Heineken Champions Cup: Round 3 Predictions

We’re back to Europe this week for Round 3 of the Heineken Champions Cup, and here are my Superbru predictions for the weekend’s matches.

Bath v Clermont Auvergne

This is a really tough one to open the round, on the basis that French teams hardly ever win away from home, but Bath are not playing particularly well. Clermont have won two away games so far this season, and I’m leaning towards the French side for the win. Clermont by 4

Lyon v Benetton Treviso

Neither side will qualify having lost their opening two matches, and the home team should win this. Lyon by 13

Northampton v Leinster

The Saints are leading the Gallagher Premiership and have been going well in Europe, and this will be a real test of where they currently stand. They might just edge it, and I’ll wait for the team news, but Leinster’s European pedigree is difficult to ignore. Leinster by 2

Ulster v Harlequins

Quins have hardly been firing so far this season, and their away form is usually dreadful. Ulster by 11

La Rochelle v Glasgow

La Rochelle are bottom of the pool after two rounds, having been well beaten by Exeter at home and then Sale Sharks away. I have a feeling they’ll turn up for this one though and it takes a braver man than me to predict a Scottish win in France. La Rochelle by 7

Ospreys v Racing 92

A win over Saracens and a draw at Thomond Park should give Racing sufficient confidence to beat the Ospreys, who seem to be in turmoil. Racing by 13

Munster v Saracens

This should be a cracking fixture, and it will be interesting to see Saracens’ team selection. After their resounding win last week, qualification isn’t out of the question, and their competitive spirit might see them give it a proper go. They’ve had the better of recent meetings with Munster, but if Sarries do rest some of their internationals, the home side will start as favourites. Munster by 4

Gloucester v Connacht

Two narrow defeats have left Gloucester at the bottom of this pool, but I think they’ll win this one to keep their faint qualification hopes alive. Gloucester by 6

Toulouse v Montpellier

These two teams have plenty of history against each other in the Top 14, and the home team nearly always wins. Toulouse by 9

Sale v Exeter

Another two domestic rivals go head-to-head to finish the round, and whilst Sale tend to be hard to beat in Salford, the Chiefs have won the last 6 in a row against the Sharks. Exeter by 7

How do you see the weekend unfolding? Have I really predicted two away wins for French teams?