Blues vs. Glasgow Warriors;  Cardiff arms Park, December 6^th K.O. 8:00pm

Glasgow are in form, playing with confidence and verve. They possess an excellent and well drilled defence in attack they have shown how to mix their approach and in Hogg they have an attacking player of the highest class. They also, significantly have the advantage of having a game with their returning internationals last week, a morale boosting comeback victory over the Ospreys at the Liberty. Whereas Cardiff might have Warburton and Halfpenny back they could well still be feeling the effects of last Saturday’s Welsh game. Glasgow will not fear a young Cardiff side who are having an indifferent season and could well enjoy the sure footing of the Cardiff plastic pitch to put the match out of Cardiff’s range very early.

Prediction

Glasgow Warriors by 10+

Exeter Chiefs vs. Toulon; Sandy Park, December 7^th K.O. 13.35

Exeter will delight in the occasion of welcoming the star studded Toulon to a sold out Sandy Park, but as hard as they try to turn their ground into a Devonian “House of pain” the bigger sides seem to be able to win there. Toulon chastened by the heavy defat in Paris last week and no doubt the tongue lashing they have endured from Laporte will be in no mood to be taking Exeter lightly and will be determined to make amends to the disappointed “Pilou, pilou”. Exeter will be combative and determined, but in the end Toulon’s quality will tell.

Prediction

Toulon by 5 – 10

Zebre vs. Saracens; XXV Aprile Stadium, Parma, December 7^th K.O. 13.35

Saracens are the juggernaut team of the Aviva, crushing all before them with a huge and talented squad. But, they are becoming fed up of being labelled the “Rich kids” and their underachievements in Europe are definitely becoming a source of frustration. Last time out Toulouse mugged them at Wembley and ruined the Saracen’s party. They will be targeting two bonus victories over the weak Zebre outfit and will take the field in Parma determined to score as man points as possible.

Prediction

Saracens by 15+

Clermont Auvergne vs. Scarlets; Parc des Sports Marcel Michelin, December 7^th K.O. 13.35

Last week’s heavy defeat in Dublin will have done nothing to bolster the Scarlet’s fragile confidence and the last thing they probably needed was to go to the raucous Parc des Sports Marcel Michelin where Clermont defend their unbeaten record. The Scarlet’s marvellous win over the Harlequins in October is in danger of becoming a nonsequiture; no doubt they will give of their best but lack the quality to threaten the powerful Les Jaunards.

Prediction

Clermont by 15+

 

Racing Metro 92 vs. Harlequins;  Stade Olympique Yves-du-Manoir, December 7th K.O. 15.40

This has now become a huge match between two big city clubs that need to reignite their seasons. Racing has spent huge amounts of money and need to see a return on their investment and Harlequins are desperate to show that they are not a team in decline. Racing’s signing of Mike Phillips will certainly give the game an edge, and it is time for him and Sexton, with their reunited Lions partnership to achieve a victory on the European big stage. Harlequins on the other hand will be approaching this match with confidence and resolve and feel that with the in form Mike Brown they will have what it takes to secure another famous win in Paris.

Prediction

Harlequins by 3 or less

Ulster vs. Treviso; Ravenhill, December 7th K.O. 18.00

Ulster knows Treviso very well from the Rabo Pro12, and will not underestimate their tough Italian rivals. Yet the Ravenhill faithful will have nothing to fear; Ulster despite the severe loss to injury of Tommy Bowe will simply have too much for a limited Treviso side.

Prediction 

Ulster by 10+