We look ahead to the fourth round of the Challenge Cup, featuring the Hollywoodbets Sharks, Lions and Cheetahs.
Friday 19 January
Gloucester 1/5 | Draw 33/1 | Castres 7/2
Handicap
Gloucester (-11.5) 17/20 | Castres (+11.5) 17/20
The unexpected news of Louis Rees-Zammit’s immediate departure from the club is a big blow to a Gloucester side that continues to struggle domestically yet has high hopes of potentially going the distance in Europe. They’re top of Pool 3 with a perfect record but must hold off Castres here to confirm a top spot finish.
The Top 14 outfit are placed second, level on points (10) with Clermont and just two adrift of the Cherry and Whites. Although a victory will see them win the pool, it won’t come easy at the Kingsholm.
Verdict: Castres (+11.5) 17/20
The away side to cop a narrow loss.
Saturday 20 January
Oyonnax | Draw | Cheetahs
*betting tba
Handicap
Oyonnax | Cheetahs
An Oyonnax second team fell to a big defeat to the Hollywoodbets Sharks in Durban last week, but their A-listers will be back for this one at the Stade Charles-Mathon. Although Joe El-Abd’s men languish at the very bottom of Pool 1 with just a single log point to their name, they’ll be desperate not to end their European campaign winless.
Despite the Cheetahs’ disappointing loss to Pau in the Netherlands, they remain second in Pool 1 and will be confident of knocking over whoever they’re likely to face in the round of 16. Theirs is a resilient group of players who may just produce a surprise in east France.
Verdict: Cheetahs
The Cheetahs to win on the board here.
Sunday 21 January
Lions | Draw | Ospreys
*betting tba
Handicap
Lions | Ospreys
With leaders Montpellier taking on second-placed Benetton this weekend, the Lions (third) have a wonderful opportunity to possibly steal second for themselves come the end of the weekend. Although Ospreys are locked on the same number of points (nine) as Cash van Rooyen’s side, the Johannesburg altitude should lift them to a comfortable win.
The Welsh outfit’s big win over Perpignan last week was their third in a row in all competitions. While they remain in contention to challenge for a higher finish, their poor record in South Africa suggests they won’t seriously challenge the hosts here.
Verdict: Lions (-)
At altitude, the Lions should clear the handicap here.
Dragons | Draw | Hollywoodbets Sharks
*betting tba
Handicap
Dragons | Draw | Sharks
A win for fifth-placed Dragons over the Sharks here and they’re right in the playoff mix. Just a point off the top four, they’ll be going tooth and nail in an attempt to prolong their campaign in Europe.
The top-placed Durbanites would expect to secure that position with another victory here following their impressive 38-7 defeat of Oyonnax last week. In reality, anything less than a bonus point win at Rodney Parade would be considered a failure for the men in black and white.
Verdict: Sharks (-)
The Hollywoodnets Sharks to ease to victory in Wales.
Quickfire predictions
Pau v Zebre: Pau on the minus
Black Lions v Clermont Auvergne: Clermont on the minus
Benetton v Montpellier: Benetton to win on the board
Perpignan v Newcastle: Perpignan to win on the board
