2020-21 European Rugby Champions Cup – Leinster vs Northampton Saints Preview & Prediction
THE FACTS
When is Leinster vs Northampton Saints taking place? Saturday 19th December, 2020 – 13:00 (UK)
Where is Leinster vs Northampton Saints taking place? Royal Dublin Society Arena, Dublin
Where can I get tickets for Leinster vs Northampton Saints? Visit official club websites for ticket information
What television channel is Leinster vs Northampton Saints on? This match will be televised live on BT Sport
Where can I stream Leinster vs Northampton Saints? BT Sport subscribers can stream the match live via the BT Sport website & app
THE TEAM NEWS
Leinster: 15 Jimmy O’Brien, 14 Hugo Keenan, 13 Garry Ringrose, 12 Robbie Henshaw, 11 Dave Kearney, 10 Harry Byrne, 9 Jamison Gibson-Park, 8 Caelan Doris, 7 Josh van der Flier, 6 Rhys Ruddock (c), 5 James Ryan, 4 Ryan Baird, 3 Andrew Porter, 2 Ronan Kelleher, 1 Cian Healy
Replacements: 16 James Tracy, 17 Peter Dooley, 18 Michael Bent, 19 Ross Molony, 20 Josh Murphy, 21 Luke McGrath, 22 Ross Byrne, 23 Dan Leavy
Northampton Saints: 15 Tom Collins, 14 Ryan Olowofela, 13 Fraser Dingwall, 12 Rory Hutchinson, 11 Taqele Naiyaravoro, 10 George Furbank, 9 Tom James, 8 Shaun Adendorff, 7 Tom Wood, 6 Nick Isiekwe, 5 Api Ratuniyarawa, 4 Alex Moon, 3 Paul Hill, 2 Sam Matavesi, 1 Alex Waller (c)
Replacements: 16 Mikey Haywood, 17 Francois van Wyk, 18 Owen Franks, 19 Alex Coles, 20 Teimana Harrison, 21 Henry Taylor, 22 Piers Francis, 23 Matt Proctor
THE PREDICTION
This looks to be a question of “by how many” here for an imperious Leinster as they host struggling Northampton Saints, who are bottom of the Premiership as the only side not to win a match after three rounds. They also remain winless in the Champions Cup after a close 12-16 defeat at home to Bordeaux and they will be realistic about their chances against the Pro14’s top team. Leinster have covered at least -30 in their four home games this season and that looks a good target in the markets, even though there are some inflated handicaps out there. It will be damage limitation for Northampton and that should see -40 out of the home side’s reach here.
