The business end of the Champions Cup roars to life on Saturday with five high-stakes encounters that promise fireworks, fierce rivalries, and the kind of drama only knockout rugby can deliver.
Toulon vs Saracens – Stade Mayol Showdown
Kicking things off in France, Toulon host Saracens in a clash steeped in European pedigree. The French side topped their pool with three wins but enter this one off a narrow domestic defeat to Castres. Still, their form at home remains formidable — especially with veteran Ma’a Nonu potentially back in the fold.
Saracens have had their ups and downs lately, falling to Harlequins before bouncing back with an impressive away win over Leinster. This one could go either way, but Toulon’s home comfort might just tilt it in their favour.
Leinster vs Harlequins – Dublin Dominance?
Leinster are in no mood to mess around. They breezed through the pool stages and, even when fielding a second-string side, managed to outmuscle the Sharks last weekend. Harlequins scraped through their pool and face a daunting task at the Aviva.
Leinster have only lost once in 2025 — and that was a narrow defeat at Loftus. Expect a strong, possibly ruthless, showing from the Irish giants.
Castres vs Benetton – Battle of the Dark Horses
Castres and Benetton both punched above their weight to get here. The French side were Pool 3 runners-up, while the Italians pulled off a shock win over La Rochelle to sneak into the knockouts.
Both teams are in decent form, and this one could be closer than the bookies suggest. Benetton’s recent URC wins — over Cardiff and Edinburgh — show they’re up for a fight.
La Rochelle vs Munster – O’Gara Faces the Old Guard
All eyes will be on La Rochelle as Ronan O’Gara’s out-of-form troops face his old team, Munster. The reigning champs have struggled this year, with just one win since January. The mood at the club feels tense, and internal strife could derail them further.
Munster, while not in top gear, have been steady. A recent derby win over Connacht has them brimming with belief — and they’ll be hungry to heap more misery on O’Gara and co.
Glasgow Warriors vs Leicester Tigers – Fortress Scotstoun
The day wraps up in Scotland, where Glasgow welcome the Leicester Tigers. The Warriors have been red-hot in the URC and delivered a statement win over the Lions last time out. With their home crowd behind them, they’ll fancy their chances.
Leicester are dangerous, but their inconsistency — like the recent loss to Saracens — leaves them vulnerable against this well-drilled Glasgow unit.