The new Heineken Champions Cup season gets underway this weekend, and it’s the last edition before the South African teams join the fray next year.
On Superbru, we have a
Predictor game and a
full Fantasy game available for you to join.
Here are my Heineken Champions Cup predictions for Round 1.
Northampton v Racing 92
This is a really tough pick first up, and it’s too early to break the rule of never picking the travelling French team.
Northampton by 4Cardiff v Toulouse
It’s not too early anymore thankfully, because the 5-time tournament winners will take this against a scratch Cardiff team.
Toulouse by 28Bordeaux v Leicester
The Tigers are unbeaten in the Premiership at the moment, but this is a tough away trip, with Bordeaux approaching the summit of the Top 14. The home team are slight favourites, but I’m picking a slight upset.
Leicester by 2Leinster v Bath
This looks very one-sided on current form, and it should be an easy home win.
Leinster by 26Clermont v Ulster
Ulster’s away record in Europe isn’t too hot, and Clermont is one of the toughest trips in this competition.
Clermont by 13Exeter v Montpellier
This looks like it will be a comfortable home win for Exeter as they kick off another European campaign in front of their own fans.
Exeter by 13Connacht v Stade Francais
Connacht have been slightly unpredictable in the URC so far, but I’m backing them at home to the French side.
Connacht by 9Ospreys v Sale Sharks
The Welsh side managed to beat Ulster at home in the URC last week, and on that basis, I think they’ll be able to beat Sale too.
Ospreys by 4La Rochelle v Glasgow
This French side have been recording some big scores in their recent home matches, and they should win this one too.
La Rochelle by 16Wasps v Munster
Munster are also struggling with player absences after their ill-fated trip to South Africa. It makes this an easier pick that it might have been if the visitors were at full-strength.
Wasps by 6Castres v Harlequins
The bookies have made Quins favourites for this match, but Castres haven’t lost a home match all season, which includes a 22-point win over Racing last weekend.
Castres by 7
