Champions Cup Quarter-Finals - Review

First and foremost apologies for the slightly tardy nature of this Champions Cup review. It was a whirlwind of a European weekend that morphed into the start of the week working at Sky Sports, so do forgive me for the late arrival of this look back at the quarter-finals.

Clearly from a Premiership point of view the weekend delivered two ends of the spectrum with Saracens' clinical win versus Wasps' disappointing showing. Elsewhere Clermont sorted their psychology to progress forwads and keep this season's European dream alvie while Munster continued to play with huge purpose and intent at home. 

First of all let's turn our attentions to Allianz Park where Saracens showed us all how it’s done and did so in front of the best atmosphere that I’ve ever heard there. Glasgow Warriors’ fans clearly played their part but it takes two to tango and Saracens’ home support was noisy and passionate and certainly dispelled the charge that’s often laid at their doorstep that atmosphere is a touch quiet or even 'manufactured'. 

If you remember back this time last season Saracens’ players found themselves in a bit of a bun fight against a Northampton side that they should have beaten easily. Of course we all know that Mark McCall’s side did the job in the end but it wasn’t beautiful whereas on Sunday afternoon they booked their semi-final place in style. Despite Glasgow’s threats and personnel from the opening exchanges there looked to be only one winner as Saracens used every inch of their experience to set the tone and never look back.

Chris Ashton’s finishing ensured that he continues to generate Lions speculation and headlines… originally I wasn’t convinced but as the days go by I’m starting to think ‘why not?’.  Elsewhere the intensity was driven by the usual suspects and we saw what a well oiled machine Saracens really are. A special mention for the work of Schalk Brits who came off the bench and did things that other front row forwards can only dream of. I love watching him play rugby and the way that he's effective a centre that can scrummage alongside the best of them and across the board Saracens were focused and on the money. 

The long and the short of it is that Mark McCall’s side had the personnel, the belief and the big game experience to make light work of a quarter-final match but a duel with Munster at the Aviva Stadium will be a different kettle of fish. Personally I cannot wait for this semi-final and I’m calling it now that it will be best club game of the entire season.

(C) @WaspsRugby

Over in Dublin it was an altogether different story for Wasps - they arrived with such hope and promise but it did not go to plan. We always knew that Leinster were going to pose a real threat and that home advantage in knockout matches counts for so much. But, given the experience housed in Wasps’ squad it certainly wasn’t unrealistic to expect them to sneak a win. 

Alas Dai Young’s side were pushed off their stride early doors and didn’t find a way to re-group in heat of the battle. Obviously Wilie le Roux’s ‘faux pas’ did not help matters - you feel for him hugely - and game management wise the visitors just didn’t have the hold of the match that they needed. 

They’ll be none more disappointed than the squad themselves because they know that they had an off day on the big stage and that they are better than that so I’m expecting a huge statement at home against Northampton on Sunday afternoon. 

Elsewhere Munster did what they needed to against Toulouse, as a whole it wasn’t their most emphatic game in Europe this season but they navigated their way through and put the gloss on the result in the latter stages. 

Peter O’Mahony led superbly and continues to show the sort of form that should be turning the head of Warren Gatland. I don’t know if you saw the tweet that I RT’d earlier this week from Murray Kinsella? It showcased O’Mahony pointing out to his team that one of the Toulouse players was blowing mid game and he shouted to his side ‘Look at him, look at him. Tempo, tempo, tempo.’ 

It was just another example of the leadership the Munster captain provides and he’s been exceptional in a season that has tested them more than they’d ever thought that they would be tested. Personally I fancy Munster’s chances against Saracens at the Aviva Stadium but they’ll need a fully fit 8, 9 and 10 axis if they are to prevail against the reigning champions. 

In France we witnessed a duel between Clermont Auvergne and Toulon that was much closer than many were expecting. Obviously if you look at the result alone you’ll say that I’m talking rubbish but at 9-9 approaching the 60 minute mark Toulon tested Clermont’s metal. 

As the European rounds tick by the concern for Clermont is always their psychology yet at the Stade Marcel-Michelin they showed the mental strength to find fifth gear and make the final quarter their own. The result was 20 unanswered points and a place in the semi-finals of the competition they want to win more than any other. The hosts showed us their firepower and flair but it came at a cost as Noa Nakaitaci has been ruled out for the rest of the season with an ACL injury. It’s a blow, especially with Wesley Fofana still out, but it’s one they have to deal with. 

Clearly in the aftermath of the game Mourad Boudjellal has decided to show Mike Ford the door and he has changed his coaching set up yet again As we’ve all seen - on multiple occasions - that Boudjellal works in very strange ways and surely I’m not the only one thinking that this isn't a great decision? In my book the combined minds of Richard Cockerill and Mike Ford would have been the strongest course of action to guide Toulon through the end of  the season. However his decision has been made and this weekend Toulon face Toulouse at home before hosting Castres the week after. 

So back to the Champions Cup and just four remain - Munster, Saracens, Clermont Auvergne and Leinster. Personally I cannot wait for the semi-finals because we know that they are going to be HUGE (caps and bold for even more emphasis). Clermont Auvergne and Leinster have back lines that will ignite the field in Lyon while Munster and Saracens are two hugely intense sides that will collide in Dublin. The business end of the Champions Cup season is well and truly upon us and it's not long before we find out which two teams will meet at BT Murrayfield in a straight shoot out for the title.