Champions Cup: Five storylines to follow on European knockout weekend

A weekend to forget in Montpellier has left Harlequins with a 14-point deficit to overcome on the return fixture this weekend at the Stoop. After a sloppy first half where Quins conceded four tries, the game was well beyond the visitors’ reach despite their drastic improvement in the second period, which led to them out-scoring the Top 14 leaders.

This weekend Tabai Matson’s side have the chance to fightback at Montpellier and maybe, just maybe, sneak into the quarter finals with the help of returning fan favourite flanker Will Evans. For this to happen, the Londoners must pull off one of their trademark comebacks which they have been known for over the past year.

They have also been helped by the Frenchmen’s team selection, who have made 12 changes to their side as they look ahead to the big domestic clash against Bordeaux-Begles. Like Quins stated on social media: “Haven’t we been here before?”

The first leg fixture ended 26-20 in Ulster‘s favour after Juan Cruz Malia was sent off 10 minutes in, damaging Toulouse beyond repair. This weekend could be a different story, however, with the two teams likely to play 15-a-side rugby for more than 10 minutes (touch wood) at a packed out Kingspan Stadium in Belfast.

Ulster will be in need of more Robert Baloucoune heroics if they are to emerge victorious against a formidable French side that managed to keep the score close despite losing Juan Cruz Mallia early on.

Fortunately for Dan McFarland’s men, they will have the advantage of a home crowd backing them in this second leg but that may not be enough to overcome the Top 14 outfit, who gave them a run for their money last weekend with a one-man disadvantage. Ulster will be aware of the challenge they face and it is sure to be