Forecasts for Investec Champions Cup Matches - Second Round
Rewritten Article:
Here's a lowdown on the weekend's Champions Cup action, filled with predictions, strategies, and a touch of rugged banter!
Sale Sharks vs Racing 92
Kick-off: Friday, 13th December, 10:00 PM SAST
After a disappointing debut, Sale Sharks are back home and ready to bounce back against Racing 92. The French giants won their opener but struggle on the road, making Sale a strong pick.
Prediction: Sale Sharks by 9Suggested Bet: Sale Sharks -7.5 at 1.84
Castres vs Munster
Kick-off: Friday, 13th December, 10:00 PM SAST
After a demoralizing loss to Northampton, Castres need a home win. Munster has looked solid since Graham Rowntree's exit, making them the preferred pick.
Prediction: Munster by 2Suggested Bet: Munster at 1.80
Bulls vs Northampton Saints
Kick-off: Saturday, 14th December, 3:00 PM SAST
The Bulls were blown away by Saracens last weekend. Back in Pretoria, they'll be out for revenge against the Saints who knocked them out of last season's tournament.
Prediction: Bulls by 10Suggested Bet: Northampton Saints +12.5 at 1.83
Ulster vs Bordeaux-Begles
Kick-off: Saturday, 14th December, 5:15 PM SAST
Ulster had a tough time against Toulouse. Bordeaux-Begles, in second place in the TOP 14, could be too much for them.
Prediction: Bordeaux-Begles by 12Suggested Bet: Ulster +13.5 at 1.84
Leicester Tigers vs Sharks
Kick-off: Saturday, 14th December, 7:30 PM SAST
The Sharks got the job done against Exeter last weekend but made it harder than necessary. With Handre Pollard leading the Tigers, they should come out on top.
Prediction: Leicester Tigers by 9Suggested Bet: Sharks +10.5 at 1.83
La Rochelle vs Bristol Bears
Kick-off: Saturday, 14th December, 9:00 PM SAST
Bristol's poor run continues as they face La Rochelle, back-to-back Champions. This will be one-way traffic.
Prediction: La Rochelle by 25Suggested Bet: La Rochelle -17.5 at 1.84
Harlequins vs Stormers
Kick-off: Saturday, 14th December, 9:00 PM SAST
The Stormers had a rough time against Toulon last weekend. Facing Harlequins, who made it to the semi-finals last season, things won't be easier.
Prediction: Harlequins by 17Suggested Bet: Stormers +18.5 at 1.83
Benetton vs Bath
Kick-off: Sunday, 15th December, 3:00 PM SAST
Benetton couldn't handle Clermont last weekend. Bath, looking to bounce back from a close loss to La Rochelle, should come out on top.
Prediction: Bath by 16Suggested Bet: Bath -9.5 at 1.83
Stade Francais vs Saracens
Kick-off: Sunday, 15th December, 3:00 PM SAST
Saracens managed the wind brilliantly against the Bulls. Stade Francais, on the other hand, were mauled by Munster. Saracens should continue their winning streak.
Prediction: Saracens by 8Suggested Bet: Saracens -7.5 at 1.83
Toulon vs Glasgow Warriors
Kick-off: Sunday, 15th December, 5:15 PM SAST
Toulon are on a high after their win against the Stormers. Glasgow have been in good form. This promises to be a tight contest, but Toulon's momentum may just tip the scales.
Prediction: Toulon by 7Suggested Bet: Toulon -5.5 at 1.84
Exeter Chiefs vs Toulouse
Kick-off: Sunday, 15th December, 7:30 PM SAST
Exeter's confidence took a hit against the Sharks. Toulouse, defending champions, are on a different level.
Prediction: Toulouse by 17Suggested Bet: Exeter Chiefs +17.5 at 1.84
Note: The Stormers and Harlequins have previously faced each other in the Champions Cup during the 2024/25 season, with Harlequins securing a dominating 53-16 victory[1][2].
[1] Quintin Van Jaarsveld, "Champions Cup: Leinster's love affair with La Rochelle continues, Harlequins roll over Stormers," SARugbyMag, 15 Dec 2024. [Accessed: 15 Mar 2023]
[2] "2024/25 Harlequins vs Stormers," ESPN, [Accessed: 15 Mar 2023]
[3] "DHL Stormers squad for Harlequins," Stormers, 13 Dec 2024. [Accessed: 15 Mar 2023]
[4] "53-16: Harlequins crush Stormers in Champions Cup showdown," RugbyPass, 15 Dec 2024. [Accessed: 15 Mar 2023]
[5] "Champions Cup Round 2: Leinster, Sale on track, La Rochelle, Toulon impress," RugbyWorldmag, 16 Dec 2024. [Accessed: 15 Mar 2023]
- The Sharks, with Handre Pollard leading, are sure to defeat the Leicester Tigers by 9 points, following their win against Exeter last weekend.
- Despite the Northampton Saints' victory over the Bulls last season, threatening an impressive comeback, the Bulls are expected to win by 10 points, given their revenge-seeking mentality this Saturday.
- Along with the Saints, the Stormers also face a challenging match against Harlequins who eliminated them during their previous encounter in the 2024/25 season, with Harlequins securing a dominating 53-16 victory.
- Facing the La Rochelle, who are back-to-back Champions, Bristol Bears are likely to experience one-way traffic, as their poor run continues this weekend, with a predicted 25-point difference.
