Ronan O’Gara’s side scored a converted try with the final play of the game against Ulster last week in challenging conditions to preserve their perfect start and look a good bet to go far in the competition again. Leinster vs Racing 92: BT Sport 2, 3pm (3. 15pm KO) - Live stream Leinster have been irrepressible in Europe this season, with three successive bonus-point wins sealing a comfortable passage through to the last 16. The four-time winners booked their spot in the next round by thrashing Gloucester at Kingsholm, weeks after they demolished the Premiership side 57-0 in Dublin.
Qualification is not out of the question, but the Top 14 side require a bonus-point victory and a number of favourable other results. They were soundly beaten by Sharks last week, picking up four yellow cards in a dismal showing in Durban. Both sides will be desperate to put recent thrashings behind them and clinch a victory that could see them progress. Exeter Chiefs vs Castres: BT Sport 1 & Ultimate, 5. 15pm (5.
They are unbeaten at home for more than a year and head coach John Dobson is looking for his team to continue their remarkable record at the DHL Stadium. “We were just trying to stay alive in the competition, but now we are in a position to see if we can influence where we are going to play, ” he said. Visitors Clermont sacked head coach Jono Gibbes after a resounding home defeat to Leicester last week, with former Ireland international Jared Payne stepping in on an interim basis. Former Bordeaux-Begles coach Christophe Urios is reportedly being looked at as a long-term solution, but the three-time Champions Cup runners-up are focussed on the immediate future and sealing a much-needed win on Saturday to keep their hopes alive.
Chiefs were comfortable winners in the first meeting between the sides at Sandy Park in December, but Bulls exacted revenge in Pretoria after Henry Slade’s red card. Opponents Lyon are in a precarious position after three successive defeats, including a narrow opening day defeat against Bulls in a thrilling encounter. Back-to-back defeats to Saracens, including a 48-28 loss at StoneX Stadium last week, have left the Top 14 outfit needing a win to keep their slim hopes alive. The French side are in the midst torrid run of form with only one win in their last seven in all competitions and require a huge performance to remain in contention.
But it could have been so different for the Premiership side who came agonisingly close to beating the Irish province at Thomond Park last week. Trailing 24-0 at half-time, they were inspired after the break with tries from Tommy Freeman and James Ramm reducing the deficit. Fin Smith, a surprise inclusion in Steve Borthwick’s first England squad, was also instrumental, kicking 13 points. They ultimately left themselves too much to do, losing 27-23, but a spirited second-half display will give them confidence ahead of Saturday’s match. La Rochelle, meanwhile, have won three from three and are through to the knockouts.
Munster v Ospreys Where to Watch