Who is your money on?

After four pulsating rounds of action, we now have a fair idea of who will likely qualify for the knockout stages of the Champions Cup, and which teams are capable of going all the way.

Interestingly back-to-back champions Saracens are no longer one of those teams, after a terrible run of form that has seen them lose their last seven games on the trot. As things stand, they might not even qualify for the knockout stages.

In terms of going all the way, there are three main contenders heading into the final two rounds, and that’s Leinster, Clermont and Munster, who are all undefeated in Europe so far this season.

Leinster pulled off huge wins over Exeter home and away, while Clermont smashed Sarries at Allianz Park and edged them in France. Munster made light work of Leicester in Thomond Park, before grinding out a famous win in Welford Road yesterday evening.

For us Leinster are the clear favourites, based on the incredible depth they have in their squad, the world class talent they have in the likes of Sexton and O’Brien, and their fantastic pedigree, having won the competition three times.

They have so much talent in their team, that they can afford to rest their top names when it comes to the PRO14, and concentrate fully on Europe when it rolls back around. They’re almost even in a position to rest players in Europe given their current points tally.

Clermont are yet to win the competition, but have been to several finals. They seem to be hitting form at the right time, and will no doubt be there or thereabouts come May of next year.

Munster meanwhile, for the first time in a very long time have built a serious squad. They’re currently missing a number of first-team regulars, but still did the double over Leicester. No Keith Earls, Niall Scannell, Jaco Taute or Chris Farrell to name but a few, yet they still go the job done. It’s that old Munster doggedness, that could see them go all the way.

If you back one of these three teams, your money should be in good hands.