The Investec Champions Cup returns as Europe’s premier club rugby competition bursts into life with eight intriguing last-16 ties.
More than two months after the conclusion of the pool stages, the remaining sides enter knockout battle bidding to reach finals weekend in Cardiff in late May.
French giants like Toulouse, Bordeaux-Begles and Toulon look strong, while Leinster will feel this may be their year to finally get over the line after a string of runners-up finishes.
Northampton may be the Premiership’s best hope of a winner, while Glasgow will look to add continental success to the United Rugby Championship title secured dramatically in South Africa last year.
Here are five things to watch as in the round of 16 in the Champions Cup:
Sam Prendergast vs Marcus Smith
Harlequins proved doubters wrong in this competition last year but the task facing them in Dublin this weekend is about as tall as they come. A fully-loaded Leinster – RG Snyman and Jordie Barrett complementing the Irish core – at a packed out Croke Park? Harlequins will swing the bat, as was their mantra on their cup run last year, but this looks a sticky wicket.
Perhaps a more intriguing battle within a battle concerns the two fly halves, with Sam Prendergast and Marcus Smith in direct opposition – just as they were on the opening weekend of the Six Nations. Their fortunes have fluctuated since, with Prendergast seemingly seizing the shirt and Smith losing his but the end to the tournament perhaps leaving the Englishman better placed to secure a Lions berth this summer. The international action may be over but Andy Farrell and his team of assistants will be watching this competition closely – and
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