Superbru 6: Champions Cup returns with La Rochelle v Leinster

Hutch | Commercial Director

Fri 10 Jan 2025

The Champions Cup returns, with Rounds 3 and 4 being played over the next two weekends, which will determine the standings for the knockout stages.

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

Saturday

Sharks v Toulouse - Investec Champions Cup
This is a great fixture, and the idea of this great French team travelling to play in the Durban heat is a big positive of this competition for me. Toulouse are favourites with the bookies, but the Sharks haven’t lost at home yet this season, and they are a team that will rouse themselves for the big occasion so I’m going with a home win. Prediction: Sharks by 2

Munster v Saracens - Investec Champions Cup
A very tough pick as Saracens head to Thomond Park, where it is famously difficult to win. Munster have only lost at home to Leinster in the last 12 months, and I think they’ll just edge this one. Prediction: Munster by 4

Castres v Bulls - Investec Champions Cup
The Bulls are struggling in this competition so far with two defeats from two, and they are in danger of missing out on the knockout stages. This is not an easy trip to Castres, who have won all but one of their home matches in the Top 14 this season, and I suspect the Bulls will fall a little short. Prediction: Castres by 6

Leicester v Ulster - Investec Champions Cup
Another pair of former champions go head to head at Welford Road, and I’m leaning towards another home win here, as this competition does not look to be a priority for Ulster. Prediction: Leicester by 9

Sunday

Toulon v Harlequins - Investec Champions Cup
Any European fixture in Toulon is worth watching as the whole town stops to focus on the game, and this ought to be a relatively comfortable home win. Toulon are 3rd in the Top 14, whilst Harlequins have been inconsistent at best, and I can’t see them getting a win here. Prediction: Toulon by 13

La Rochelle v Leinster - Investec Champions Cup
These two sides usually meet towards the business end of the season, and La Rochelle have beaten Leinster in two of the last three finals. The French side haven’t been quite as formidable in the last 12 months or so, whilst Leinster look determined to finally land some silverware, and I’m leaning towards a rare away win. Prediction: Leinster by 2

How do your picks compare?

The Greatest Schoeman

676 caps

Yup. I can also see Leinster winning at La Rochelle, and Leicester, Toulon and Castres home wins seem obvious. However, Munster have only won 4/7 at home since June '24 ( They also lost to New Zealand A and Glasgow) and Saracens are prioritising this competition this year with a trouncing of the Bulls at home and a good away win at Stade Francais. I think they can beat Munster. Then, with apologies in advance to Larry ( Sharks are a really good team) but Toulouse are winning this one comfortably! Sharks have injuries ( Esterhuizen and Fassi) and Toulouse have sent, what the French call, their executives!

10 Jan 11:40