We were treated to hard-fought, fascinating ties in the Challenge Cup last week. Shaun Goosen will be hoping for more of the same as he previews round 2!
Saracen’s match against Pau has been called off following a Covid outbreak in the Londoner’s camp. Pau have therefore been awarded a 28-0 win.
Betting to be added on release.
Friday 17 December
Dragons | Draw | Lyon (22:00)
Dragons fell agonisingly short of upsetting Perpignan last week, finally going down 16-22. Friday presents them with another opportunity to knock over a French side, but Lyon are no pushovers. Fourth in the Top 14, Les Loups’ 19-13 defeat of Gloucester at the Matmut Stadium in the first round has teed them up nicely for what is to come, and they’ll be eager to push on with a win here. Back them to get the job done.
Toulon | Draw | Zebre (23:00)
The three-time Champions Cup winners kick-off their campaign on Friday as they welcome Zebre to the Stade Mayol. Toulon have had an indifferent season in the Top 14, winning just four of their opening 12, but have too much quality for Zebre to handle here. The visitors are winless across the board this season and last week suffered a 13-26 home defeat to Biarritz. Toulon should win this at a canter.
Gloucester | Draw | Benetton (22:00)
Gloucester face Benetton for the fourth time, having claimed the win in each of their previous encounters and scoring more than 30-points per game. The Cherry and Whites should be mindful of this particular Benetton team, though, with the Italian club having made a great start to the URC following their Rainbow Cup heroics. That said, the hosts’ 19-13 loss in Lyon last week should spark them to life here.
Saturday 18 December
Worcester Warriors v Biarritz (17:15)
Worcester went down narrowly at Newcastle in round one and will be searching for a response. The French outfit claimed a good away win against Zebre last week and will be confident of bagging a second over an inconsistent Worcester team that has won just three from 10 in the Premiership.
Sunday 19 December
London Irish | Draw | Brive (17:15)
The Exiles earned a commanding 33-17 win in Pau last week that would have done wonders for the confidence in Les Kiss’ side. They’ve now set their sights on Brive, their second French opposition in succession, and will be difficult to beat at home. The visitors sat out the first round and have struggled in the Top 14, picking up just four wins from 12. They could well fall prey to their hosts this week.
