The Challenge Cup returns this weekend with Hollywoodbets Sharks, the Lions and Cheetahs set to fly the South African flag in the competition. Shaun Goosen previews round 1.
Please note that no betting was available at the time of publishing.
Friday 8 December
Clermont v Edinburgh (22:00)
Clermont are eighth in the Top 14 after an inconsistent opening nine rounds but should have way too much firepower for the Scots at the Stade Michelin. In the typical French tradition, Christophe Urios’s men are likely to field their strongest possible starting XV for this one to compensate for the away leg which should mean five log points.
Edinburgh have had a fine start to the URC season, sitting fifth after their terrific away win at Ulster a week ago. Unfortunately for them, Friday’s matchup may be a stretch too far for a team perhaps lacking in squad depth.
Verdict: Clermont
The home side should record a comfortable win.
Saturday 9 December
Zebre v Cheetahs (15:00)
Zebre have already amassed the same amount of URC points (11) that they did in the entirety of their last campaign such has been their vast improvement. Fabio Roselli’s boys may be coming off the back of two losses on their SA tour, but the fact that they have been playing regular rugby will be a major factor here.
The Cheetahs’ lack of game time means they’re tough to bet on here. There’s very little to go on and the home side has to be favoured.
Verdict: Zebre
Zebre to take this is the safest option since there’s no telling what the Cheetahs will offer.
Black Lion v Gloucester (15:00)
Black Lion of Georgia make their Challenge Cup bow here hoping to make a big enough splash to warrant future inclusion in the competition. While a win this season may be a step too far for a side founded just two years ago, the Tbilisi club will go all out with an eye on improvement down the track.
The Cherry and Whites have lost six of their eight matches so far but should be a sure thing on Saturday.
Verdict: Gloucester
The hosts should have no problems bagging a good win.
Hollywoodbets Sharks v Pau (17:15)
The Sharks come off yet another defeat, this time at the hands of the Bulls in Pretoria to leave them stranded in 15th on the URC table with just seven points. Welcoming a Pau side sitting fourth in the Top 14 won’t be easy, but their Springbok presence and the Durban humidity will work in their favour.
As good as Thomas Domingo’s charges have been domestically, they’re likely to send over a young and inexperienced side to South Africa. The sheer power and class of the Sharks’ pack will be tough to stop.
Verdict: Hollywoodbets Sharks
John Plumtree’s boys will get the job done.
Ospreys v Benetton (19:30)
Ospreys and Benetton clash for the second weekend in a row following the latter’s 18-13 URC round seven victory in Treviso last week. One would think Toby Booth’s men will have a point to prove here after that recent defeat, their fourth of the season.
Benetton have continued their upward trajectory and occupy sixth spot on the URC table. They’ll come close here but should ultimately succumb to what will be a fired-up Ospreys unit.
Verdict: Ospreys
The Italians to get close in Swansea.
Sunday 10 December
Perpignan v Lions (15:00)
13th-placed Perpignan have struggled in the Top 14 with just two wins to their name. Home-ground advantage will play a big part in their performance on Sunday and should be enough to see them hold off a determined Lions outfit.
As good as the Lions have been of late, having picked up thumping wins in Jo’burg against Zebre and Dragons, playing in France is a different challenge entirely. This young side may not have enough mileage to manufacture a win, but will have their moments on attack.
Verdict: Perpignan
The French outfit will be too good at the Stade Aimé Giral.
Quickfire predictions:
- Castres v Scarlets Verdict: Castres
- Dragons v Oyonnax Verdict: Oyonnax
- Newcastle v Montpellier Verdict: Montpellier
