South African Sides Hope For Better Results In The Investec Cup This Weekend
South African teams will be hoping for improved results in this weekend’s Investec Champions Cup fixtures after all three suffered defeats in the previous round.
The Hollywoodbets Sharks, DHL Stormers and Vodacom Bulls all suffered defeats to English opposition this past weekend, losing to Sale Sharks, Harlequins and Bristol Bears respectively, with the Bulls’ loss coming at home in Pretoria.
The Investec Champions Cup enters its final pool stage, and every team has it all to play for across the 12 matches. With top ranking and home knockout spots, remaining qualification places, and EPCR Challenge Cup Round of 16 qualification all up for grabs, it’s set to be a thrilling weekend of rugby action.
Glasgow Warriors, Sale Sharks, Leinster Rugby, Harlequins, Union Bordeaux Bègles, Bristol Bears and Northampton Saints are already assured of qualification.
However, with the likes of six-time winners Stade Toulousain, three-time champions Saracens, Gallagher PREM champions Bath Rugby, and URC leaders DHL Stormers yet to secure qualification, the race is now on for the final places and valuable Round of 16 home advantage.
EPCR provides full preview information including fixtures, pool tables, match officials, and selected club and player performance data.
Pool 1 is already taking shape. Glasgow Warriors have secured their qualification with three wins from three and currently top the table. They’ll be looking to secure home advantage in the Round of 16, when they host third-placed Saracens, while a win for the English side would secure their qualification with home advantage still a possibility as well. Fourth-placed Stade Toulousain welcome Sale Sharks, who are also already qualified, while fifth-placed Hollywoodbets Sharks need a win over ASM Clermont Auvergne to keep their knockout hopes alive.
Pool 2 remains wide open with no teams qualified. Bath Rugby lead the way after claiming a bonus point at Castres in Round 3 and now host second-placed Edinburgh Rugby in a key battle at the top where a win for either would secure home advantage. Just one point separates Munster Rugby (fourth) and Gloucester Rugby (fifth) from Castres Olympique (sixth). Munster face Castres at home, while Gloucester host third-placed RC Toulon in a pivotal round for the whole group.
Pool 3 has two qualifiers confirmed. Leinster Rugby and Harlequins booked their places with bonus-point wins last weekend. Leinster travel to Aviron Bayonnais chasing a fourth straight win and home advantage. Harlequins, second, visit fourth-placed Stade Rochelais, the hosts knowing a positive result would guarantee qualification, while a win for Harlequins would secure home advantage. Leicester Tigers, one point behind in fifth, travel to the DHL Stormers, with both sides still in the hunt and the Stormers targeting home advantage in the Round of 16.
Pool 4 sees three teams already qualified, but the race for top spot is tight. Leaders Union Bordeaux Bègles travel to second-placed Bristol Bears with just one point between them. With the two sides having a combined 44 tries so far it will no doubt be a high-scoring game, but home advantage is not yet secure for either club. At the other end of the pool, Scarlets and Vodacom Bulls must win away at Northampton Saints and Section Paloise respectively to keep their qualification hopes alive, while Saints need a win to secure their home advantage
