European rugby has never been so competitive
Although Toulon have been the most dominant side in European rugby for the past three season, the gap between them and the chasing pack is closing.
Indeed over the course of this season there has been little to choose between the sides jockeying for position behind Mourad Boudjellal’s team, with the likes of Clermont, Saracens and on current form, Wasps, leading the charge charge.
10. Ospreys
Although the Ospreys have fielded stronger teams, they have lacked the fight necessary for them to pick up losing bonus points on the road.
Led by the in form Dan Biggar, this season the Ospreys have picked up four bonus points in defeat in France. The two collected against Clermont being the most memorable.
Despite some scintillating back play, the leading Welsh team will have to beat both Clermont and Exeter if they are to qualify for the quarter finals.
9. Leicester Tigers
While some would see the Leicester Tigers as being a limited team, they pounced on every Munster mistake in Thomond Park to score two counter attacking tries.
Although they might not be the most ascetically pleasing side to watch, through Brendon O’Connor at the breakdown, they possess the ability to turn over possession and counter with the dangerous Vereniki Goneva and Telusa Veainu.
8. Northampton Saints
Like the Tigers, the Saints are not the most attractive team in the World. Indeed, Northampton’s lack of creativity has been a weakness of Jim Mallinder’s side for some time.
Nevertheless, the Saints possess one of Europe’s most dangerous scrums and strongest line outs. Indeed Victor Matfield’s experience may be a perfect foil for the athleticism of Courtney Lawes.
Although the Saints suffered a heavy defeat in Paris, they overpowered the Warriors in Glasgow and retain the ability to qualify as one of the best runners up.
7. Bath
Having beaten both Leinster and Wasps, Bath would have fancied their chances to qualify from the incredibly competitive pool 5.
With players such as George Ford, Jonathan Joseph and Anthony Watson, Bath have one of the most dangerous back lines in European rugby.
However after losing to Wasps, Bath will have to beat both Leinster and Toulon to have any chance to qualifying for the quarter finals.
6. Ulster
Although Ulster suffered a massive 27-9 defeat to Saracens at home, they have since turned their campaign around with back to back wins against Toulouse.
During those wins, the likes of Andrew Trimble, Stuart McCloskey, Paddy Jackson and Rory Best have shown the type of form Ulster will need to qualify from pool 1.
Indeed with two games against the already eliminated Oyonnax to come, Ulster could see themselves in an unlikely quarter final.
5. Racing
Although Racing have struggled to make an impact in Europe over recent season, they are set to qualify as winner of pool 3.
While the addition of Dan Carter is welcomed, the Racing team is built around a massive pack that includes the likes of Dimitri Szarzewski, Francois van der Merwe and the underrated Yannick Nyanga.
Indeed with a backline that also includes Juan Imhoff and Joe Rokocoko, Racing are sure to be a threat in the later stages.
4. Clermont
Although Clermont suffered a huge defeat to Exeter, they avenged that defeat in the return leg and have set themselves up to top pool 2.
While Clermont have had to live in the shadow of Toulon in recent seasons, they remain one of the few teams that have the potential to over turn the champions.
With a squad that includes Nick Abendanon, Wesley Fofana and Flip Van Der Merwe, Clermont will be at least wanting to qualify for a semi final.
3. Wasps
Wasps are arguably Europe’s form team, topping pool 5 after massive wins over Leinster, Toulon and Bath.
With the likes of Elliot Daly, Frank Halai, Joe Launchbury and Charles Piutau enjoying scintillating starts to the season, Wasps will be confident of qualifying as pool winners and forcing their way toward a semi final.
2. Toulon
Three times European Champions, Toulon, did not enjoy the best start to their campaign against Wasps. However after their new signings settled in, Toulon have twice beaten Leinster.
With home fixtures against Bath and Wasps to come, Mourad Boudjellal’s team should qualify for yet another quarter final and once more threaten to land another title.
Although they have an all star squad, some would argue that without a controlling ten, they will fall short this year.
1. Saracens
After coming close to challenging Toulon over recent seasons, Saracens supporters are confident that they will finally land a trophy that has thus far eluded them.
Although their victory over Tolouse came on the same weekend as the terrorist attacks on Paris, Saracens have since showed their class, scoring as massive 127 points during their victories over Ulster and Oyonnax.
With four wins under their belts, Saracens should qualify for the knock out phase as the the top seeds, paving their route to the semi finals.
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