The Challenge Cup returns tonight in all its glory, and with fixtures like Bayonne v Treviso, there’s plenty to get excited about.
Here are my predictions, let me know what you think:
GLOUCESTER RUGBY to beat La Rochelle by 5 – La Rochelle looking interested in this tournament, but not away from home
OSPREYS to beat Grenoble by 16 – Grenoble not interested
LYON to beat Newcastle Falcons by 6 – home advantage
BAYONNE to beat Benetton Treviso by 13 – neither team seems to care, pick based on French pride at home
ENISEI-STM to beat Brive by 4 – French teams hate away trips, even more so when they are in Siberia
HARLEQUINS to beat Timi?oara Saracens by 33 – who?
CARDIFF BLUES to beat Bath by 2 – could go either way really, giving it to the home side
WORCESTER WARRIORS to beat Newport Gwent Dragons by 6 – home advantage
EDINBURGH to beat Stade Francais by 2 – don’t pick French teams away
BRISTOL to beat Pau by 6 – as above, and could build some confidence for Bristol
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Photo by: Patrick Khachfe / Onside Images
If Quins defend like they did against Newcastle my grandson’s play school would beat them. Brive to win away and Pau to beat Bristol.
Have gone for Newcastle, NGD, and Pau. Think Newcastle are in a run of form at the moment, whereas Worcester and Bristol aren’t. Admittedly the Worcester one was a bit of a toss up as to who I would choose, and Bris do seem to be playing better. Still it would be boring if we all chose the same!
Once again you underestimate La Rochelle – looking at both teams and the players in for the french side, they came in England to win with the most competitive team they could put in place while Glou’ is resting quite few important players – wait and see
I underestimated Gloucester!
And over estimated Newcastle!
I’ll stick to predicting sevens matches!