So after a top weekend of European rugby we look at the teams who have made the Quarter Finals and make our predictions of who will go through to the Semi Finals.
Some great performances over the weekend have given this a competition a really open feel and if all teams play to the level they can it will be any teams to win.
Leinster will play current champions Saracens. Saracens have a lot to prove with all the recent off field issues and with there future domestically already sealed, Europe is their only chance for silver wear this season and with a lot to prove to a lot of people you would be a fool to bet against them. Leinster will have a lot to do to beat Saracens but with the prospect of getting a result against the team that beat them in the final last season, Leinster will go into the game full of confidence. Saracens have a lot going on off the field that will maybe be the difference between the two sides. Although you wouldn't bet against Saracens i will be and i am giving this one to Leinster.
Exeter play Northampton, a battle of England's two current top clubs in the Premiership. This one will be a battle with both teams playing very well and key players being on form for both teams this one is tough to call.
I feel that Exeter have the slight edge on Northampton due to more recent experience in this competition, they are also very driven to perform in Europe as it is the one trophy that is currently missing from their cabinet. However Northampton have had a brilliant season, winning consistently in the Premiership and playing well week in week out. They are also the team that are probably the underdogs for the title so will go into this came with nothing to loose which is always dangerous. But i am going to give this one to Exeter.
Toulouse against Ulster will be another great came, Ulster really have turned it on this year and have put in some wonderful performances. With there key players on fire this season they are going to be tough to beat for any team. Toulouse will be going into the game as favourites but that is not always a good thing for them. Although they have played well this year, they have not really been tested and coming up against a physical and fast paced Ulster team there could well be an upset on the cards. Toulouse will need to stay calm and play there own game and not get drawn into a arm wrestle, if that happens Ulster will win. I am going for Ulster on this i think they will put in a strong physical performance and take the game away from Toulouse.
Clermont take on Racing 92 in a top level French clash, this has all the makings of a classic quarter final, two French giants go head to head for a place in the semi final. Racing will go in as favourites purely due to them being finalist a couple of years ago. Clermont will be tough to beat but they are the team that seem to choke when it matters in this competition. Both teams are filled with superstar players and the ability to light up the field at any moment. Do not take your eyes of this one. I am going to give this to Racing purely on better results in recent history of the competition.
It safe to say that whatever the results we are going to end up with two brilliant semi final games.
our teams to go though - Leinster,Exeter,Ulster and Racing 92.
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