Previews

Heineken Cup builds to climax

Author: John Harris
Date: 22/01/2010
Rugby Union betting

The Heineken Cup group stages draw to a close this weekend with quarter-final places still up for grabs for a whole host of clubs.

Pool One draws to an exciting close with sportsbook favourites Munster and Northampton Saints going head-to-head for top spot, with the Irish side holding a two-point advantage going into a decisive Thomond Park showdown.

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The earlier meeting of the two sides in the competition ended in a 31-27 win for the Saints, who need a repeat to ensure a last eight spot.

In Pool Two, Biarritz have already wrapped up top spot and Gloucester will need a win at Newport-Gwent Dragons to have any chance of progressing further in the competition.

Pool Three is the tightest of all the sections, with Leicester Tigers, Ospreys and Clermont Auvergne separated by just a single point.

Advantage lies with the French outfit, who face pointless Italians Viadana in their final fixture, with the other two sides in contention meeting in South Wales.

The meeting of Leicester and Ospreys at Welford Road earlier this season ended in a thrilling 32-32 draw, a repeat of which would probably be enough to send the English side through.

Stade Francais are all but certain to finish top of the standings in Pool Four, unless they come unstuck at Edinburgh in their final game.

Ulster will hope to take advantage of any slip-up, as they travel to Bath knowing that only a bonus-point victory will give them any chance of securing a quarter-final place.

Much-fancied Toulouse can relax as they have already ensured that they will finish top of Pool Five, with the French side being tipped to go all the way in Europe by several pundits.

Sale Sharks and Cardiff Blues are both mathematically in the hunt for a last-eight berth, with the Welsh side having a slight advantage as they take on Harlequins, while Sale host Toulouse at Edgeley Park.

Defending champions Leinster seem certain to finish top of Pool Six and continue the defence of their title in the knockout stages, as long as they avoid a heavy defeat at second-placed London Irish.

Scarlets will be waiting to pounce when they finish their campaign against Brive, who have lost all five games in the competition this season.

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