Round 2 – for the big guns and for punters

Rugby 5 Pool 1. Saturday 23 November

Match 1: Treviso v Northampton (European Champions Cup) Treviso are tough to beat in Italy, but Northampton have something about them this season. Northampton should show their class again and it will come as a surprise if the Saints do not take the spoils. Prediction: Northampton by 5-12

Match 2: Saracens v Ospreys (European Champions Cup) Saracens were humiliated last weekend when they were thumped 30-10 by Racing 92, but they are much better than that result suggests.

Now they’re playing at home and against a struggling side and should get their campaign back on track. If not, their whole season could deteriorate into turmoil.

Prediction: Saracens by 5-12

Match 3: Toulouse v Connacht (European Champions Cup) Both teams come off good, but close wins in round 1 of the Champions Cup. Toulouse beat Gloucester at home which was impressive. They had great composure to take the points. Connacht are plucky and punch above their weight but they're unlikely to win this. Prediction: Toulouse by 5-12

Match 4: Castres v Worcester (European Challenge Cup) Castres are not quite where they need to be, which could open the door for Worcester. Worcester were excellent winners in round 1. This will be harder, but they will be confident. The big question is if home field advantage will give Castres the edge.

Prediction: Draw

Match 5: Lyon v Leinster (European Champions Cup)

Lyon slipped up at Northampton last weekend, so this is a shot to turn it around. However, Leinster are among the favourites in this tournament. This is a huge match. Leinster are great and could win again and pin Lyon to the wall. Expect a close encounter in which the team that makes full use of their chances should be victorious.

Prediction: Draw or Leinster by 5-12