"Anything but predictable" - Lawrence Dallaglio previews final Champions Cup pool round as big clubs face jeopardy

Nine Round of 16 places are still to be decided, ensuring a weekend packed with jeopardy across Europe and South Africa. While Glasgow Warriors, Sale Sharks, Leinster, Harlequins, Union Bordeaux Bègles, Bristol Bears and Northampton Saints have already secured qualification, none of them can afford to ease off the gas, with home knockout seeding still very much up for grabs. Former England captain Dallaglio believes the stakes are what make the tournament special.

“We go into Round 4 with the most competitive pool stages we’ve seen in years. There are some quite illustrious names that are yet to qualify. That makes this weekend a must-watch. It is very exciting.”

“Seven former champions are yet to qualify and nine places are still up for grabs. What’s not to like? I don’t get the critics - I’m as hooked as I’ve ever been. It’s an incredible competition.”

“It always throws up some stories doesn’t it. Leinster winning by the skin of their teeth last weekend, Glasgow beating Toulouse. It’s anything but predictable, I think some of the quality of rugby on show is magnificent.”

“I loved being a part of this competition as a player. It is so hard to win, you only have to look at the quality. There are very few teams able to go back-to-back. It is such a hard thing to do.”

“I was lucky enough to win it twice and both of the finals were two of the highlights of my career. It remains harder to win than ever.”

Pool 1 is finely poised, with Glasgow aiming to lock in home advantage for the knock-out stage as they host Saracens, who can secure qualification with a win of their own. Elsewhere, Sale Sharks travel to Stade Toulousain with both sides eyeing improved seeding, and with the six-time champions yet to secure their own qualification. Down in South Africa, the Hollywoodbets Sharks must beat Clermont to keep their campaign alive, with a do-or-die clash coming to Durban.

Pool 2 is the tightest of all, with no team yet qualified. Bath host Edinburgh at the Rec in a showdown for top spot, while Munster, Gloucester and Castres are separated by a single point in a high-stakes scrap for survival. Munster host Castres at Thomond Park tomorrow evening, whilst the Cherry and Whites welcome Toulon to Kingsholm as the French titans also seek progression out the pool stage.

Leinster and Harlequins are already through in Pool 3, but both still have plenty to play for. Pool 4 sees Bordeaux Bègles and Bristol Bears go head-to-head for first place as Northampton Saints look to secure home advantage ahead of the Round of 16.

Pool 2
Bath Rugby v Edinburgh - The Rec, Bath, Kick-off: 7.00pm

Pool 4
Section Paloise v Vodacom Bulls - Stade du Hameau, Pau, Kick-off: 7.55pm

Pool 1
Hollywoodbets Sharks v ASM Clermont Auvergne, Kings Park Stadium, Durban, Kick-off: 12.30pm

Pool 3
DHL Stormers v Leicester Tigers - DHL Stadium, Cape Town, Kick-off: 3.00pm

Pool 3
Aviron Bayonnais v Leinster - Stade Jean-Dauger, Bayonne Kick-off: 3.00pm

Pool 2
Munster v Castres Olympique - Thomond Park, Limerick, Kick-off: 5.15pm

Pool 1
Stade Toulousain v Sale Sharks - Stade Ernest-Wallon, Toulouse, Kick-off: 5.15pm

Pool 2
Gloucester v RC Toulon - Kingsholm Stadium, Gloucester, Kick-off: 7.45pm

Pool 4
Bristol Bears v Union Bordeaux Bègles- Ashton Gate, Bristol, Kick-off: 12.30pm

Pool 4
Northampton Saints v Scarlets - Cinch Stadium at Franklin’s Gardens, Northampton, Kick-off: 3.00pm

Pool 3
Stade Rochelais v Harlequins - Stade Marcel-Deflandre, La Rochelle, Kick-off: 3.00pm

Pool 1
Glasgow Warriors v Saracens- Scotstoun Stadium, Glasgow, Kick-off: 5.15pm