I had a poor start in the Challenge Cup for Round 1, getting my Siberian teams mixed up, whilst underestimating Edinburgh, Worcester and Connacht.

Here are my best efforts for Round 2, which gets underway tonight.

Gloucester v Agen
This should be a home win for Gloucester, who picked up a losing bonus point in Pau last weekend, and have a chance to go top of the pool this evening. Gloucester by 8.

Brive v Oyonnax
These two teams occupy the bottom places on the Top 14 table, and both lost last weekend and won’t be too excited about this competition. Always go with the home team in France. Brive by 5.

Lyon v Sale
Lyon are top of the Top 14, and this is a tough trip for any team – and particularly for Sale with their dreadful away record. Lyon by 9.

Toulouse v Cardiff
This is potentially winnable for the Blues, but history tells me that not many teams go to Toulouse and win in European competition, so picking the home side is certainly safer. Toulouse by 7.

Krasny Yar Krasnoyarsk v Edinburgh
An incredible win over Stade Francais marked the debut European appearance for Krasny Yar Krasnoyarsk last weekend. And if you can beat Stade, you can probably beat Edinburgh. Krasny Yar Krasnoyarsk by 2.

Enisei-STM v Dragons
These two teams met in last year’s tournament, and both matches were won by the home team. Who knows really? Let’s go with the home side on that basis. Enisei-STM by 7

Zebre v Pau
This a French team away from home, but at Zebre who are terrible. Pau by 16.

Connacht v Worcester
Connacht had an impressive 15-43 win over Oyonnax last weekend, and will return home full of confidence. It’s tough for any team to win in Galway, and I don’t think Worcester will be good enough. Connacht by 16.

Bordeaux v Newcastle
It’s a battle for top of the pool, and I’m leaning towards the French side at home. Bordeaux by 6.

Stade Francais v London Irish
The Exiles lost heavily at home to Edinburgh last weekend, so I can’t see them turning it around sufficiently to win in Paris. Stade by 23.