🏉 European CHAMPIONS Cup - Who makes the Quarters and who will win?!

This weekend was certainly one of the highlights of European Competitions, and arguably more exciting than the final for what it means for the quarter-finals. Saracens progressed having smashed Northampton for the second time this season, with their place only confirmed AFTER Wasps beat Ulster at the Ricoh.

Here is the Quarter Final line-ups, and my predictions on who will be seen in the Semis;

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Leinster vs Saracens

I think it's fair to say that this is the final. Probably the two strongest teams on paper in the competition and the defending champions Saracens have yet to show their true might this season - so we've got that to come! Whoever wins this match will probably go on to win the Champions Cup and I'm quite happy this match-up has happened in the Quarters as it gives the underdogs a chance to perform up until the final in Bilbao. Leinster have been playing great, and I think if Saracens didn't have the pedigree and winning formula that they do, Leinster would be going home victors. I think Saracens have to improve, and with Exeter Chiefs firm grip on the Aviva Premiership table I think the only chance of Silverware lies in the Champions Cup. They'll pour their heart and soul into this match.

My Prediction - Saracens

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Scarlets vs La Rochelle

I'm surprised that both of these teams have reached the Quarters, but they definitely deserve to. The performance Scarlets put in to dismantle Bath two weeks ago was truly amazing. They've been playing some gutsy rugby and their home performances have been very strong recently - definitely going to be a big factor to come into play. La Rochelle are a great side, but I'm not sure they'll be able to travel to Parc y Scarlets and grab the win. The match still could go either way, but if I were to put money on it, it'll be going on Scarlets.

My Prediction - Scarlets

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Munster vs Toulon

These two are probably the teams that would be able to surprise us and take it all the way past either Leinster or Saracens. Toulon typically aren't as good on the road, but the quality of their side is outrageous. They haven't been up-to-scratch in the French Top 14 this year and sit 5th behind Montpellier, La Rochelle, Racing and Castres respectively. Munster, however, have been performing in the domestic Pro 14 - sitting 2nd in their conference behind Glasgow. I think Toulon, like Saracens, will want to have some glory and get something back for the big wage packets they're giving to their players. There's still a while till the Quarters, so anything could happen between then, but I think this match is Toulon's to lose.

My Prediction - Toulon

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Clermont Auvergne v Racing 92

If this was a domestic French league game my money would be on Racing; but it isn't. Clermont were in a pool with Saracens, Ospreys and Northampton Saints and with their domestic form they had no right to qualify let alone top the pool. Racing have the lowest points difference (points accumulated in all their pool matches) of all the Quarter-Finalists and I think that will definitely be a big talking point coming into the game. Clermont have been scoring freely in both the domestic league and the Champions Cup, whereas Racing haven't. My money would be on Clermont to take the victory.

My Prediction - Clermont Auvergne

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Feel free to give me your thoughts, and watch out for the equivalent CHALLENGE Cup thread I will be posting soon!