It’s semi-final time in the EPCR Challenge Cup this weekend, with Edinburgh hosting runaway Premiership leaders Bath on Saturday and Sunday seeing an all-French affair with Racing 92 traveling south to Lyon.
Saturday 3 May
Edinburgh | Draw | Bath
Plenty of criticism has been levelled at Edinburgh this season, with many feeling their star-studded squad are not producing performances befitting of their undeniable talent. Winning a Challenge Cup would undoubtedly shut down the naysayers, but they’ve got a long way to go and are going to need an almighty defensive showing to keep out Bath’s lethal attack.
Aside from being 15-points clear at the summit of the Gallagher Premiership standings overall, the visitors’ points difference of 238 is a whopping 148 better than their closest rivals, while they’ve also collected 13-try bonus points from their 15 domestic matches to date – crazy attacking stats.
In contrast, Edinburgh are placed 10th on the URC ladder, with a points difference of just 24 and having claimed just seven-try bonus points in 16 games. Apples and oranges perhaps, but all indications are that Bath will simply be too potent with ball in hand come matchday.
Verdict: Bath on the minus
By close of play, Bath should have earned a comfortable win.
Sunday 4 May
Lyon | Draw | Racing 92
2022 winners Lyon are placed eighth on the Top 14 with the Challenge Cup seemingly their only realistic chance at winning more silverware this season. Key for them against fellow French outfit Racing will be nullifying the threat of their influential halfback combo of Nolann Le Garecc and Owen Farrell by targeting their opposition forwards.
The sides drew 25-all in Paris December, and there may not be a lot to separate the teams this weekend either, with Les Racingmen just two places and three points off Lyon on the Top 14 standings.
The likes of tight five forwards Irakli Aptsiauri, Tomas Lavanini and Jérôme Rey must come out the blocks firing, as they have done on occasion this season, to limit the impact of Racing’s dangerous backline. With Farrell at No 10 and former Lyon man Josua Tuisova in midfield, they really can cause damage if they’re given half a chance.
Verdict: Lyon on the board
Lyon’s physicality up front and experience in the competition should be enough to deny the influence of Farrell and company.
