Superbru 6: 2024-25 Investec Champions Cup predictions begin

This weekend sees the opening round of the Invested Champions Cup - the Champions League of the Rugby world - although it’s even better because it also features the South African teams!

Here are my Superbru 6 predictions for the games I have picked out this weekend.

Friday

Bath v La Rochelle - Investec Champions Cup
The leading club in the Premiership meets La Rochelle on Friday night, and it’s the first opportunity to see how the English league compares to the Top 14. La Rochelle are 6th in the table, having lost their way after a strong start, and they have not won any of their away games yet this term. A French win would be a concern for the English league, but I’m predicting a Bath victory. Prediction: Bath by 8

Saturday

Stormers v Toulon - Investec Champions Cup
The Stormers have been struggling somewhat in the URC, and they sit 13th on the table having lost two of their last three league games. This is a tough game against European giants Toulon, who have won 4 of their last 5 and have managed two away wins so far this season. Cape Town does not appear to be the fortress it once was, but I’m going with a narrow home win here. Prediction: Stormers by 2

Saracens v Bulls - Investec Champions Cup
Sarries were beaten by Newcastle last weekend for the first time in 18 years, but I suspect they were saving themselves for this great fixture against the Bulls. The visitors are enjoying a strong season in the URC, and managed a great away win in Connacht last week, and I think they might just have too much power for Saracens in London too. Prediction: Bulls by 4

Racing 92 v Harlequins - Investec Champions Cup
This should be a great game to watch, but Harlequins’ away form does not suggest they can win in France. They were also well-beaten at home by Bristol last week, and although Racing aren’t lighting up the Top 14 themselves, a home win is surely the sensible pick here. Prediction: Racing by 7

Sunday

Toulouse v Ulster - Investec Champions Cup
Another home win is likely to be on the cards in Toulouse too, where the home side has lost just once this season. Ulster haven’t won away from home and even lost to Cardiff, so this should be relatively comfortable as two former champions meet. Prediction: Toulouse by 13

Bristol v Leinster - Investec Champions Cup
All of Leinster’s near-misses at the business end of the last few seasons should give them additional resolve to win this tournament, and I suspect they’ll be laying down a marker here. Bristol are in good form and sit 2nd in the Premiership, but my instinct says we’ll see a declaration of intent from a Leinster side packed with internationals. Prediction: Leinster by 16

How do your predictions compare?