So here we are, preciously poised at half-time in the back-to-back fixtures and looking forward to the denouement of the two part dramas. At this moment in time four out of the five Champions Cup pools are topped by Aviva Premiership sides however they’ll need to continue to excel in order for that to remain the case after Round 4.
The round starts at Franklin’s Gardens where the Northampton Saints will host Racing 92. The Saints’ trip to Paris wasn’t the French sojourn that they’d hoped for as the home side started strongly and never looked back. No doubt that they’ll be a spot of frustration around Jim Mallinder’s side for every time that they looked to be gaining a platform last weekend something went against them; a stray pass leading to an interception or an error thwarting the move. The question is what can they do to turn this result around against a streetwise Racing 92 with the World Player of the Year at the heart of it? Well, taming tight-head prop Benjamin Tameifuna will help, getting a few Lawes’ specials on Carter and generally disrupting the side filled with class and experience. The home side need to turn it on from moment one and disrupt their visitors, their power must be shown in defence and scoring first will be king. Needless to say this is a tough ask however Northampton have to believe and deliver on home soil. 
On Saturday afternoon Saracens have a slightly easier task as they will host Oyonnax. After a 45-10 victory on the road Mark McCall’s men will simply be aiming to replace that performance on home turf. The six tries that they scored away from home reminded us all of their attacking capabilities and even if their Director of Rugby chooses to mix up his selection the result shouldn’t be in doubt. As was the case last weekend this match doesn’t need oodles of analysis done on it for Saracens are in imperious form and should overpower their opponents with ease. 
126 miles away The Recreation Ground will be packed to capacity as Bath Rugby welcome Wasps. On Sunday night George Ford’s touch-line conversion decided the match and the question regarding Bath is just much will that result have sparked the home side after an indifferent start to the year? My personal feeling has been that one strong result would kick-start Mike Ford’s men and this weekend the proof will be in the pudding. Wasps will certainly raise their game as in Round 3 we didn’t see their true colours and that disappointed Dai Young. As with every single match between these two sides the head-to-heads are delightful and of great interest to Eddie Jones! Expect more drama and a highly physical encounter between two sides that already know each other well!
On Sunday afternoon the Exeter Chiefs will face the cauldron that is the Stade Marcel-Michelin and a smarting ASM Clermont Auvergne side. Les Jaunards aren’t used to losing in Europe, especially in the manner in which they did at Sandy Park, and Rob Baxter’s side will be prepared for a large reaction. Without question I believe that the Exeter Chiefs’ victory was the performance of Round 3 and I cannot wait to see what they can do on the road. The team must remain totally focused and somehow block out the intense and intimidating atmosphere surrounding them. With a victory under their belts this match is a test of the squads' character and another opportunity for the Devonian side to make the rest of Europe turn and look at them. 
The final game of the weekend will be held at Welford Road where the Leicester Tigers will host Munster Rugby. Fixtures between these two sides are always feisty affairs and after Leicester’s victory at Thomond Park Anthony Foley is demanding a much improved outing from the visitors. Leicester have a sterling home European record having won 26 and drawn two of their last 29 matches at Welford Road and with their confidence sky high I expect them to deliver another victory. The freedom with which the Tigers are playing is superb to see after last year’s stuttering, and at times, ugly performances and there’s no reason why their path should deviate this weekend.
Opta Match Stats & Facts
- Racing 92 are undefeated in their last 4 away matches in the Champions Cup (W3, D1) - clearly this is one French side that don’t mind travelling!
- Saracens have won 10 of their last 11 matches at home in Europe, averaging 35 points per game & interestingly this will be Oyonnax’s first Champions Cup match outside of France!
- Bath Rugby have won 6 of their last 7 Champions Cup fixtures and have won each of their last 3 at home
- Wasps have won 3 of their last 4 matches away from home in the Champions Cup
- Exeter Chiefs have averaged more time in possession so far than any other side (22m 58s)
- Leicester have won 26 and drawn 2 of their last 29 matches on home soil in the European Cup
Full Match Schedule
19 Dec 13:00 Saracens vs. Oyonnax (Sky Sports)
19 Dec 15:15 Bath Rugby vs. Wasps (BT Sport)
19 Dec 16:15 Stade Francais Paris vs. Benetton Treviso (BT Sport)
19 Dec 17:15 Leinster Rugby vs. RC Toulon (Sky Sports)
19 Dec 18:15 Bordeuax-Begles vs. Ospreys (Sky Sports)
19 Dec 19:45 Scarlets vs. Glasgow Warriors (BT Sport)
20 Dec 14:00 Toulouse vs. Ulster Rugby (Sky Sports)
20 Dec 16:15 ASM Clermont Auvergne vs. Exeter Chiefs (Sky Sports)
20 Dec 17:15 Leicester Tigers vs. Munster Rugby (BT Sport)
