From the Touchilnes: Heineken Cup predictions
We're going to go out on a limb and back Gloucester to win the Heineken Cup outright as they prepare for the quarter-finals of European rugby's premier tournament.
The Cherry and Whites have an almighty obstacle in their way at Kingsholm on Saturday in the form of Munster, one of the most successful sides in the history of the competition.
However, with good weather predicted, Gloucester's electric backs ought to have the beating of Munster's forward-dominated side, even taking into consideration the Irish team's All Black flyer Doug Howlett.
Gloucester have a double battle on their hands as they go for European and Premiership glory but they're our pick to go all the way in the tournament.
Three-time tournament winners Toulouse look a solid bet to ease pass David Young's Cardiff Blues while we tip Perpignan to just edge London Irish.
Perhaps the toughest of the quarter-finals to call is between Saracens and Ospreys. Sarries have been in fine form and are playing at home but the Ospreys are just a bit too good.
Anyway, here's our predictions for the four matches in full:
London Irish 21-23 Perpignan
Gloucester 19-12 Munster
Saracens 20-36 Ospreys
Toulouse 38-9 Cardiff Blues
What do you make of our predictions and who's your tip to win the Heineken Cup? Please post your comments below...
MUNSTER WILL KILL GLOUCESTER
YOU JUST WAIT AND SEE
WE HAVE GOOD BACKS TO MATCH THE FORWARDS NOW
Posted by: barry | 05 April 2008 at 00:16
Gloucester to win the HC this has to be an April fool, does the person writing this article watch or know anything about rugby?
Gloucesters electric backs???Do English clubs play with backs at all?
The Ospreys have to be favourites to win by a mile
Posted by: Deanie | 04 April 2008 at 15:49
I'd go:
Irish 19 v 16 Perpignan
Gloucester 35-13 Munster
Saracens 9-27 Ospreys
Toulouse 44-12 Cardiff
Posted by: Sean Chaney | 04 April 2008 at 15:49
STILL CAN'T BELIEVE THERE'S NO LEICESTER OR WASPS IN THE LAST EIGHT. MAKES A REFRESHING CHANGE THOUGH. I'D DEARLY LOVE LONDON IRISH TO PULL IT OFF AND IT'S NOT BEYONG THE REALMS OF POSSIBILITY WITH GERAGHTY AND CATT IN FULL SWING. I CAN BUT DREAM!!!!!
Posted by: SCOTTY | 04 April 2008 at 13:54
the teams that stand out from this remaining bunch in europe are gloucester, toulouse and the ospreys. they're the form ones in europe but it's too tough to call who will come out on top at the end of the tournament. i'd say toulouse but only because of their previous in the cup. so, head says toulouse but heart says gloucester.
Posted by: BigKev | 04 April 2008 at 11:56
Gloucester ain't got no chance against Munster's pack. Those boys are out of theire league!
Posted by: RichB | 04 April 2008 at 10:14
Having thrown everything at the Six Nations, I reckon the Ospreys' Welsh boys won't have a lot left in the tank so Saracens might shock a few and actually beat them.
Posted by: Sam Betts | 04 April 2008 at 07:43