Cross-country European Rugby returns this weekend with the final set of group stage Challenge Cup fixtures getting underway on Friday evening. Darry Worthington takes an in-depth look at the Edinburgh versus Pau fixture and the Biarritz v Toulon game and also gives us his tips for the remaining fixtures.
Friday 8 April
Edinburgh v Pau (21:00)
The first game we take a look at is the Scottish-French affair between Edinburgh and Pau.
Edinburgh are the firm favourites to advance here as they sit second on the Pool C standings and are five points clear of Pau who are in last place. The visitors would need a win here and too drastically improve their points differential if they are to advance to the Round of 16 as one of the best third-placed sides.
The hosts have fared okay of late in the United Rugby Championship going down 15-9 to the Golden Lions while beating the Sharks 5-21 in South Africa. Pau have been in even better form in the Top 14 registering wins over Biarritz (19-42) and Perpignan (27-2).
Verdict: Pau
I think that long haul trip back from South Africa may well hamper the Scots. I’d be jumping on any plus line in excess of three points here.
Saturday 9 April
Biarritz v Toulon (21:00)
There’s an all French clash next up with A Toulon sde who have already advanced to the next round taking on a Biarrtz outfit who could well grab a place in the next round with a win here.
The hosts are likely to go full strength here as they look unlikely to pull out of the relegation zone in the Top 14 and a solid Challenge Cup run would be a decent enough consolation prize after a torrid season in the French top tier.
Toulon, on the other hand, are in a battle for a Top 14 play-off berth and while there is a two week gap between this game and ther next Top 14 outing, we are likely to see them rest a couple big names as they have already booked their spot in the challenge cup Round of 16.n
Verdict: Biarritz
I really do fancy the hosts here. They have been handy in Europe this year and have also delivered some sold showings against the big guns in the Top 14 on their own patch.
Other Tips
Saracens Win v Brive
Treviso Win v Perpignan
Newcastle Win v Zebre
Gloucester Win v Dragons
