5 talking points ahead of the Champions Cup and Challenge Cup quarter-finals
Champions Cup and Challenge Cup ties promise plenty of thrills.
European competitions take centre-stage this weekend with quarter-finals of the Heineken Champions Cup and European Challenge Cup.
The games, delayed since early April because of the coronavirus pandemic, promise to produce some thrilling encounters.
Here, the PA news agency looks at some of the talking points.
Saracens face mission improbable
Leinster look unstoppable
It is difficult to imagine Leinster not reclaiming the Champions Cup this term and securing a record fifth European crown. They are unbeaten in European and Guinness PRO14 action since losing to Saracens in last season’s final, and will play their quarter-final and possible semi-final in Dublin. Packed with international stars and led by mercurial fly-half Johnny Sexton, they are currently setting remarkable standards of consistency and excellence.
Are Exeter ready to conquer Europe?
French threat is a powerful one
Bristol geared for Challenge Cup success
Bristol have already achieved stated goals of a top-six Premiership finish and qualification for next season’s Champions Cup, but there is potentially more available to them. They face a Challenge Cup quarter-final against the Dragons on Friday at Ashton Gate, then it is Bordeaux-Begles or Edinburgh in a home semi-final if they topple the Welsh outfit. With star summer arrivals like Semi Radradra and Kyle Sinckler making their presence felt, Challenge Cup silverware could certainly end up in the west country next month.
