Scooping the Stars of the European Challenge Cup 2022-2023!
Top Contenders to Keep an Eye On in the European Challenge Cup:
The European Challenge Cup is about to kick off, and it's time to meet the players set to light up the competition! Here's our 8-player dream team set to shake things up and fight for continental glory this season.
Ali Mgijima (Cheetahs)
A move from the Pumas to the Cheetahs has only beefed up Mgijima's game. Expect him to be a force to reckon with at inside center, piling on the hard runs and darting through the opposition with blistering speed. The 28-year-old is ready to show why he's one of the stars for the Cheetahs in this season's Challenge Cup.
Taine Basham (Dragons)
Dubbed the Welsh Hercules, Taine Basham proves every time he's on the pitch that he carries the fighting spirit of his great-grandfather, the legendary boxer Johnny Basham. With a four-week suspension out of the way, the openside flanker is gearing up to storm back onto the pitch and claim his spot as one of the most important players for the Dragons.
Manuel Zuliani (Benetton)
When it comes to utility players, Manuel Zuliani is a force of nature. The Italian powerhouse excels at club level as well as Test level as an impact player. Last season, he played a crucial role in Benetton’s run to the final of the Challenge Cup. With an impressive early season URC run under his belt, Zuliani is poised to make even bigger waves this year.
Asenathi Ntlabankanye (Lions)
The powerhouse tighthead prop from the Lions is an immovable object on the field. Despite being only 24, Ntlabankanye has already proven himself a tough force to bring down and a formidable presence in the scrum. With a more mature mindset and a team in rebuild mode, this could be the season for the man mountain to show off his strengths and really come into his own.
Paolo Garbisi (Montpellier)
Paolo Garbisi is a flyhalf making waves at just 23 years old. His impressivesuccess with Montpellier has even outshone the legendary Handre Pollard, who moved on to the Leicester Tigers. Playing alongside the explosive talents of Cobus Reinach and Jan Serfontein, Garbisi is set to be the standout amongst the flyhalves in the Challenge Cup's attacking trio.
Luka Matkava (Black Lion)
As Georgia's first-ever club to compete in European rugby, the Black Lion will be hoping to make history. Standout player Luka Matkava will undoubtedly play a key role. Known for his accuracy off the tee and sharp distribution game, Matkava is ready to become one of the team's aces in their first-ever season at this level.
Viliame Mata (Edinburgh)
The incredible Fijian no.8 had a stellar World Cup performance and wasn't content to rest on his laurels. Mata is not just an asset to the Fiji national team, but to his club, Edinburgh, as well. His substantial build will be vital in tearing through the advantage line for the Scottish squad, while his influence as a team leader will drive the team to their best efforts as they aim for continental glory.
Santiago Carreras (Gloucester)
Already leaving his mark on Gloucester folklore, Santiago Carreras is set to be one of the most exciting players in the Challenge Cup this season. A dynamic utility back, Carreras has shown that he can adapt to a variety of positions while still providing an irresistible attacking force when given the ball. Gloucester fans and rugby enthusiasts alike are eager to see what Carreras will do next!
Results are unfolding as the European Challenge Cup 2022-2023 commences, revealing the stellar performances of several players. Ali Mgijima from the Cheetahs exhibits his formidable speed and power in the inside center position, proving to be a formidable force. Taine Basham, the Welsh Hercules, returns to the Dragons, eager to reclaim his importance as an openside flanker.
Manuel Zuliani of Benetton, a utility player, is set to create waves due to his exceptional skills and impact at both club and Test level. Asenathi Ntlabankanye, the Lions' powerful tighthead prop, will demonstrate his anvil-like resilience and scrummaging prowess in the rebuild phase of his team.
Paolo Garbisi, the 23-year-old flyhalf at Montpellier, is poised to outshine his contemporaries with his scintillating playmaking skills, supported by his star teammates, Cobus Reinach and Jan Serfontein. Lastly, Luka Matkava, a Black Lion standout, will contribute significantly as his team embarks on their maiden European rugby adventure with his exceptional goal-kicking accuracy and distribution skill.
The Premier League isn't the only arena for sports betting this season, as these European-league players gear up to stake their claims for continental glory.
