EPCR Round of 16

icdg

It’s last 16 of the Investec Champions Cup this weekend, yet the focus for three of the provinces will be on the secondary competition where they have ended up. Leinster meanwhile have to contend with the challenge of a horrible Sunday 5:30pm KO time, though it being the eve of the bank holiday will probably help the gate in that regard.

Investec Champions Cup

Friday 8pm

Northampton v Castres Prem 2

Saturday

3pm Bath v Saracens Prem 2

Toulon v Stormers Prem 1

5:30pm Glasgow v Bulls Prem 2

Toulouse v Bristol Prem 1

8pm Harlequins v Sale Prem 1

Sunday

3pm Bordeaux v Leicester Prem 1

5:30pm Leinster v Edinburgh Prem 1

European Challenge Cup (TV games only)

Fri 8pm Connacht v Sharks Prem 1

Sat 12:30pm Exeter v Munster Prem 1

5:30pm Treviso v Cardiff S4C

8pm Ulster v Ospreys S4C Prem 2

Podge_irl

In theory there are actually a few good match-ups there but I don't expect the games involving SA teams to live up to it.

sydthebeat

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/124360135#Comment_124360135

im expecting a full sweep of home victories.

the closest games on paper are quins v sale, toulon v stormers and maybe Glasgow v bulls

i expect one of the SA teams to put up a fight, probably bulls as theyre coming with a strong squad and should they win they will be staying in europe for about a month continuous, so there is something extra to play for for them.

Toulose v bristol could easily be a 80 pointer game.

i expect leinster to continue as they have all season… struggle for consistency, be porous in defence and only pull away in the last 15.

and as a general comment its a pity that 4 of the 8 games in this round feature teams from the same league matching up.

i wonder if theres a better way to do this so that doesnt happen in the future.

FtD v2

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/124360135#Comment_124360135

Ackermann has been talking a big game this week of sending a strong Bulls side to Glasgow, so will be interesting to see how they perform.

Former Former Former

Zebo has never seen another back row “in the history of the game” who can do what Pollock does.

Sheesh

AbusesToilets

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/124361358#Comment_124361358

tbh, if Zebo had been a backrow, he'd have been cut out of the same mold. Game recognizes game.

ironingbored

Sensational score from Castres.

ironingbored

Castres in again going wide from deep.

Beautiful hands.

0-10

StevenToast

If Castres arent careful theyll end up in the QF.

FtD v2

Absolutely superb defence from Connacht there.

ironingbored

Saints dot down in the corner but there's a foot in touch (marginal) so chalked off.

ironingbored

Should check the pass before looked forward.

Paddy_Mag

Ioane should not come back on

ironingbored

Blatant forward pass by Saints in the build up.

FtD v2

Cracking try from Connacht.

I’m really enjoying watching this team play the last few weeks.

chupacabra

great try Connacht

ironingbored

That's on the body and left arm is wrapping for me.

Another yellow for Castres. Needless

scott1974

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/124361433#Comment_124361433

Yeah, I didn't see a lot wrong with that..a bone cruncher for sure

ironingbored

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/124361442#Comment_124361442

Right arm tucked maybe. Needless all the same. Ruck was won and ball away.

ironingbored

Knock on at the lineout???

Dillonb3

I don't see what's great with this JJ Mescht guy for Northampton.

bingobango12

Entertaining half that. Castres slightly hanging on a couple of times but are definitely up for it.

ironingbored

Scandalous defending from Castres

ironingbored

Took out the 9 there followed by a no arms tackle.

Paddy_Mag

Sharks in front of kicker there

ironingbored

Castres looked dead and buried after a 1-2 by Saints to make it 28-15.

Suddenly it's 28-27

ironingbored

Castres in again after an intercept!!!

28-32

Karawalevu with his second in a matter of minutes.

But it's called back for a knock on.

28-27

ironingbored

Saints score.

33-27

ironingbored

Saints have looked very vulnerable.

ironingbored

Saints try.

40-27

Castres with worse defence in the competition for a reason.

ironingbored

Castres in again!

What a game!

42-34