Shane Jennings: on the mend

Pool Two


Leinster v Castres


Saturday, RDS, 1.35


Live Sky Sports 2, 1.00


With maximum points from two games, and with the demolition of Wasps still fresh in the memory, the home team should continue its winning ways in Pool Two against Castres next Saturday, but then with Leinster you just never know.


If on the one hand, there is a legitimate buoyancy among the squad in the aftermath of that stunning 41-11 victory, on the other, Leo Cullen's broken collar bone is keeping him out of action until the New Year while doubts remain over the fitness of both Felipe Contepomi and Shane Jennings.


The smart money is that Contepomi, laid low by an infected cut during Argentina's tour of Europe, is much more likely to miss out than Jennings, whose knee injury is on the mend. And with Isa Nacewa also in rehab, Michael Cheika's decision to bring back David Holwell on a short-term contract was no great surprise.


There is no previous between the two sides, so Cheika was in Paris last weekend to watch Castres lose 19-12 to Stade Francais. Rooted near the bottom of the Top 14, their domestic form has been mirrored by defeats in Europe at Wasps and then, more surprisingly, at home against Edinburgh.


The France captain Lionel Nallet is also sidelined after damaging a rib against Australia. Leinster to win.


Pool Four


Ulster v Scarlets


Friday, Ravenhill, 8.00


Live Sky Sports 1, 7.30


Winless and pointless after their two opening games against Stade Francais and Harlequins, Ulster's hopes of qualification might be slim, but Matt Williams and his squad have a pep in their step now on the back of three Magners League victories on the trot over Edinburgh, Munster and Connacht.


Equally, Scarlets are in a similar position following two defeats, and while bragging rights more than a passage to the knockout stages is likely to be at stake, Ulster should take the points.