Anthony Foley: Ireland Rugby Legend and Hero

Anthony Foley: Ireland Rugby Legend and Hero

      Last weekend, world sport was rocked by the news of the sudden death of Munster coach Anthony Foley, and the first round of European Champions Cup rugby results paled into some insignificance as news of the tragedy broke. Rugby betting took a back seat as fans took stock and the tributes flooded in. And, following the postponement of Munster’s tie with Racing, this week’s fixture is sure to be emotionally charged.

ROUND 2 SATURDAY

Sale Sharks vs Toulon

Highly-fancied Toulon lift the curtain this weekend in Sale, having lost a home game for the first time in the competition at the hands of favourites Saracens. The Sharks will need to improve, having been well beaten by Scarlets in their opener.

Munster vs Glasgow

The loss of coach Anthony Foley has meant the most difficult preparation imaginable this week for the Munster boys. They’ll need a clear focus to beat Glasgow, who opened their campaign with an impressive 42-13 win over Leicester Tigers.

Castres Olympique vs Northampton Saints

A last-minute Stephen Myler penalty was enough to snatch a first round win for Northampton over Montpellier last week; and they will hope to stake an early claim to a qualifying place at Castres, overcome last week by Leinster.

Clermont vs Bordeaux

Visitors Bordeaux romped to victory with three late tries against Ulster and will take their momentum down the road to Clermont but the hosts have their own force having blown Exeter away.

ROUND 2 SUNDAY

Saracens vs Scarlets

Scarlets travel to London buoyed by their confidence boosting opener. However, their task couldn’t be tougher after Sarries sent a shot across everybody’s bow with their win at the Stade Mayol. Owen Farrell had his kicking boots on, scoring 13 points.

Ulster vs Exeter Chiefs

Ulster will still be kicking themselves, having led 13-9 with six minutes left last week, thanks to an Andrew Trimble try, and will be keen to get back on track quickly against the recently thrashed Exeter.

Montpellier vs Leinster

Two Sean Cronin tries set Leinster on the way to a convincing win over Castres and the Irish club has every chance of making it an early double against the French in Montpellier, late losers in Northampton.

Toulouse vs Wasps

These two giants had mixed fortunes last week. Toulouse fell to a fifth successive away defeat in Europe while Wasps went to town against Zebre, scoring a point a minute in an 82-14 romp at the Ricoh.

Zebre vs Connacht

Zebre will still be shaking after that huge thrashing and may have been nicely tenderized for Connacht, who announced their return to the Champions Cup with a 23-21 nail-biting win over Toulouse.

ROUND 2 MONDAY

Leicester vs Racing

All Blacks legend Dan Carter has been cleared of doping and that’s an unpleasant monkey off his back. So he’ll be desperate to take it out on Leicester, victims of a 42-13 thumping in Glasgow last Friday.

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