Match guide for key Champions Cup clashes
12/03/2024 08:43 AM
After one round of URC action this past weekend, teams have now switched into Champions Cup and EPCR Challenge Cup mode until the URC resumes on Friday, 20 December.
For the South African teams, the Sharks will be the first side in action on Saturday as they take on the Exeter Chiefs (kick off at 15:00) in Durban.
The Cape Town clash between the Stormers and Toulon will be another mouthwatering encounter (kick off at 17:15), while the Bulls travel to Saracens in another enthralling match-up (kick off at 19:30).
Big games to look out for in the Champions Cup
Sharks v Chiefs
Last season's Challenge Cup winners, the Sharks, will have a point to prove in this year's Champions Cup. But coming up against last year's quarter-finalists Exeter Chiefs, who lost to eventual champions Stade Toulousain, will not be an easy task.
The South African side come into this one off the back of four wins from their last five, including a 21-15 win over the Stormers on Saturday, meaning they will be full of confidence that they'll be able to start their Champions Cup campaign in the best way possible.
As for the Chiefs, they currently sit winless in 10th place in the Premiership, and they will be heading to South Africa looking to this year's Champions Cup as a way of starting afresh.
Sharks form guide: W, L, W, W, W
Exeter Chiefs form guide: L, W, W, W, L
Stormers v Toulon
It's a blockbuster pool stage tie pitting last year's Round of 16 side, the Stormers, against three-time winners of the tournament, RC Toulon.
The South Africans go into this one with some up-and-down form, having lost three out of their last five games. Most recently they travelled to fellow Champions Cup countrymen, the Sharks, eventually falling to a 21-15 loss.
Currently fourth in France's TOP14, Toulon will be looking to continue their good form and start this year's campaign on a high to take them to a fourth title. And coming into this one off the back of three straight wins, the French side will be confident of their chances.
Stormers form guide: W, L, W, L, L
Toulon form guide: L, L, W, W, W
Saracens v Bulls
Three-time winners of the tournament, Saracens, host South Africa's Bulls for what promises to be a tasty affair.
Fourth in the Premiership and with two wins from their last three, Saracens will be looking to improve on last year's Round of 16 appearance, with the opening tie being on home turf to start their campaign strongly.
The Bulls will not be put down easily though. Currently third in the URC with four wins from their last five and more motivated than ever to improve on last year's quarter-final run, the South Africans will be eyeing up the four points in London.
Saracens form guide: L, L, W, W, L
Vodacom Bulls form guide: W, W, L, W, W
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