Round Four is now in the books. A round where a number of teams ambitions in this competition were extinguished. It also saw a number of teams deliver standout performances to make them favorites to win this competition. Hawkeye Sidekick delves into permutations created after this weekend.
Who looks primed for qualification?
This past weekend saw Racing 92 produce an impressive bonus point win over a hapless Leicester Tigers side on the road. It looks on odds on that Racing 92 will be one of the top seeds and a home quarter final berth.
Saracens are also in range to secure the top seed as well. Their victory on the road to Cardiff Blues was typical Saracens; absorbed Cardiff Blues best attacking moves and executed efficiently in the second half to secure a vital win. With Glasgow Warriors due to visit in January, the London club will look to set down another keynote marker.
Toulouse and Leinster Rugby look odds on to advance from Pool 1. The key question is which side wins the pool and potentially a home quarter final berth. The January fixture between both teams will be epic and will go a long way in effecting the playoff chances of others.
Edinburgh Rugby took a massive step to secure Pool 5 with a commanding win on the road against Newcastle Falcons. Blair Kinghorn impressed at full back. Edinburgh with a home game against Montpellier and a road trip to already eliminated RC Toulon could see the Scottish side look to secure a home quarter final berth.
Who is on the cusp of the playoffs?
It is very much all to play for in Pool 2. Munster Rugby’s loss to Castres on the road has opened the pool wide open again. It looks like only one team from this pool will advance to the quarter final stage. Key fixtures in January to determine the winner.
Ulster Rugby have had a splendid December. Their ten point haul against Scarlets has seen Dan McFarland’s charges move to fourteen points; another win should secure playoff rugby into next Spring.
Glasgow Warriors continue to battle gamely to topple Saracens; another key note win against Lyon has the Scottish side well set to advance to the last eight. Saracens away will be tough, interesting to see how they will perform. Realistically, it is a best runner up spot.
Disappointments of the round
Leicester Tigers are heading into the abyss. Their unstructured defensive performance in the opening period was duly punished by Racing 92. The side are bereft of confidence and are realistically staring down the barrel of relegation. A club in complete and utter crisis.
Scarlets transformation from European Cup contenders to European Cup whipping boys in one season is a shock. There were personnel departures but the squad depth in the camp should have seen Wayne Pivac’s charges impress better than this. The side will thread water until the end of the pool phase.
RC Toulon. Money does not bring you happiness. The club have announced key signings next season but the club are struggling all ends up this season. No long term plan; no distinct avenue for Toulon youngsters to get into the first team. A mercenary club.
Draw Permutations
If the pool phase was completed this weekend, the following fixtures would be scheduled:
- Racing 92 (1) vs. Ulster Rugby (8)
- Saracens (2) vs. Glasgow Warriors (7)
- Toulouse (3) vs. Leinster Rugby (6)
- Edinburgh Rugby (4) vs. Munster Rugby (5)