It’s all to play for in European Rugby Champions Cup Pool 2, with the Ospreys in second place welcoming reigning champions Saracens, currently third, to the Liberty Stadium on Saturday (7.45pm KO).
Back to back bonus point wins over Northampton Saints have moved the Ospreys into second place, two points ahead of Saracens with two games to play.
Sarries, who hadn’t lost in Europe for more than two years, winning the tournament in each of the last two seasons, suffered the opposite fate, losing both games against Clermont Auvergne – the first time they have lost consecutive matches in the competition since 2011.
The Ospreys picked up two bonus points at Allianz Park in October from an enthralling contest that ended 36-34 to Saracens, Dan Evans (2), Owen Watkin and Sam Cross scoring tries.
Both teams go into Saturday’s clash knowing that a win is crucial and will keep them firmly in contention for a quarter-final spot while defeat will end their hopes for the season.
AS IT STANDS
Ospreys v Saracens
Saturday, 13 January, Kick-off: 7:45pm, Liberty Stadium
Referee: John Lacey (Ire), Assistant Ref: David Wilkinson (Ire), Assistant Ref: Eddie Hogan O'Connell (Ire), TMO: Kevin Beggs (Ire), Citing Commissioner: Eugene Ryan (Ire)
Match facts
- Saracens have won all four previous meetings between the clubs, however, each of those victories came by single figure margins.
- The Ospreys come into Saturday’s game having won back-to-back matches for the first time since 2011. However, they’ve not won three consecutive fixtures in the competition since the 2009/10 pool stage.
- In contrast, Saracens have lost two games on the bounce for the first time since January 2011 when they lost to Leinster and Clermont in consecutive weeks.
- Both clubs have scored 17 tries this season, the joint-highest in the competition.
TICKETS FOR SATURDAY'S BIG GAME ARE AVAILABLE NOW AT THIS LINK