Predictions: Champions Cup, Super Rugby and more…

Editor

Leinster take on the Scarlets while Racing 92 face Munster in the Champions Cup semi-finals as those teams search for a place in the showpiece event.

In the southern hemisphere, Super Rugby continues with Round 10 as the Sharks and Stormers clash in the pick of the weekend’s games.

CHAMPIONS CUP

Leinster v Scarlets

The all-PRO14 clash is the first semi-final of the weekend where Leinster will look to give themselves a chance of securing a fourth title, equalling the record currently held by Toulouse. Scarlets, meanwhile, will attempt to reach their first ever final, so will experience tell in Saturday’s game at the Aviva Stadium?

Leo Cullen’s men have been impressive in this season’s competition and are seen as favourites, but the Welsh region are always a dangerous proposition. They are well coached, have improved significantly up front and have a number of threats behind the scrum. Although a victory is perhaps a long shot, with the experience of the Irishmen a factor, we believe it will be closer than some think. Leinster by 6.

Racing 92 v Munster

Unlike their Irish rivals, who have been dominant, Munster have battled to this stage of the competition after a late Andrew Conway converted try took them to a narrow victory over Toulon in the quarter-finals. Although Keith Earls has returned, they are without some excellent individuals with Jaco Taute, Chris Farrell and Chris Cloete all missing.

In particular, Cloete will be a loss against Racing, with the French teams strong at the breakdown – something Johann van Graan’s men found out in their last eight encounter. Munster’s opponents are also in good form having impressed in the Top 14 and produced a superb second half display to dispatch of Clermont Auvergne in the previous Champions Cup round. It will be close but the Frenchmen have the edge. Racing by 3.

CHALLENGE CUP

Gloucester v Newcastle Falcons: Gloucester by 8
Cardiff Blues v Pau: Pau by 5

SUPER RUGBY

Crusaders v Sunwolves

Preview: The Crusaders will expect to add to the Sunwolves’ pain when they host the Japanese side at AMI Stadium on Saturday.

Prediction: Sunwolves continue to struggle, despite an improved performance against the Blues, and it should be another heavy defeat for the visitors. Crusaders by 40.

Reds v Chiefs

Preview: The Reds will hope to snap their losing streak when they go head-to-head with the Chiefs at Suncorp Stadium in Round 10.

Prediction: Apart from comfortable victories over the Bulls and Sunwolves, the New Zealanders have struggled to dominate matches, but they should have enough to overcome the Reds. Chiefs by 10.

Bulls v Rebels

Preview: The Melbourne Rebels will be looking for their first ever win in South Africa when they take on the Bulls at Loftus Versfeld on Saturday.

Prediction: Rebels will get their first SA win soon, but not on Saturday. Bulls by three.

Sharks v Stormers

Preview: Expect fireworks when two of the heavyweights of the South African game, the Sharks and Stormers, face off in their derby in Durban on Saturday.

Prediction: This should be an entertaining encounter between two evenly matched sides. Home ground advantage will be crucial and should swing things in the Sharks' favour. Sharks to win by seven points.

Brumbies v Jaguares

Preview: It’s must-win for the Brumbies when they host the Jaguares on Sunday, with the Melbourne Rebels and Waratahs keeping them at arm’s length.

Prediction: Last week’s win will no doubt have given the Jaguares a boost but we can see them just falling short here. Brumbies by three.

PRO14

Ulster v Glasgow Warriors: Glasgow by 9
Zebre v Ospreys: Zebre by 7