The Bulls will be flying the SA flag as the Republic’s only remaining representative in Europe this season when the EPCR Challenge Cup quarterfinals get underway this weekend.
Saturday 12 April
Edinburgh | Draw | Bulls
Edinburgh pushed past the Lions 24-12 at the DAM Health Stadium last week and will look to see off a second Gauteng opponent in quick succession when the Bulls travel to the Scottish capital. Sean Everitt’s men have had an inconsistent season but will take heart from the fact that they gave Jake White’s side a real go at Loftus Versfeld before finally being beaten 22-16 in the URC in September.
The Bulls were fantastic in seeing off a fully loaded Bayonne side at home in the round of 16, ultimately coming away with a 32-22 victory. Given what they produced in that encounter, with their backline looking particularly slick, they will fancy themselves come kick off. Amongst the forwards, keep a special eye out for Bok loosehead-cum-hooker Jan-Hendrik Wessels. What a player.
Verdict: Bulls on the board
The Bulls to outmuscle Edinburgh and shred them in the backs.
Ospreys | Draw | Lyon
Ospreys got the better of derby rivals Scarlets last week to set up this date with 2022 winners Lyon in Swansea. Mark Jones’ men have had an encouraging campaign on both fronts and would so love to get themselves in a position to go all the way to the Challenge Cup final and compete for a first bit of silverware (Welsh Shield aside) since 2012.
Lyon brushed aside the Hollywoodbets Sharks B 34-21 at the Matmut Stadium to keep alive their hopes of winning the competition for a second time. The Top 14 side scored five tries in a sparkling attacking showing in difficult conditions, and Ospreys’ defence may struggle to contain the likes of Vincent Rattez and Alexandre Tchaptchet in the back three.
Verdict: Lyon on the board
It may not be as commanding a performance as they put on against the Sharks, but Lyon have the quality to down Ospreys here.
Connacht | Draw | Racing 92
Connacht may have endured their fair share of struggles in the URC this term, but they’ve done incredibly well to again put themselves in a strong position from which to compete for the Challenge Cup title. They were comfortable 35-20 victors over Cardiff in Galway last week and have the requisite chutzpah to knock over the Parisians on Saturday.
Racing got the better of Top 14 strugglers Perpignan 18-24 at the Stade Aime Giral in the round of 16. They should be in for a sterner test here though, with Connacht as hardy as they come.
Verdict: Connacht on the board
The hosts to send the French club packing.
Sunday 13 April
Bath | Draw | Gloucester
In this all-Premiership affair, domestic leaders Bath will look to take down last season’s runners-up Gloucester at the Rec. Having already claimed the Premiership Rugby Cup this season, and seemingly destined for the Premiership crown itself, Johann van Graan’s team will be out to keep themselves in the hunt for more success on Sunday.
Gloucester were superb in their win at Montpellier but will find the going tough tackling a Bath outfit that has already bested them twice this season. As good as they have been, this could be the end of the line for the Cherry and Whites.
Verdict: Bath on the minus
Bath to make the most of their psychological advantage over Gloucester and ease to victory.
