It was a make-or-break round of European action for many teams in another exhilarating Heineken Cup weekend. Our featured matches this weekend are Aironi vs Clermont, London Irish vs Cardiff Blues, Saracens vs Biarritz and Scarlets vs Northampton.

Clermont dismantle Aironi in 82 point thrashing

Clermont scored at the rate of one point per minute and it was tries galore throughout this tremendously one-sided encounter. Sivivatu scored two early tries and the second half consisted of more tries from Alexandre Lapandry, Brock James and Julien Malzieu with Lee Byrne scoring a brace of tries before the break.

The introduction of a selection of substitutes for Aironi didn’t help them as the opposition continued their assault on the Italians. The second half saw more tires from James, Lapandry, Sivitatu, Malzieu and another from Vermeulen.

Final Score: Aironi 0-82 Clermont

Cardiff continue Heineken Cup hopes with Irish win

A handful of penalty goals from Halfpenny and Jarvis for their respective sides put the score at 9-6 to London Irish at the break. Sam Warburton ended the try drought a few minutes into the second period of the game and the boot of Lee Halfpenny remained reliable as he converted.

The game grew ever tenser in the final stages of the encounter at the Madejski Stadium when the penalty kicks continued to fly through the posts. Irish would need a try to win the game but when Lee Halfpenny kicked a final penalty 3 minutes from time, London Irish’s hopes were dashed and Cardiff continued their strong Heineken Cup campaign.

Final Score: London Irish 15-22 Cardiff Blues

Saracens scrape Biarritz victory

Ben Spencer scored a crucial try for Sarries in the first half and along with three more Owen Farrell penalties, the Saracens tally was 14 points at the break with Biarritz managing just two penalty goals.

When Dimitri Yachvili converted his own try on the hour mark, Biarritz looked back in the encounter but two additional penalties from England squad member, Owen Farrell, sealed the win for Saracens.

Final Score: Saracens 20-16 Biarritz

Foden interception cancels out Scarlets comeback

Rising Welsh star, Rhys Priestland, opened the half with three penalty goals and an Iongi try boosted the hosts’ score line to 14 points with Myler only kicking two penalties for his side before the break.

Northampton re-entered the action looking revitalised as Tonga’uiha crossed for the opening try of the half and the first for the Saints. Further penalty kicks from Myler all but ensured victory. 

Several near tries from the Scarlets late in the second came to nothing when Ben Foden intercepted, sprinting the length of the pitch to score and erase the Scarlets hopes of reaching the quarter-finals. 

Final Score: Scarlets 17-29 Northampton