"Mako Vunipola vs Afo Fasogbon" – 5 Key Battles: EPCR Challenge Cup Round 2

12/10/2024 11:15 AM

The second round of the 2024/25 EPCR Challenge Cup promises thrilling contests across Europe and South Africa, with key matchups populating club rugby’s secondary competition.

From generational battles in the front row to electrifying clashes of speedsters out on the wings, these five duels could determine the outcomes of their respective fixtures. Here's a closer look at the standout individual match-ups to watch.

Prop: Mako Vunipola vs. Afolabi Fasogbon

RC Vannes vs. Gloucester Rugby

A clash of generations beckons in Brittany as legendary England loose-head Mako Vunipola faces off against Gloucester’s rising star Afolabi Fasogbon. Vunipola, a veteran of England’s international stage for 79 caps, and a further nine with the British & Irish Lions, remains a formidable force in the scrum despite coming up to the twilight of his career. His experience and technical mastery could well make for a tough afternoon for the sprightly newcomer Fasogbon.

20-year-old Fasogbon represents the next wave of English prop talent. The young tighthead, who has been garnering plenty of attention with stand-out performances in the England U20s set-up, made the step up for an England A cap against Australia A this past November. With his scrummaging power and athleticism, Fasogbon eager to prove himself against of England’s all-time greats, just as he gave Ellis Genge a memorable wave goodbye in a recent West Country derby between Bristol and Gloucester. Alongside his compatriot Asher Opoku-Fordjour, Fasogbon is part of an exciting generation that could define England's front row for years to come.

This battle isn't just about physicality; it's most certainly a mental game. Vunipola's guile and ability to draw penalties with his boundless experience, will certainly be a test of Fasogbon's composure under pressure. However, younger man's energy and dynamism could trouble the veteran, and whoever gains the upper hand here could well tilt the balance of set-piece dominance in this crucial pool stage fixture.

Centre: Arthur Vincent vs. Owen Watkin

Montpellier Hérault Rugby vs. Ospreys

Two of the finest midfield maestros in European rugby, Arthur Vincent of Montpellier and Owen Watkin of Ospreys, are set to collide in a tantalizing matchup of playmaking styles. Vincent, a cornerstone of Montpellier’s midfield and a French international with 18 caps, combines his impressive defensive resilience with the ability to carve through his opposition lines. His ball-playing instincts often look like second nature as he puts Montpellier's wide men in space, making him a linchpin in their system.

Opposite him, Watkin, a 45-cap stalwart of the Welsh backline, brings a grittier style than his Les Bleus counterpart. Renowned for his defensive solidity and the capacity to disrupt opposition attacks, Watkin has often been Wales' go-to man for neutralizing threats in the midfield, and can often pop up at the bottom of a ruck for a turnover. The Ospreys man is a legend of the Swansea side, with 120 caps to his name in the famous black and white.

Watkin’s offensive game has developed significantly throughout his extended Test match tenure under Warren Gatland, with deft offloads learned under the tutelage of George North, adding a new dimension to his arsenal. This matchup has added intrigue, with the 2025 Six Nations looming. Both players will be eager to stake their claim for starting roles in their national squads, meaning the stakes go beyond just club pride this weekend. Expect fireworks as Vincent's elegance meets Watkin's tenacity in what could be the game-deciding duel in the middle of the GGL Stadium.

Fly-Half: Sam Francis vs. Joe Simmonds

Emirates Lions vs. Section Paloise

The clash in Johannesburg pits the Emirates Lions' newest cub Sam Francis, against the seasoned halfback Joe Simmonds of Section Paloise. 21-year-old Francis made his senior Lions debut in last week's emphatic win over the Ospreys, after graduating the Golden Lions programme and also enjoying a stint with the South African U20s. The former ‘Junior Springbok’ is supported by the versatile halfback pairing of Nico Steyn and Sanele Nohamba, with plenty of words of advice expected from the duo. Francis will aim to dictate the tempo at a rate of knots, and unleash the Lions' potent back-line on their opposition.

Meanwhile, Simmonds, a former Premiership-winning captain with Exeter Chiefs, is thriving in France. His tactical acumen and composure under pressure has made him a key figure for Section Paloise, since he joined the side in the Summer of 2023. Simmonds was apart of the mass player exodus that departed Sandy Park for the Top 14 ahead of last season, and has been amongst the more successful men from Devon to adapt to the league.

His attacking kicks and game management has lifted Pau’s back-line, and Simmonds' ability to exploit defensive mismatches will be pivotal against the Lions' hard-hitting defense. The fly half also has experienced the highs of continental cup glory, as he was apart of the Chiefs side which lifted the Champions Cup in the incredible league and European double winning campaign of 2019/20.

Wing: Adam Radwan vs. Rio Dyer

Newcastle Falcons vs. Dragons RFC

Raw pace meets edge-of-your-seat flair at Kingston Park, as Newcastle wing Adam Radwan takes on Rio Dyer of the Dragons in what promises to be a breathtaking duel out on the touchlines. Radwan, one of the Premiership's most electrifying finishers, boasts blistering pace and an eye for the spectacular solo run. His ability to turn half-chances into tries is unparalleled, making him a constant threat to defenses. Radwan was excluded from an England A call-up this past Autumn Series, and will be fired up to prove Steve Borthwick of his worth for some Six Nations minutes.

For the Dragons, Dyer offers a similarly explosive skill set of dynamism. The Welsh international has been a revelation for the Men of Gwent, combining deceptive footwork with a knack for evading tackles into their attacking structure. His defensive awareness and high work rate add an important layer of reliability to the Dragons game-plan, which has taken quite a battering so far in the URC. Both Newcastle and the Dragons will be looking for a long sort-after victory, with the two sides struggling in their respective leagues.

This matchup could be decided by who gets better service from their teammates. If the Falcons can provide Radwan with space, expect fireworks to light up the bitterly cold English North East. Conversely, if Dyer finds himself in broken play situations, his creativity and instinctive playmaking could shine on the artificial surface. Either way, fans are in for a treat as two of Europe's most exciting wingers go head-to-head.

Back Row: Joaquin Oviedo vs. Cian Prendergast

USA Perpignan Rugby vs. Connacht Rugby

In the heart of the back row battle, Joaquin Oviedo of Perpignan and Cian Prendergast of Connacht are set to lock horns in a mouth-watering clash. Two young bucks on the verge of international consistency would like nothing more than a dominant outing over their opposite man. Oviedo, the Argentine powerhouse, brings a raw physicality that has made him a standout in the Top 14 throughout the past four seasons. His ball-carrying ability and relentless work at the breakdown provide Perpignan with a key advantage when they have their backs to the wall.

Prendergast, meanwhile, is a dynamic operator who has shone for both Connacht and Ireland in recent months. His versatility, equally adept on the blindside flank or at number eight, makes him a crucial cog in Connacht's pack. Known for his tireless work ethic and sharp rugby IQ, Prendergast's ability to read the game and link play will be vital for the visitors. With such fierce competition for places in Andy Farrell’s Ireland squad come Six Nations time, Prendergast will want to keep the strong performances rolling in ahead of next year’s tournament.

This battle epitomizes modern back-row play, blending brute force and finesse with the ball in hand. Oviedo's raw power will clash with Prendergast's technical prowess, making this a must-watch encounter for fans of hard working loose forwards. The on-field rugby equivalent of a middleweight boxing match, whoever emerges victorious will likely set the platform for their team's success this Sunday.

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