Rugby Union: Heineken Cup & Amlin Challenge Cup Semi-Finals Predictions
As May approaches and the inevitable drama that is the end of the season approaches, the penultimate weekend of European action offers a selection of match ups that should make for an exciting weekend.
Continuing our new regular feature, our rugby columnist Jeff Ball makes his predictions for this weekends round of matches which include Toulon welcoming Stade Francais and Edinburghs trip to Ulster. Let us know your predictions either in the comments below or on Twitter @Ballintouch As May approaches and the inevitable drama that is the end of the season approaches, the penultimate weekend of European action offers a selection of match ups that should make for an exciting weekend. Key: Amlin Challenge Cup (AC) Heineken Cup (HC) FridayToulon vs. Stade Francais (AC) One prediction I can make with some certainty is a French side will win the Amlin Challenge Cup, mainly because all four semi-finalists in this years competition are from the Gallic land. Toulon name a side packed with the big names we know so well now. The Niekerk, Wilkinson, Giteau axis at 8, 10, 12 will likely determine the outcome of this game. Curiously Stade have named Aussie flanker George Smith at inside centre and have left Parisse on the bench. The Parisians should have lost in the last round to Exeter Chiefs and the strange (or bold) selections look unlikely to ruin the party down in the South of France. Home advantage has a big bearing in France, more so in Europe and Toulon should come out on top. Prediction: Toulon by more than 10 Check back later for the rest of our predictions SaturdayUlster vs. Edinburgh (HC) Ulster will be feeling confident after overcoming perennial favourites Munster in the last round and will be expecting to make the home advantage of the Aviva Stadium count. Edinburgh again are underdogs, as has been typical since match one in this year's competition. That status as underdog makes Edinburgh dangerous and a sizeable travelling support just shows how their run in the competition has captured the minds of the citizens of Scotland's capital city. The battle between the half backs, back row and at hooker are tantalising and both sides have internationals or soon to be/ ex-internationals that can make a difference. Going against the bookies, I think Edinburgh can keep the party going one more time. Prediction: Edinburgh by less than 3Biarritz vs. Brive (AC) The winner of this match will take on "Jonny Wilkinson's Toulon" as they are known now. Biarritz have plenty of big name internationals those that watched the Six Nations will recognise. Brive are a hard working side from a small town and lack the big names, though English fans will recognise Jamie Noon, Pat Barnard and the London Irish-bound Shane Geharty. Biarritz go into the game as favourites and will be disappointed to only be challenging for the Amlin Challenge Cup as their aspirations and potential is much bigger. With the strength of their side, even without skipper Harinordoquy they should win fairly comfortably, despite Brive's best efforts to make it as hard as possible. Prediction: Birraritz by more than 10SundayClermont Auvergne vs Leinster (HC) Possibly the biggest match of the weekend and the one most likely to produce the winner of this year's competition. Both sides have been frighteningly dominant in the previous rounds and in recent league form. Both side too have sides crammed full of internationals. There really isn't much in it, neither side has any particular weakness and both sides are desperate to win. The game is guaranteed to be tight, but whether that is through a kicking competition between the very capable fly halves, or through the attacking efforts of the also capable back three, will depend on who shows their hand first. Despite the way these sides cancel themselves out, I will go for Clermont thanks to the game being played in France to give them the support of the crowd. Prediction: Clermont by less than 5