Predictions for Round 2 of the European Champions Cup
It's a massive weekend ahead in European rugby as the action heats up in the Champions Cup! The Stormers host La Rochelle in Cape Town, with the French giants looking to bounce back from their defeat against Leinster. On the other side, the Bulls head to France to face off with Lyon. Here's a quick rundown of some of the marquee matches this weekend:
Northampton Saints vs Toulon
Friday, 15th December - 10:00 PM CET / 4:00 PM ET
The Saints and Toulon locked horns last week with entirely opposite results. Northampton impressed in their 28-19 win over Glasgow, while Toulon fell painfully short against Exeter. With the Chiefs serving as inspiration, the Saints look set to dominate this match.
Prediction: Northampton Saints by 3Suggested Bet: Toulon +5.5 at 1.83
Bayonne vs Glasgow Warriors
Friday, 15th December - 10:00 PM CET / 4:00 PM ET
Bayonne fought back valiantly to earn a 17-all draw against Munster last week, while the Warriors suffered a disappointing 19-18 loss against the Saints. Taking advantage of home ground, Bayonne seems set for another strong performance this time around.
Prediction: Bayonne by 4Suggested Bet: Bayonne -3.5 at 1.85
Saracens vs Connacht
Saturday, 16th December - 3:00 PM CET / 9:00 AM ET
Ill-discipline plagued Saracens during their contest with the Bulls, but they showed resilience to limit the damage. Back in familiar surroundings, they'll prove too strong for Connacht, dictating the pace and compounding their worries.
Prediction: Saracens by 15Suggested Bet: Connacht +16.5 at 1.82
That's all for now, but stay tuned for more exciting action coming your way in the European Champions Cup! For the latest rugby news, analysis, and betting tips, be sure to check out our dedicated sports betting section.
About the Author:Quintin Van Jaarsveld is a renowned sports journalist, former MDDA-Sanlam SA Local Sports Journalist of the Year, and three-time Vodacom KwaZulu-Natal Sports Journalist of the Year. His work spans over 15 years and includes stints as the sports editor, Outstanding Journalist of the Year award winner, and senior Staff Writer at Rugby365.com. Catch his latest sports writing and insights right here!
- This weekend, sports enthusiasts will also be pleased to see exciting matches in other European leagues, such as the premier league football and the Champions League.
- In the world of sports betting, several appealing odds have emerged for this weekend's marquee matches, including Northampton Saints vs Toulon and Saracens vs Connaught.
- For those who follow rugby closely, the English football premier league might not be the only competition showcasing champions this weekend. Teams like Bayonne and the Stormers will attempt to outperform their rivals and cement their reputation as champions.
- Meanwhile, the French sports betting scene will also offer unique opportunities for enthusiasts, with matches like La Rochelle vs Stormers in the Rugby Champions Cup offering enticing odds for the sports betting community.
