Miles Harrison writes:

Four of the big guns, Munster, Leicester Tigers, Stade Francais and Gloucester, will be trying to ease closer to the Heineken Cup quarter-finals in the Pool stage Round 5.



Andy Ward: Ulster skipper

I'm concerned for Ulster now...They were well placed in Pool 1 after that amazing victory over Leicester Tigers at Ravenhill, but then got ripped apart themselves at Welford Road last week.

Saturday's Sky live opponents Stade Francais, as they proved against The Dragons at Stade Jean Bouin, are a very good side and it doesn't look good for Ulster - Stade could be out of their reach after the weekend.

Ulster can't afford to lose and Stade looked like a flowing team for the first time in this Heineken Cup campaign last time out. They have some wonderful players - Ignacio Corleto, Brian Liebenberg, Stephane Glas, Christophe Dominici and Diego Dominguez - a real classy back-line.

Prediction: It could go very wrong for Ulster in Paris, I'm not ruling them out as they are a superbly spirited side but would be more confident if the match was being played in Belfast. If Ulster go out, they could look back and see where they went awry at The Dragons in round one.

I'm really looking forward to The Dragons v Leicester Tigers. It will be my first job as a commentator at one of rugby's most evocative club venues - Rodney Parade in Newport. Yes, it's another massive match live on Sky Sports.

Wales v England clashes are mouth-watering at any time, but especially when so much rests on it.



Johnson: Dragons test

Before the Heineken Cup, Zurich Premiership or Celtic League were even considered there was a long tradition of cross-border tussles and I've been leafing through the Newport v Tigers record books...It made interesting reading and revealed that, from 63 previous visits, LEicester have only managed to win FIVE TIMES.

The last time they ventured to Rodney Parade was 1984, and they win with Sir Clive Woodward and Dean Richards involved on the pitch.

It's a special venue, with plenty of history and feeling. The newly formed Dragons have yet to lose there in all competitions and no English team has ever won in Europe at Rodney Parade - it's something special and I can't wait.

Prediction: I always select a draw of the week, and I was close last week when Sale were bombarding the Leinster line in the final minute seven points down. If you push me I would go for a home win, but I think this will be the tightest match of the whole weekend.

Munster are back in the Pool 5 driving seat after their bonus point victory over Gloucester last week They travel to north east Italy this week to face back-markers Benetton Treviso.

Treviso have caused upsets before at Stadio Comunale di Mongio, just ask Bourgoin, but I expect Munster to go there and do a job.

Prediction: This is a virtual certainty. Gloucester play Treviso at Kingsholm on the final day so Munster will be anxious to get a bonus point to avoid leaving themselves short.

And finally on Saturday, an emotional day for Bourgoin coach Philippe Saint-Andre as he `welcomes` old club Gloucester to Stade Pierre Rajon.



Saint-Andre: Gloucester memories

I don't think the cherry and whites could have done much better against Munster last week. I watched the tape back and would claim that not many sides, club or international, in world rugby could have lived with that onslaught at Thomond Park.

Last season Gloucester were eliminated in Limerick, but this time they are not out of it and will not be as psychologically damaged because they played well. It was just that Munster played better.

One thing is for sure, a bonus point in Bourgoin is much needed to stave off the possibility of a return trip to the west of Ireland...The No.1 seeds will face the No.8 ranked side in the quarter finals, Gloucester will not want to go to Munster.

Prediction: Gloucester to win. Munster only won by a point in Bourgoin, but I think the cherries could win by a bit more...Shock, horror Gloucester away win predicted by Harrison!!