Lyon by 8

Glasgow vs. Saracens

‘Finally I can go with an away win! This could be tight as Glasgow have a great home record at Scotstoun – it’s a tough place to go - but you just look at Sarries’ form so far this season and you have to expect them to grind it out. They’ve been really strong in the Premiership and should be too strong for Glasgow as well.’
O'Driscoll's pick: Saracens by 4

Toulon vs. Newcastle

‘Newcastle are obviously struggling in comparison to last season and this could be a tricky start to their first year back in the Champions Cup for a while. Toulon haven’t had the best start to the season in the Top 14 but I picture them winning this down in the South of France on Sunday afternoon.
O'Driscoll's pick: Toulon by 14

Don't forget to make your own Superbru picks for Round 1 to see if you can beat BOD! The opening match between Leinster and Wasps takes place tomorrow evening (Friday) at 19:45 local time.

Click here to play Superbru's European Champions Cup predictor

Best of luck with your predictions!

BT Sport brings you the moments that matter with exclusively live action from every Heineken Champions Cup match this season. Watch all ten first round games this weekend, including Leinster v Wasps on BT Sport 2 this Friday from 19:00. Watch on TV and via the award winning BT Sport App. bt.com/sport