2020-21 European Rugby Champions Cup – Montpellier vs Leinster Preview & Prediction

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THE FACTS

When is Montpellier vs Leinster taking place? Saturday 12^th December, 2020 – 17:30 (UK)

Where is Montpellier vs Leinster taking place? GGL Stadium, Montpellier

Where can I get tickets for Montpellier vs Leinster? Visit official club websites for ticket information

What television channel is Montpellier vs Leinster on? This match will be televised live on BT Sport

Where can I stream Montpellier vs Leinster? BT Sport subscribers can stream the match live via the BT Sport website & app

THE TEAM NEWS

MONTPELLIER: 15 Vincent Rattez, 14 Gabriel N’gandebe, 13 Yvan Reilhac, 12 Arthur Vincent (c), 11 Vincent Martin, 10 Alex Lozowski, 9 Benoit Paillaugue, 8 Jacques du Plessis, 7 Yacouba Camara, 6 Nico Janse van Rensburg, 5 Paul Willemse, 4 Bastien Chalureau, 3 Mohamed Haouas, 2 Guilhem Guirado, 1 Grégory Fichten

Replacements: 16 Bismarck du Plessis, 17 Enzo Forletta, 18 Titi Lamositele, 19 Louis Picamoles, 20 Caleb Timu, 21 Louis Foursans, 22 Paul Vallée, 23 Axel Bevia

LEINSTER: 15 Jimmy O’Brien, 14 Hugo Keenan, 13 Robbie Henshaw, 12 Ciaran Frawley, 11 Dave Kearney, 10 Ross Byrne, 9 Luke McGrath, 8 Caelan Doris, 7 Josh van der Flier, 6 Rhys Ruddock (c), 5 Scott Fardy, 4 Devin Toner, 3 Michael Bent, 2 James Tracy, 1 Peter Dooley

Replacements: 16 Ronan Kelleher, 17 Cian Healy, 18 Andrew Porter, 19 James Ryan, 20 Ryan Baird, 21 Jamison Gibson-Park, 22 Johnny Sexton, 23 Dan Leavy

THE PREDICTION

The only thing that can stop high-flying Leinster at the moment in the Pro14 is postponements and they lost the lead in the table to Ulster last weekend, though with a game in-hand. They will be eager to stretch their wings in this prestigious tournament but may not have it all their own way against Montpellier, who stopped Clermont Auvergne last time out in the Top 14. The hosts have so many games in hand that they could well be a phantom top three side in the French league and the long trip for Leinster will benefit the hosts. However, Leinster have simply been too good so far this season to warrant going against them here. They have a massive +204 points difference in the Pro14 after just seven games and their staggeringly solid defence should help them to cover -8 on the road in what could be a tight one.