Here we go for another European season, kicking off with the second-tier Challenge Cup, which mixes European heavyweights such as Clermont Auvergne with the likes of Timisoara Saracens and Enisei-STM.
As far as predictions are concerned, it’s as much about trying to guess which sides will take the competition seriously. With relegation a factor in the Top 14 and Gallagher Premiership, the Challenge Cup silverware isn’t always one that teams go after, preferring to rest frontline players on European weekends.
Let’s take a stroll through this weekend’s fixture card and see how it’s looking.
Perpignan v Sale Sharks
The French side have lost all 7 Top 14 matches so far and sit bottom of the table, whilst Sale have only managed two wins and are second from bottom. I suspect this won’t be a focus for either side, so let’s go with the English team on the basis that they can remember how to win. Sale by 4
Enisei-STM v La Rochelle
I don’t normally pick the French teams to win away from home, and they really won’t fancy the trip to Siberia. But La Rochelle are a decent side and really should win. La Rochelle by 13
Timisoara Saracens v Dragons
The Timisoara Saracens are coached by Chester Williams! This is news to me and makes me want to pick them to win, plus the Dragons are a bit crap. Timisoara Saracens by 2
Treviso v Grenoble
The Italians are no pushovers at home, and Grenoble are terrible away. Treviso by 7
Harlequins v Agen
A similar story here where The Stoop is something of a fortress, and Agen have suffered some heavy defeats away. Harlequins by 23
Northampton v Clermont
This is the first match that I might consider watching. These two teams have met three times in Europe recently, with the home team winning every time. Clermont are top of the league in France, and Saints are inconsistent, but home advantage might just see them home against the French. Northampton by 4
Bristol v Zebre
The Italians are fairly awful away, and Bristol should win. Bristol by 13
Connacht v Bordeaux
Connacht won in Ulster last weekend for the first time since 1960, whilst Bordeaux are yet to win away this season. Connacht by 9
Ospreys v Pau
This should be another home win. Ospreys by 13
Stade Francais v Worcester
The French side has been flying again in the Top 14, including a 37 – 10 win over Toulon a few weeks ago. They are second in the league, and I suspect Worcester will send a second-string side. Stade by 23
I like this competition. Firstly it introduces new teams like Enisei and Timisoara to top level rugby (even if some sides send second tier teams).
Secondly, clubs giving the first team a rest gives young players a chance to get experience and get noticed
And finally I like seeing cosseted European clubs having to travel all the way to play in Siberia!
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Yeah, that Siberian trip is great. Playing in the snow when your body clock says it’s 8am!
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Saints- Clermont is the pick of these games. The French side are taking this VERY seriously looking at their stellar line up. Saints will do well to get a win.
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