Superbru 6: Champions Cup and Challenge Cup knockouts begin!
The Investec Champions Cup and EPCR Challenge Cup are back this weekend with the knockout stages kicking off, whilst there is also Super Rugby action.
Here are my Superbru 6 predictions for the games I have picked out this weekend.
The Saints qualified top of Group 3, which featured the likes of Munster, Saracens and the Bulls, whilst Clermont were 4th in Group 2 behind Leinster, La Rochelle and Benetton. The French side’s away form was poor, and they have lost 5 of their last 6 games in the Top 14. A home win looks the most sensible pick here but it’s one of those that could go either way. Prediction: Northampton by 4
This is a very tough pick in Super Rugby, with the Blues out of form and the Hurricanes looking a stronger outfit. Beauden Barrett and Patrick Tuipolutu are back for the hosts though, and it’s surely only a matter of time before they kick into gear. I did say that last season about the Crusaders, but I’m not ready to predict a Blues defeat at Eden Park. Prediction: Blues by 2
Toulon v Saracens - Investec Champions Cup
Two European heavyweights go head-to-head on Saturday lunchtime, although it is 11 years since they last contested a final that featured the likes of Matt Giteau, Juan Smith and Jonny Wilkinson. Sarries have been off-colour in the Premiership and are likely to field an under-strength team, whilst Toulon remain unbeaten in front of their own fans this season, so a home win looks sensible. Prediction: Toulon by 16
Bayonne v Bulls - EPCR Challenge Cup
The Bulls have dropped down into the Challenge Cup for the knockout stages, but this is another tough fixture because Bayonne have not lost at home all season. The lineups will be important to check because the Bulls may well prioritise the URC, but either way I’ll be picking a home win. Prediction: Bayonne by 8
Leinster v Harlequins - Investec Champions Cup
These two teams also have plenty of European history, but it seems unlikely that Quins can cause an upset in Dublin. Leinster are fully expecting to win this tournament and this should be a comfortable home win to move them one step closer. Prediction: Leinster by 18
La Rochelle v Munster - Investec Champions Cup
This is a tough assignment for Munster, particularly given that their away form this season has been mixed. However, La Rochelle who won this tournament in 2022 and 2023, have not won a game since early January, and so Munster will fancy their chances, as they always have in European competition. An upset could be on the cards here. Prediction: Munster by 2
How do your picks compare?
Here are my Superbru 6 predictions for the games I have picked out this weekend.
Friday
Northampton Saints v ASM Clermont Auvergne - Investec Champions CupThe Saints qualified top of Group 3, which featured the likes of Munster, Saracens and the Bulls, whilst Clermont were 4th in Group 2 behind Leinster, La Rochelle and Benetton. The French side’s away form was poor, and they have lost 5 of their last 6 games in the Top 14. A home win looks the most sensible pick here but it’s one of those that could go either way. Prediction: Northampton by 4
Saturday
Blues v Hurricanes - Super Rugby PacificThis is a very tough pick in Super Rugby, with the Blues out of form and the Hurricanes looking a stronger outfit. Beauden Barrett and Patrick Tuipolutu are back for the hosts though, and it’s surely only a matter of time before they kick into gear. I did say that last season about the Crusaders, but I’m not ready to predict a Blues defeat at Eden Park. Prediction: Blues by 2
Toulon v Saracens - Investec Champions Cup
Two European heavyweights go head-to-head on Saturday lunchtime, although it is 11 years since they last contested a final that featured the likes of Matt Giteau, Juan Smith and Jonny Wilkinson. Sarries have been off-colour in the Premiership and are likely to field an under-strength team, whilst Toulon remain unbeaten in front of their own fans this season, so a home win looks sensible. Prediction: Toulon by 16
Bayonne v Bulls - EPCR Challenge Cup
The Bulls have dropped down into the Challenge Cup for the knockout stages, but this is another tough fixture because Bayonne have not lost at home all season. The lineups will be important to check because the Bulls may well prioritise the URC, but either way I’ll be picking a home win. Prediction: Bayonne by 8
Leinster v Harlequins - Investec Champions Cup
These two teams also have plenty of European history, but it seems unlikely that Quins can cause an upset in Dublin. Leinster are fully expecting to win this tournament and this should be a comfortable home win to move them one step closer. Prediction: Leinster by 18
La Rochelle v Munster - Investec Champions Cup
This is a tough assignment for Munster, particularly given that their away form this season has been mixed. However, La Rochelle who won this tournament in 2022 and 2023, have not won a game since early January, and so Munster will fancy their chances, as they always have in European competition. An upset could be on the cards here. Prediction: Munster by 2
How do your picks compare?
Superbru on X
Larry do you still have your house, if you do you must have bet on the Sharks at the right time.