Predictions for European Challenge Cup Semi-finals
This Saturday, the Sharks and Clermont will lock horns in the European Challenge Cup semi-final at Twickenham Stoop. The Durban-based side becomes the first South African team to reach the semi-finals of a European competition, with aspirations of returning to the Champions Cup.
English club Gloucester squares off against Italian outfit Benetton in the other semi-final. Here's a breakdown of the highly-anticipated showdowns:
Rugby Betting: Sharks v Clermont
Date: Saturday, 4 May - 13:30
Building momentum from their success in the United Rugby Championship, the Sharks will rely heavily on their trusted power game against Clermont. The team has reeled off five wins in their last six games, with their only loss coming against the Glasgow Warriors when they fielded a second-string side.
Clinching a 32-27 win over the Scarlets in Llanelli, the Sharks have demonstrated their tactical insight and potential areas for improvement before their decisive clash on Saturday. Despite their backline not performing optimally, the team has found success in reverting to their power game, with their Springbok-laden pack setting the tone.
The Sharks will need to address their defensive lapses that have allowed easy tries, as well as improving their game management, ensuring they avoid a repeat of last weekend’s narrow victory.
Clermont wrapped up their 53-14 quarter-final victory over Ulster and have a rich history in the Challenge Cup, having won the trophy thrice, most recently in 2017. Known for their offloading ability, the French club will bring their French flair to the match. While they possess a formidable attacking style, their pragmatic approach and emphasis on securing territory should allow the Sharks to edge them by five points.
Suggested Bet: Sharks at 1.95
Rugby Betting: Gloucester v Benetton
Date: Saturday, 4 May - 16:00
Mirroring the Sharks, Gloucester cast their domestic troubles aside to focus on winning the European Challenge Cup. As two-time winners, they boast the experience necessary to succeed at the competition’s business end.
In their previous three encounters, Gloucester have outplayed Benetton, with an overall point differential of 132-33. The English club possess a strong attack, marked by their interplaying ability, but their conversion rate could be improved.
Benetton are known for their intelligence and tenacity, as demonstrated during their battle against Ulster last week. After falling behind, they refused to back down, eventually losing 38-34. Their resilience and winning chemistry will make them a formidable opponent, but Gloucester boasts more offensive weapons and a stronger set piece, ultimately securing a 10-point victory.
Suggested Bet: Gloucester -5.5 at 1.88
Quintin van Jaarsveld is a former MDDA-Sanlam SA Local Sports Journalist of the Year and a former three-time Vodacom KwaZulu-Natal Sports Journalist of the Year. With over 15 years of experience, he currently works as a freelance sports writer.
In the European Challenge Cup semi-finals, South Africa's Sharks, with their impressive recent form in the United Rugby Championship, will face French powerhouse Clermont on Saturday. The Sharks, aiming to return to the Champions Cup, have demonstrated their power game, winning five out of six games, and will look to capitalize on this in their match against Clermont.
In the other semi-final, English club Gloucester, with their proven track record as two-time European Challenge Cup champions, will take on Italian outfit Benetton. Gloucester, known for their interplaying ability, have dominated Benetton in their previous three encounters, boasting a point differential of 132-33.
European leagues have been a targeted focus for South African and English clubs, with the Sharks and Gloucester aiming to claim victory in the European Challenge Cup semi-finals this Saturday.
