There are just two rounds of European pool stage action to go, creating an exciting fortnight on the pitch as Guinness PRO14 sides battle to make the last eight. The Heineken Champions Cup has several crackers on the menu, with Glasgow Warriors’ clash with Exeter Chiefs and Munster’s trip to Racing 92 among the mouth-watering ties. Here’s what to look out for: SATURDAY Clermont Auvergne vs Ulster - 1pm An away win for Ulster on Saturday could secure them the top spot in Pool 3, but before they can dream of a quarter-final place they will have to overcome a French side who are just one point behind and breathing down their necks. Clermont may be sitting in a disappointing eighth place in the Top 14 but the Stade Marcel Michelin remains one of European rugby’s most intimidating venues. Ulster received good news when it was announced that their key trio of John Cooney, Marcell Coetzee and Jordi Murphy were all fit to play, while they will also be buoyed by their first meeting this season – which they won 18-13 in November. Ospreys v Saracens - 1pm Ospreys’ European adventure is already over, as they sit bottom of a tough pool that also contains Munster, Racing 92 and Saturday’s opponents. But that does not mean they can’t have some fun. Saracens are right in the thick of it, desperate for the points in their bid to make the knock-out rounds. However, Ospreys have been boosted by George North’s return from injury and the announcement of Rhys Webb’s signing. ⚡️ E27 is live after a late night recording and has been in your podcast queues since 6am... unless you aren't subscribing! @thepaulwilliams talks Sarries, joy in Welsh rugby (seriously), #GuinnessPRO14, Europe & he buries @AdamRedmond's scrum-half chat https://t.co/DoPUJNDPdf — Under The Sticks (@UnderTheStix) January 9, 2020 The scrum-half is set to join at the end of the season from French side Toulon. Glasgow Warriors vs Exeter Chiefs - 3.15pm Exeter could not be in much better form right now – they have won their last eight games in all competitions and sit top of Pool 2 with four wins from four. Meanwhile, Dave Rennie’s Glasgow have not quite found the same level of consistency, winning two and losing two in the Champions Cup so far. Warriors player Jonny Gray could come up against his future teammates on Friday after it was announced the 25-year-old will join his opponents next season at Sandy Park, which includes Scotland team-mate Stuart Hogg. The Warriors may have already found his replacement in Leone Nakarawa, who has signed a deal until the summer. Connacht v Toulouse - 3.15pm Only a win will do if Connacht are to keep their hopes of a first qualification into the Champions Cup quarter-finals alive and in a weekend of crunch games, one of the biggest comes from Galway. High-flying Toulouse are in town and the French side have been electric in Europe, winning four from four so far. Connacht are in need of the points, with two wins and two losses so far. They have eight points, one point behind Gloucester Rugby in second. A bonus-point win would guarantee a thrilling finale in Round 6 weekend. SUNDAY Leinster v Lyon - 1pm Much has been made of Leinster’s 100 per cent record this season and perhaps their best win was against Lyon in France. That 13-6 victory was built on steely determination and resolute defence, something that has defined Leinster all season long. "You can't just be satisfied with a performance on the weekend. You’ve got to keep learning and growing as a team." 💪🔵 Jordan Larmour speaks about the importance of the team improving as the season progresses ahead of two more big #ChampionsCup games. ⬇#LEIvLOU #JoinTheRoar pic.twitter.com/LMeQfySzH1 — Leinster Rugby (@leinsterrugby) January 9, 2020 There is a slight injury worry this week, with fly-half Johnny Sexton ruled out and lock James Ryan a major doubt. A win here would book Leinster a quarter-final place. They have 19 from 20 points currently and are ten clear of Northampton Saints. Northampton v Benetton - 1pm Speaking of the Saints and they play host to Benetton this weekend, and if this proves anything like their first meeting this season then we are in for a treat. It took a late Dan Biggar penalty to clinch a thrilling 35-32 win for Northampton in a game that featured eight tries. Benetton are currently bottom of Pool A on just six points but could jump to second if results go their way. Racing 92 v Munster - 3.15pm They have saved the best until last, with Munster and Racing 92 putting on arguably the game of the week. The first instalment of their two contests ended in a thrilling draw earlier this season, leaving Munster six points behind their French counterparts in Pool 4. A win for Racing would sew up a place in the knock-out rounds and leave Munster looking nervously over their shoulders at Saracens.
