The final Investec Champions Cup Pool stage weekend kicks off on Friday, with huge stakes across all 12 matches for the 24 clubs. With top ranking and home knock-out spots, final qualification places and EPCR Challenge Cup Round of 16 qualification all up for grabs, it’s set to be a thrilling weekend of rugby action.
Kicking off the last pool stage weekend is Ulster Rugby and Exeter Chiefs. Both without a win so far, it will be a battle to continue their journeys in the EPCR Challenge Cup Round of 16. Although both sides can mathematically still make the Investec Champions Cup knock-out, it would rely on a bonus-point win and a huge points haul to improve their difference, alongside a fruitless trip to Union Bordeaux-Bègles for Hollywoodbets Sharks.
It's the last chance for Stade Français Paris as they kick off Saturday's action by travelling to Pretoria to face the Vodacom Bulls, having reignited their hopes with a bonus-point comeback win against Northampton Saints in Round 3. To secure Investec Champions Cup knock-out qualification, they'll need a bonus-point win, while hoping Castres Olympique get nothing at Saracens on Sunday. Bulls will be playing for a spot in the EPCR Challenge Cup knock-outs but will need a try bonus-point and big points win to deny the French anything from the game.
Two crucial clashes follow that on Saturday, with a top-of-the-table battle as Northampton Saints welcome Munster Rugby back to cinch Stadium at Franklin's Gardens, while ASM Clermont Auvergne host Bristol Bears.
Pool 3 leaders Saints have already secured knock-out qualification thanks to a four-try bonus point in Round 3, while Munster just need a point to qualify. They will no doubt be out for revenge following last season's Round of 16 exit at the same ground with both clubs looking to take the top spot in their Pool.
Simultaneously, ASM Clermont Auvergne and Bristol Bears do battle at Stade Marcel-Michelin with both sides on five points at the bottom of a very tight Pool 2. They both need a bonus-point win to put them in the best place for knock-out qualification – or guarantee their EPCR Challenge Cup spot.
Pool 2 will come to its conclusion with two matches kicking off at 5.30pm GMT (7.30pm SAST), as Leinster Rugby welcome Bath Rugby and Benetton Rugby host Stade Rochelais. While four-time winners Leinster secured qualification in Round 3 with a thriller against modern rivals Stade Rochelais, the French club need a single point to qualify and will no doubt be gunning for a home Round of 16 match.
Benetton and Bath will both have their work cut out, but any points should secure a Round of 16 spot – whether that's in the Investec Champions Cup or EPCR Challenge Cup is to be determined.
Two more decisive games conclude a crucial Saturday of Investec Champions Cup action, as Racing 92 host DHL Stormers while Harlequins welcome Glasgow Warriors in Pool 4.
Glasgow Warriors fell to Harlequins at the Round of 16 stage last season, and the Scots will no doubt be out for revenge as they aim for the best possible ranking for the knock-outs having already qualified. Harlequins, currently third, will need a win to put themselves in a position to qualify with just one point between them and sixth-placed Racing 92.
Racing 92 and the Stormers currently only have one win apiece and the two will battle it out to stake their claim on one of the final two knock-out spots.
A scintillating Sunday starts off with Union-Bordeaux Bègles hosting Hollywoodbets Sharks at Stade Chaban-Delmas in Pool 1. The French club secured qualification with a bonus-point win over Exeter Chiefs but will be aiming for as many points as possible to get the best ranking for home knock-out ties, while Sharks just need a point to qualify.
Similar to their French counterparts in the same pool, Stade Toulousain will also be aiming for as high a ranking as possible, having already qualified, when they host Leicester Tigers – also qualified. However, a win for Leicester Tigers could see them leapfrog the title holders into a home Round of 16 tie.
Meanwhile, Saracens host Castres Olympique and both are in with a chance of a home knock-out spot in Pool 3 with just two points between first and fourth.
An incredible weekend of rugby will conclude with Sale Sharks welcoming RC Toulon. The French club are currently top of Pool 4, leading Glasgow Warriors by one point. They will be looking to secure their spot at the top of the pool. For Sale, currently fifth in their Pool with just one-point separating third to sixth place, qualification is within touching distance in a match that will likely take the weekends jeopardy to the final whistle.
Click below for Round 4 preview information including fixtures, pools, match officials, and selected club and individual player performance data.
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