Team News: Champions Cup - How does your team line-up in Round 2?

The action resumes tonight with a blockbuster between two of the competition’s most decorated clubs, Leicester Tigers and Leinster, who meet in a clash steeped in history and expectation.

With squads rotating, stars returning and early qualification battles already taking shape, every fixture carries weight. Here, we break down how each team is set to line up across a fascinating second round of elite European rugby.

Leicester welcome back five internationals for a crucial Round 2 clash with European powerhouse Leinster. Tommy Reffell captains the Tigers fresh from becoming a new father, while Tom Whiteley reaches 50 caps and Solomone Kata starts after his own milestone last week. Leinster, with six European titles, hand Rieko Ioane his first start and restore Robbie Henshaw, James Lowe and James Ryan to a star-heavy XV. With both clubs steeped in Champions Cup history, this is a genuine heavyweight meeting.

Leicester Tigers starting XV: 15 Freddie Steward, 14 Adam Radwan, 13 Will Wand, 12 Solomone Kata, 11 Ollie Hassell-Collins, 10 Billy Searle, 9 Tom Whiteley, 8 Joaquin Moro, 7 Tommy Reffell (captain), 6 James Thompson, 5 Harry Wells, 4 Cameron Henderson, 3 Joe Heyes, 2 Jamie Blamire, 1 Nicky Smith.
Replacements: 16 Finn Theobald Thomas, 17 Archie van der Flier, 18 Will Hurd, 19 Tom Manz, 20 Sam Williams, 21 Ollie Allan, 22 Orlando Bailey, 23 Joseph Woodward.

Leinster starting XV: 15 Jimmy O’Brien, 14 Tommy O’Brien, 13 Rieko Ioane, 12 Robbie Henshaw, 11 James Lowe, 10 Harry Byrne, 9 Jamison Gibson-Park, 8 Caelan Doris (captain), 7 Josh van der Flier, 6 Jack Conan, 5 James Ryan, 4 Joe McCarthy, 3 Tadhg Furlong, 2 Rónan Kelleher, 1 Paddy McCarthy.
Replacements: 16 Dan Sheehan, 17 Jack Boyle, 18 Thomas Clarkson, 19 Diarmuid Mangan, 20 Max Deegan, 21 Luke McGrath, 22 Sam Prendergast, 23 Ciarán Frawley.

Unbeaten this season, the Stormers look to continue their red-hot form after a dominant Round 1 showing, with nine Springboks reinforcing their charge at Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium. Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu and Cobus Reinach reunite at halfback, while Warrick Gelant returns at fullback. La Rochelle’s maul threat will challenge the Stormers’ discipline, but the hosts’ physicality and turnover game give them the edge. Expect a fierce breakdown battle between two sides known for disruption.

Stormers starting XV: 15 Warrick Gelant, 14 Dylan Maart, 13 Ruhan Nel, 12 Jonathan Roche, 11 Leolin Zas, 10 Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, 9 Cobus Reinach, 8 Evan Roos, 7 Ben-Jason Dixon, 6 Paul de Villiers, 5 JD Schickerling, 4 Salmaan Moerat, 3 Neethling Fouché, 2 André-Hugo Venter, 1 Ntuthuko Mchunu
Replacements: 16 JJ Kotzé, 17 Oli Kebble, 18 Sazi Sandi, 19 Connor Evans, 20 Ruan Ackermann, 21 Marcel Theunissen, 22 Imad Khan, 23 Wandisile Simelane

La Rochelle starting XV: 15 Nathan Bollengier, 14 Suliasi Vunivalu, 13 Adrien Seguret, 12 Simeli Daunivucu, 11 Hoani Bosmorin, 10 Diego Jurd, 9 Nolhann Couillaud, 8 Lucas Andjisseramatchi (c), 7 Kirill Fraindt, 6 Charles Kante Samba, 5 Kane Douglas, 4 Ultan Dillane, 3 Karl Sorin, 2 Quentin Lespiaucq, 1 Reda Wardi
Replacements: 16 Nikoloz Sutidze, 17 Christian Luaki, 18 Joel Sclavi, 19 Simon Huchet, 20 Aleksandre Kuntelia, 21 Edouard Richer, 22 Thomas Berjon, 23 Dillyn Leyds

Clermont seek a reset after a poor Round 1 but return to their fortress, where they have won five straight. With three consecutive victories over Sale and a strong home record, they will fancy their chances against a Sharks side struggling badly on the road. Sale have lost five away games in a row and couldn’t convert a halftime lead last week. Clermont’s attacking power in front of their own crowd makes them favourites to bounce back.

Clermont starting XV: 15 Axel Guillaud, 14 Yerim Fall, 13 Timeo Frier, 12 George Moala, 11 Alivereti Raka, 10 Irae Simone, 9 Sebastien Bezy, 8 Selevasio Tolofua, 7 Marcos Kremer, 6 Killian Tixeront (c), 5 Thomas Ceyte, 4 Rob Simmons, 3 Cristian Ojovan, 2 Etienne Fourcade, 1 Sacha Lotrian
Replacements: 16 Seilala Lam, 17 Giorgi Akhaladze, 18 Giga Tutisani, 19 Tevita Ratuva, 20 Pio Muarua, 21 Lucas Zamora, 22 Harry Plummer, 23 Alex Newsome

Sale starting XV: 15 Arron Reed, 14 Tom O’Flaherty, 13 Joe Bedlow, 12 Marius Louw, 11 Alex Wills, 10 Rob du Preez, 9 Raffi Quirke, 8 Ben Curry, 7 Ernst van Rhyn (c), 6 Jacques Vermeulen, 5 Ben Bamber, 4 Tom Burrow, 3 WillGriff John, 2 Nathan Jibulu, 1 Si McIntyre
Replacements: 16 Ethan Caine, 17 Tumy Onasanya, 18 James Harper, 19 Hyron Andrews, 20 Tristan Woodman, 21 Gus Warr, 22 Ollie Davies, 23 Gurshwin Wehr

The Sharks look to stabilise their campaign after a heavy defeat and sudden coaching upheaval, but receive a major boost with the return of Siya Kolisi, Andre Esterhuizen’s 100th cap, and Aphelele Fassi back at fullback. Saracens, however, arrive brimming with confidence following their 47–10 dismantling of Clermont. The English giants appear settled, powerful and in form, while the Sharks face transition and pressure. Their returning Springboks must fire if they hope to withstand Saracens’ momentum.

Sharks starting XV: 15 Aphelele Fassi, 14 Edwill van der Merwe, 13 Ethan Hooker, 12 Andre Esterhuizen (c), 11 Makazole Mapimpi, 10 George Whitehead, 9 Grant Williams, 8 Phepsi Buthelezi, 7 Vincent Tshituka, 6 Siya Kolisi, 5 Emile van Heerden, 4 Jason Jenkins, 3 Hanro Jacobs, 2 Bongi Mbonambi, 1 Phatu Ganyane
Replacements: 16 Eduan Swart, 17 Lee-Marvin Mazibuko, 18 Mawande Mdanda, 19 Marvin Orie, 20 Matt Romao, 21 Nick Hatton, 22 Jaden Hendrikse, 23 Jordan Hendrikse

Saracens starting XV: 15 Elliot Daly, 14 Rotimi Segun, 13 Sam Spink, 12 Olly Hartley, 11 Angus Hall, 10 Fergus Burke, 9 Charlie Bracken, 8 Tom Willis, 7 Andy Onyeama-Christie (c), 6 Theo McFarland, 5 Harry Wilson, 4 Nick Isiekwe, 3 Marco Riccioni, 2 Theo Dan, 1 Eroni Mawi
Replacements: 16 James Hadfield, 17 Alex O Driscoll, 18 Marcus Street, 19 Hugh Tizard, 20 Nathan Michelow, 21 Ben Earl, 22 Gareth Simpson, 23 Alex Lozowski

Bordeaux stormed back from a big deficit to beat the Bulls and now return home, where they’ve won eight of their last nine. Their firepower makes them strong favourites against a Scarlets side struggling for form and consistency, particularly away from home. The Welsh visitors pushed Bristol but lack momentum, while UBB look energised and well balanced. History and home advantage point strongly towards Bordeaux tightening their grip on Pool progression.

UBB starting XV: 15 Xan Mousques, 14 Damian Penaud, 13 Pablo Uberti, 12 Yoram Moefana, 11 Louis Bielle-Biarrey, 10 Matthieu Jalibert, 9 Martin Page-Relo, 8 Temo Matiu, 7 Bastien Vergnes-Taillefer, 6 Tiaan Jacobs, 5 Adam Coleman, 4 Boris Palu, 3 Sipili Falatea, 2 Gaetan Barlot, 1 Jefferson Poirot (c)
Replacements: 16 Christian Everitt, 17 Matis Perchaud, 18 Ben Tameifuna, 19 Jonny Gray, 20 Romain Gardrat, 21 Arthur Retiere, 22 Joey Carbery, 23 Rohan Janse van Rensburg

Scarlets starting XV: 15 Jac Davies, 14 Tomi Lewis, 13 Joe Roberts, 12 Eddie James, 11 Ellis Mee, 10 Joe Hawkins, 9 Dane Blacker, 8 Fletcher Anderson, 7 Dan Davis, 6 Josh Macleod (c), 5 Jake Ball, 4 Max Douglas, 3 Henry Thomas, 2 Marnus van der Merwe, 1 Alec Hepburn
Replacements: 16 Ryan Elias, 17 Kemsley Mathias, 18 Harri O’Connor, 19 Sam Lousi, 20 Jarrod Taylor, 21 Archie Hughes, 22 Sam Costelow, 23 Macs Page

History is made as Páirc Uí Chaoimh hosts its first Champions Cup match. Munster, reeling from a heavy defeat to Bath, need a response after two sobering weeks. Gloucester arrive buoyed by their Round 1 win but face a Munster side desperate to reassert themselves. With the crowd expected to elevate the occasion, Munster must rediscover their physical edge and composure to avoid slipping deeper into trouble in a tightening group.

Munster starting XV: 15 Mike Haley, 14 Shane Daly, 13 Dan Kelly, 12 Alex Nankivell, 11 Ben O’Connor, 10 Jack Crowley, 9 Craig Casey, 8 Gavin Coombes, 7 Jack O’Donoghue, 6 Tom Ahern, 5 Tadhg Beirne (c), 4 Jean Kleyn, 3 Michael Ala’alatoa, 2 Niall Scannell, 1 Michael Milne
Replacements: 16 Diarmuid Barron, 17 Josh Wycherley, 18 Conor Bartley, 19 Edwin Edogbo, 20 Ruadhán Quinn, 21 Paddy Patterson, 22 JJ Hanrahan, 23 Tom Farrell

Gloucester starting XV: 15 George Barton, 14 Josh Hathaway, 13 Will Knight, 12 Max Knight, 11 Rob Russell, 10 Charlie Atkinson, 9 Mike Austin, 8 Jack Clement, 7 Harry Taylor, 6 Josh Basham, 5 Arthur Clark (c), 4 Cam Jordan, 3 Jamal Ford-Robinson, 2 Jack Innard, 1 Dian Bleuler
Replacements: 16 Kealan Freeman Price, 17 Ciaran Knight, 18 Afolabi Fasogbon, 19 Danny Eite, 20 Hugh Bokenham, 21 Caio James, 22 Rhys Price, 23 Jack Cotgreave

Glasgow opened with an excellent win at Sale but face a huge step up as Toulouse arrive with Antoine Dupont starting for the first time since injury. Scotstoun will be rocking, yet Toulouse’s power, depth and returning world-class operators make them formidable. Franco Smith’s side will see this as a benchmark test of genuine European credentials. Toulouse, with Dupont and Ntamack reunited, may simply have too much class despite Glasgow’s strong form.

Glasgow starting XV: 15 Josh McKay, 14 Kyle Steyn (c), 13 Stafford McDowall, 12 Sione Tuipulotu, 11 Ollie Smith, 10 Adam Hastings, 9 Jamie Dobie, 8 Jack Dempsey, 7 Rory Darge, 6 Matt Fagerson, 5 Scott Cummings, 4 Max Williamson, 3 Zander Fagerson, 2 Gregor Hiddleston, 1 Nathan McBeth
Replacements: 16 Seb Stephen, 17 Rory Sutherland, 18 Sam Talakai, 19 Alex Craig, 20 Gregor Brown, 21 Ally Miller, 22 George Horne, 23 Dan Lancaster

Toulouse starting XV: 15 Thomas Ramos, 14 Ange Capuozzo, 13 Paul Costes, 12 Kalvin Gourgues, 11 Blair Kinghorn, 10 Romain Ntamack, 9 Antoine Dupont, 8 Anthony Jelonch, 7 Leo Banos, 6 Jack Willis, 5 Thibaud Flament, 4 Joshua Brennan, 3 Dorian Aldegheri, 2 Julien Marchand (c), 1 David Ainu’u
Replacements: 16 Thomas Lacombre, 17 Rodrigue Neti, 18 Joel Merkler, 19 Emmanuel Meafou, 20 Mathis Castro-Ferreira, 21 Alexandre Roumat, 22 Paul Graou, 23 Teddy Thomas

Both sides search for their first win after disappointing opening rounds, but Bayonne appear to be rotating heavily after their bruising loss to the Stormers. Quins, inconsistent this season, nonetheless welcome a French side historically reluctant travellers. With Marcus Smith steering the attack and home advantage at The Stoop, Harlequins should have the creativity and tempo to exploit an understrength Bayonne outfit.

Harlequins starting XV: 15 Nick David, 14 Cassius Cleaves, 13 Oscar Beard, 12 Luke Northmore, 11 Cadan Murley (c), 10 Marcus Smith, 9 Will Porter, 8 Zach Carr, 7 Will Evans, 6 Jack Kenningham, 5 Stephan Lewies, 4 Guido Petti Pagadizábal, 3 Pedro Delgado, 2 Jack Walker, 1 Fin Baxter
Replacements: 16 Sam Riley, 17 Boris Wenger, 18 Will Hobson, 19 Kieran Treadwell, 20 Chandler Cunningham-South, 21 Lucas Friday, 22 Jamie Benson, 23 Ben Waghorn

Bayonne starting XV: 15 Yohan Orabe, 14 Jonah Thompson, 13 Sireli Maqala, 12 Federico Mori, 11 Victor Hannoun, 10 Tom Spring, 9 Baptiste Tilloles, 8 Manex Ariceta, 7 Esteban Capilla, 6 Alexandre Fischer (c), 5 Lucas Paulos, 4 Alvaro Garcia Iandolino, 3 Emerick Setiano, 2 Lucas Martin, 1 Ignacio Calles
Replacements: 16 Vincent Giudicelli, 17 Swan Cormenier, 18 Marco Fepulea’i, 19 Baptiste Heguy, 20 Raphael Marchesin, 21 Noa Traversier, 22 Herschel Jantjies, 23 Pyrénées Boyle-Tiatia

Edinburgh arrive buoyed by their superb win over Toulon and with several academy graduates once again entrusted in key roles. Castres, outplayed at Gloucester, will hope home advantage restores their edge after failing to score in the second half last week. Edinburgh return to a ground where they won famously last season, and their growing confidence underlined by young talent stepping up could make this another intriguing contest in France.

Castres starting XV: 15 Geoffrey Palis, 14 Christian Ambadiang, 13 Vilimoni Botitu, 12 Jack Goodhue, 11 Adam Vargas, 10 Pierre Popelin, 9 Jeremy Fernandez, 8 Abraham Papalii, 7 Tyler Ardron, 6 Baptiste Delaporte (c), 5 Tom Staniforth, 4 Gauthier Maravat, 3 Aurelien Azar, 2 Loris Zarantonello, 1 Quentin Walcker
Replacements: 16 Teddy Durand-Pradere, 17 Lois Guerois-Galisson, 18 Nicolas Corato, 19 Leone Nakarawa, 20 Baptiste Cope, 21 Gauthier Doubrere, 22 Enzo Herve, 23 Vuate Karawalevu

Edinburgh starting XV: 15 Jack Brown, 14 Ross McCann, 13 Matt Currie, 12 Piers O’Conor, 11 Lewis Wells, 10 Cammy Scott, 9 Ben Vellacott, 8 Tom Dodd, 7 Freddy Douglas, 6 Liam McConnell, 5 Glen Young, 4 Callum Hunter-Hill, 3 Ollie Blyth-Lafferty, 2 Harri Morris, 1 Boan Venter
Replacements: 16 Ewan Ashman, 17 Mikey Jones, 18 Paul Hill, 19 Connor Boyle, 20 Hamish Watson, 21 Charlie Shiel, 22 James Lang, 23 Wes Goosen

Northampton look to cement early momentum after a gritty away win, while the Bulls must tighten their defence after leaking 46 points to Bordeaux. Missing key veterans on mandated rest, the Bulls still field nine Springboks, including Willie le Roux and the returning Nizaam Carr. Their attack is potent but discipline and defensive organisation will be crucial at a tough English venue. Saints’ sharp backline and home advantage make them favourites, but the Bulls have upset potential if they start fast.

Northampton starting XV: 15 George Furbank (c), 14 Ollie Sleightholme, 13 Rory Hutchinson, 12 Fraser Dingwall, 11 George Hendy, 10 Fin Smith, 9 Alex Mitchell, 8 Henry Pollock, 7 Tom Pearson, 6 Josh Kemeny, 5 JJ van der Mescht, 4 Alex Coles, 3 Trevor Davison, 2 Craig Wright, 1 Danilo Fischetti
Replacements: 16 Robbie Smith, 17 Emmanuel Iyogun, 18 Cleopas Kundiona, 19 Chunya Munga, 20 Ed Prowse, 21 Sam Graham, 22 Tom James, 23 Toby Thame

Bulls starting XV: 15 Devon Williams, 14 Sergeal Petersen, 13 Stedman Gans, 12 Harold Vorster, 11 Stravino Jacobs, 10 Kade Wolhuter, 9 Zak Burger, 8 Elrigh Louw, 7 Reinhardt Ludwig, 6 Marcell Coetzee (c), 5 JF van Heerden, 4 Cobus Wiese, 3 Mornay Smith, 2 Akker van der Merwe, 1 Alulutho Tshakweni
Replacements: 16 Juann Else, 17 Sti Sithole, 18 Khutha Mchunu, 19 Mpilo Gumede, 20 Nizaam Carr, 21 Embrose Papier, 22 Keagan Johannes, 23 Phillip-Albert van Niekerk

Toulon seek to rebound after falling short at Edinburgh but face a red-hot Bath side who demolished Munster in Round 1. Toulon’s Top 14 form suggests they are building something strong, yet Bath’s cohesion and attacking fluency under Johann van Graan make them one of the competition’s most dangerous travellers. With Finn Russell orchestrating and Henry Arundell in lethal form, the English side look primed to make a major statement at Stade Mayol.

Toulon starting XV: 15 Mathis Ferte, 14 Gaël Drean, 13 Nacho Brex, 12 Jérémy Sinzelle, 11 Setariki Tuicuvu, 10 Matéo Garcia, 9 Baptiste Serin, 8 Zach Mercer, 7 Charles Ollivon (c), 6 Lewis Ludlam, 5 Brian Alainu’uese, 4 Swan Rebbadj, 3 Kyle Sinckler, 2 Gianmarco Lucchesi, 1 Jean-Baptiste Gros
Replacements: 16 Teddy Baubigny, 17 Leo Ametlla, 18 Dany Priso, 19 Corentin Mezou, 20 Esteban Abadie, 21 Ben White, 22 Mathieu Smaili, 23 Joe Quere Karaba

Bath starting XV: 15 Santi Carreras, 14 Joe Cokanasiga, 13 Max Ojomoh, 12 Cameron Redpath, 11 Henry Arundell, 10 Finn Russell, 9 Tom Carr-Smith, 8 Alfie Barbeary, 7 Sam Underhill, 6 Ted Hill, 5 Ross Molony, 4 Quinn Roux, 3 Billy Sela, 2 Tom Dunn, 1 Beno Obano
Replacements: 16 Kepu Tuipulotu, 17 Francois van Wyk, 18 Thomas du Toit, 19 Charlie Ewels, 20 Miles Reid, 21 Neil le Roux, 22 Louie Hennessey, 23 Arthur Green

A pivotal Pool match sees Bristol chase a second win after edging Scarlets, while Pau arrive under pressure after failing to earn even a losing bonus at home. Their route to qualification depends heavily on stealing points on the road, but Bristol’s pace and physicality at Ashton Gate make them strong favourites. Victory for the Bears would almost guarantee top-four status, though Pau’s high-tempo attack gives them a puncher’s chance if the game breaks open.

Bristol starting XV: 15 Louis Rees-Zammit, 14 Kalaveti Ravouvou, 13 Benhard Janse van Rensburg, 12 James Williams, 11 Aidan Boshoff, 10 Tom Jordan, 9 Kieran Marmion, 8 Fitz Harding (c), 7 Benjamin Grondona, 6 Joe Owen, 5 Joe Batley, 4 Pedro Rubiolo, 3 Lovejoy Chawatama, 2 Gabriel Oghre, 1 Ellis Genge
Replacements: 16 Harry Thacker, 17 Jake Woolmore, 18 Max Lahiff, 19 Santiago Grondona, 20 Luka Ivanishvili, 21 Sam Wolstenholme, 22 Sam Worsley, 23 Josh Carrington

Pau: 15 Aymeric Luc, 14 Aaron Grandidier Nkanang, 13 Fabien Brau-Boirie, 12 Quentin Valentino, 11 Clement Laporte, 10 Clément Mondinat, 9 Dan Robson, 8 Carwyn Tuipulotu, 7 Clément Paul, 6 Joel Kpoku, 5 Mickael Capelli, 4 Thomas Jolmes, 3 Siate Tokolahi, 2 Lucas Rey (c), 1 Daniel Bibi Biziwu
Replacements: 16 Youri Delhommel, 17 Hugo Parrou, 18 Jon Zabala Arrieta, 19 Remi Picquette, 20 Loic Credoz, 21 Thomas Souverbie, 22 Nathan Decron, 23 Thomas Carol