The business end of the European club season is upon us. This weekend will see the Quarter Finals played in the old continent. Taking to the field in the Challenge Cup play-off’s will be clubs from England, France, Scotland and Wales. Representing these sides are to be players from the Americas.
In the English West Country on Saturday Bath welcome Brive. The same two clubs ironically contested the 1998 European Champions Cup (then Heineken Cup) Final. This weekend’s fixture will see the involvement of veteran Eagles winger Taku Ngwenya. The 31-year-old has been named on the right wing.
Another fixture in the West Country will see Gloucester hosting the Cardiff Blues. Representing the home side will be Mariano Galarza. The Argentine second-rower has been named as a replacement. Blaine Scully will start on the left wing for the Welsh region.
The one Sunday fixture will be played in West Wales. Playing at home the Ospreys will be looking for a path to the final four. Their opponents are the out-of-sorts Stade Français. Involved for the Ospreys will be Ohio’s Sam Underhill. He is to start at flanker. Canadian Tyler Ardron will cover from the bench. Starting at No 8 for the visitors will be Sergio Parisse.