The Champions Cup finally gets underway this weekend, with three of South Africa’s URC franchises set to come up against the very best Europe has to offer.
Saturday 10 December
Racing 13/10 | Draw 20/1 | Leinster 13/20
Handicap
Racing (+2.5) 17/20 | (-2.5) 17/20
In one of the games of the opening round, Leinster travel to La Defense Arena to tackle Racing 92. The Parisians are second on the Top 14 standings after picking up eight wins from 12 games and look likely to challenge both domestically and in Europe this term after a 2021-22 campaign that saw them dumped out of their Top 14 semi-final qualifier and Champions Cup semi-final. Laurent Travers’ outfit have won their last five on the bounce and will head into this one eager to get their European campaign off to a commanding start against last season’s runners-up.
In spite of their freakish squad depth and trailblazing playing style, Leo Cullen’s men have failed to add to the fourth Champions Cup crown they achieved in 2017. They’re again favourites to change that this season, with Leinster having won all nine of their URC matches, and a positive start here won’t do their chances any harm.
The likely absence of injured duo Johnny Sexton and Tadhg Furlong, as well as a suspended Cian Healy are blows for the Irish outfit, and should give Racing the advantage they need.
Get on the hosts to deal Leinster their first loss of the season at 13/10.
𝙍𝙞𝙣𝙜𝙧𝙤𝙨𝙚 🔥
— Leinster Rugby (@leinsterrugby) December 5, 2022
💥 | A big carry from JVDF
💯 | A step from Garry to get in for his second try#LEIvULS #BKTURC pic.twitter.com/6sQdb2SgiH
Sharks 54/100 | Draw 20/1 | Harlequins 16/10
Handicap
Sharks (-4.5) 17/20 | Quins (+4.5) 17/20
The Durbanites bounced back from their 35-0 drubbing at the hands of Cardiff to beat Ospreys 25-10 last week, but they will be even stronger here with the likes of Siya Kolisi and Eben Etzebeth returning to form part of an extremely physical pack. Things are still pretty uncertain at the Tank following Sean Everitt’s departure, but a strong start to their Champions Cup campaign will do wonders for the belief at the franchise.
Tabai Matson’s ‘Quins are sitting pretty in third on the Gallagher Premiership standings following their 19-13 win at Bath last week. With the influential Marcus Smith still sidelined, the performance of Danny Care and Tommy Allan will be even more crucial, as will Andre Esterhuizen on his return to Hollywoodbets Kings Park. That said, if Joe Marler and company don’t front up in contact, the hosts will dominate territory and the tourists will be forced to play from deep – no easy task in the Durban humidity.
Much will depend on Curwin Bosch’s kicking display at No 10, but a powerful Sharks outfit with much to prove should just about clear the handicap at home.
It’s going to be EPIC, see you in the stands 😉
— The Sharks (@SharksRugby) December 7, 2022
🏉: Cell C Sharks vs Harlequins
📆: 10 December
⏰: 15H00
📍: Hollywoodbets Kings Park
🎟️: https://t.co/mSRAOvNeY9#FearTheFin #HeinekenChampionsCup #SHAvHAR pic.twitter.com/ANhEUDUo1s
Clermont Auvergne 49/100 | Draw 20/1 | Stormers 7/4
Handicap
Clermont (-4.5) 17/20 | Stormers (+4.5) 17/20
Les Jaunards head into their competition opener after picking up just five wins from 12 Top 14 matches thus far to occupy 10th spot on the log. Despite that pretty ordinary record, the three-time runners-up will be buoyed by the support of the Marcel-Michelin faithful, and the fact that the Stormers are yet to play on French soil. With most eyes fixed on the tournament’s other French clubs, Jono Gibbes’ side could be dark horses this season.
John Dobson has already made reference to the vociferous nature of the Stade Michelin, and win or lose it will be an enormously beneficial experience for the ambitious Capetonians going forward. Unfortunately for them, the absences of Frans Malherbe, Evan Roos and Marvin Orie could be hard-felt here.
Clermont to narrowly clear the ‘cap.
L'Action du Match #ASMMHR by @Paprec_Group
— ASM Rugby (@ASMOfficiel) December 4, 2022
Le travail d'orfèvre des avants clermontois après la prise de balle de Jacobus Van Tonder qui déroulent sur 22 mètres un ballon porté d'école ! 👊🟡🔵#YellowArmy pic.twitter.com/PJgycDHBSf
Bulls 17/100 | Draw 22/1 | Lyon 42/10
Handicap
Bulls (-12.5) 17/20 | Lyon (+12.5) 17/20
With the old heads and talent at their disposal, the Bulls will be confident of going deep into the tournament this season. The likes of Johan Goosen, Bismarck du Plessis and Nizaam Carr have plenty of experience playing in European club competition and would have imparted much knowledge to the youngsters in the side. Additionally, the form of Canan Moodie and Kurt-Lee Arendse will be a big boon for the Pretoria Boys.
Lyon are seven from 12 in the Top 14 and lie sixth, having blown hot and cold this season. There isn’t much to suggest that Les Loups will be able to deal with the Bulls and their physicality at altitude, and not many expect them to have a happy first hit out in SA.
Playing at Loftus against a Lyon side that traditionally does not travel well, get on the Bulls to clear the handicap.
💥 THE HYPE IS REAL 💥
— Official Blue Bulls (@BlueBullsRugby) December 7, 2022
It’s the BEST vs the BEST in the Heineken Champions Cup, and it comes to Loftus this Saturday 💪
🎟 Tickets: https://t.co/MgCncNyX07
🐃 Vodacom Bulls vs Lyon
🎶 Live Entertainment
🍻 Beer Garden (Opens at 12h00)
🍲 Loftus Market #TrueToTheBlue pic.twitter.com/mJdpLE1N8O
Sunday 11 December
Munster 12/10 | Draw 20/1 | Toulouse 72/100
Handicap
Munster (+2.5) 17/20 | (-2.5) 17/20
After a nightmarish start to the season, Munster have won both of their URC matches post the international window and may finally be settling under the stewardship of Graham Rowntree with a playoff spot no longer out of the equation. While a proper assault on Europe this term may be out of reach for the Red Army at this stage, they’ll still be going all out for a knockout berth and a win here would do them wonders.
Toulouse are again expected to be right in contention for what would be a record-extending sixth Champions Cup championship this season. After failing to defend their title last time out, they’ll be eager to use their early season momentum to be right in the thick of it again.
The French outfit should claim a relatively comfortable win here. Get on them to clear the handicap.
It's Champions Cup week & Thomond Park will be hopping on Sunday as Toulouse visit Limerick for a 3.15pm kick-off 🙌
— Munster Rugby (@Munsterrugby) December 5, 2022
Get your match tickets for #MUNvTOU with tickets also available for our clash with Northampton Saints in January ⤵️#SUAF 🔴
Quickfire tips
Friday 9 December
London Irish 12/10 | Draw 21/1 | Montpellier 7/10
Handicap
Irish (+2.5) 17/20 | Montpellier (-2.5) 17/20
Get on Montpellier at (-2.5) 17/20 in Brentford.
Saturday 10 December
Gloucester 43/100 | Draw 20/1 | Bordeaux-Begles 2/1
Handicap
Gloucester (-5.5) 17/20 | Bordeaux (+5.5) 17/20
Bordeaux (+5.5) 17/20 here against a good Gloucester outfit.
Castres 73/100 | Draw 20/1 | Exeter Chiefs 12/10
Castres to take this one against an indifferent Exeter.
Sale Sharks 61/100 | Draw 20/1 | Ulster 14/10
Handicap
Sale (-3.5) 6/10 | Ulster (+3.5) 6/10
Ulster (+3.5) 6/10 here against a physical Sale side.
La Rochelle 1/11 | Draw 33/1 | Northampton 13/2
Handicap
La Rochelle (-15.5) 17/20 | (+15.5) 17/20
La Rochelle (-15.5) 17/20 against a Saints team that’s been mediocre this term.
Sunday 11 December
Saracens 1/12 | Draw 33/1 | Edinburgh 13/2
Handicap
Saracens (-15.5) 17/20 | Edinburgh (+15.5) 17/20
Darcy Graham’s injury is a massive blow to Edinburgh. Saracens should clear the handicap at the StoneX.
Ospreys 34/10 | Draw 25/1 | Leicester 23/100
Handicap
Ospreys (+9.5) 17/20 | Leicester (-9.5) 17/20
Get on a full-strength Ospreys (34/10) to upset Tigers in Swansea.
