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WEEKEND GUIDE: The Saracens continue to boost the success of the Champions Cup while the glory of the Challenge Cup beckons for Harlequins and Sale
- Three English clubs are in action as the European competition returns
- The Saracens will play against Munster to reach the final of the Heineken Champions Cup
- Selling visit La Rochelle and will be heavily tested for its huge package
- Harlequins can score their place in the final with victory over Clermont
Three English Premiership clubs renew their bid for glory in European competition this weekend.
The Saracens are the only English representatives remaining in the Champions League and will play against Munster, while Leinster and Toulouse will fight in the other semi-final.
The sale faces a grueling challenge against La Rochelle while Harlequins need to beat Clermont to secure their place in the final of the Challenge Cup.
On here, Sports bulletin provided a guide before a monumental weekend of European action.
Saracens rugby director Mark McCall during a media briefing before the weekend games
SEMI-FINALS CUPCAMPS
SARACENS v MUNSTER
(Saturday: Ricoh Arena, 3:00 p.m.)
Mako Vunipola has been released to make his first appearance in Saracens since January. Lions players injured their ankle ligaments while playing for England against France in the Six Nations, but they recovered sooner than expected, to start with Billy's brother – reinstated at number 8.
Saracen captain Brad Barritt also returns after an ankle injury while Liam Williams starts in the wing and George Kruis makes his 50th appearance in Europe for the club. Munster must deal without veteran wing Keith Earls and ace Joey Carbery.
PREDICTION: Victory at home.
Billy Vunipola was reinstated as the seventh number of the Saracens in renewing rivalries with Munster
LEINSTER v TOULOUSE
(Sunday: Aviva Stadium, 15h15)
Johnny Sexton will be captain Leinster after getting rid of an injury on the court while Garry Ringrose and James Lowe are called to the bottom line. Six changes to the package defeated by Glasgow last week, see Cian Healy, Sean Cronin and Tadhg Furlong resume their alliance in the front row.
Toulouse hired Argentinean Antoine Dupont at number 10. And Scotland beat Richie Gray, former All Blacks Jerome Kaino and Charlie Faumuina ahead.
PREDICTION: Victory at home.
SEMI-FINALS CHALLENGE CUP
LA ROCHELLE v SALE
(Saturday: Stade Marcel Deflandre, 5:30 p.m.)
La Rochelle will put a huge package, led by his French props, Dany Priso and Uini Atonio, the tighthead who weighs more than 23 stones. Former New Zealand No. 8 Victor Vito is at the base of his scrum.
The sale is boosted by the return of Chris Ashton – the all-time top scorer in European rugby. Ashton has not played since suffering a calf injury during the test in February but he will start the game. James O'Connor is also fit to return, while twins Ben and Tom of Curry join forces in the back row.
PREDICTION: Victory at home.
Flanker sale Ben Curry (L) will be accompanied by his brother Tom in the back line against La Rochelle
CLERMONT v HARLEQUINS
(Saturday: Stade Marcel Michelin, 20:00)
Mighty Clermont is able to remember former New Zealand center George Moala after an ankle injury on a heavily modified team alongside local icon Wesley Fofana. Scrum midfielder Morgan Parra is the captain of the hosts, while the Scottish Greig Laidlaw is on the bench.
Hooker Rob Buchanan makes a remarkable injury return for Quins to have last played in September 2017. Wings Charlie Walker and Ross Chisholm replace the injured Nathan Earle and Cadan Murley.
PREDICTION: Victory at home.
Scottish captain and half scrum-half Greig Laidlaw should settle for a seat on the bench
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