In this blog we will recap our round 1 bets, look at the early handicaps and betting moves ahead of round 2 as well as team line ups, weather and match officials.
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Sunday Champions Cup Wrap
Posted 15 Dec 07h21
Sunday was a mixed bag for me. The Harlequins and Northampton team-total overs both landed comfortably, but the newsletter bet, Bath to win, was soundly beaten.
Overall, it was another weekend where I didn’t structure my bets particularly well and ended up finishing in the red.
I’m hoping to turn the corner in the URC, where the betting blog is already up and running. What will likely be the final newsletter of 2025 will be sent later this week. Subscription is available via the link at the top right of the page.
BET: Northampton Saints v Vodacom Bulls
Posted 14 Dec 14h59
3 units – Northampton Saints over 39.5 points at 17/20 (Hollywoodbets)
This handicap opened at Saints -21.5, was quickly trimmed back to -13.5, and has since completed the full circle to sit at -20.5. That movement reflects some early uncertainty, but the market has ultimately returned to a strong Saints position.
Conditions should be reasonable, and I like Northampton to expose what has been a suspect Bulls defensive structure, particularly away from home. Saints play at pace, are ruthless when momentum builds, and I’m backing them to reach 40 points or more.
For that reason, I prefer the Saints team total rather than getting involved on the handicap.
I will likely close up shop for the weekend after this, although there is an outside chance I return later for Bristol v Pau if results fall my way.
Attention now turns back to the URC next week, with the Round 7 betting blog already up and running.
BET: Harlequins v Bayonne
Posted 14 Dec 10h06
3 units – Harlequins over 40.5 points at 9/10 (BetXchange)
The handicap in this match opened around Harlequins -17.5, pushed out as far as -21.5, and has now settled at -20.5. Harlequins impressed last week by securing a four-try bonus point in an away loss at Leinster, and returning home against a French side coming off a defeat to the Stormers feels like a good spot for them to kick on.
Bayonne have been competitive at home but remain far less convincing on the road, and with Quins’ attacking intent and tempo, I am expecting them to put points on the board. The total match line sits at 60.5, but my preference is firmly on the Harlequins team total, backing them to score 41 or more.
Conditions look cool but dry although windy conditions might make conversions tricky.
The other 15:00 kickoff is Castres v Edinburgh. That line moved early from Castres -5.5 to -10.5 before settling, with total points currently 51.5. I’m happy to sit this one out and keep the focus on Harlequins.
Saturday Summary and Sunday Betting
Posted 14 Dec 08h53
After a strong start on Friday, Saturday was a frustrating one overall. The Sharks outright landed, thankfully, but not without plenty of stress. Unfortunately, both the Stormers and Bordeaux fell a single try short, with neither able to find the bet clincher in the final ten minutes.
The Bordeaux miss was particularly painful, as I had a decent double running from the Sharks into that game. I also didn’t see Glasgow v Toulouse live, where I was on Toulouse 1–12, but Glasgow produced an excellent win to derail that bet.
Below are the latest prices for Sunday’s games. I’m already on Bath to win, although they’ve drifted slightly since I got involved. I’ll likely get involved in the Harlequins and Bulls games and will be back later with any bets.
Sunday – Latest Handicaps & Points
Harlequins -20.5 v Bayonne, Points 60.5
Castres -10.5 v Edinburgh, Points 51.5
Toulon -2.5 v Bath, Points 56.5
Northampton Saints -18.5 v Bulls, Points 59.5
Bristol Bears -21.5 v Pau, Points 64.5
BET: Glasgow Warriors v Toulouse
Posted 13 Dec 18h41
2 units Toulouse to win by 1–12 points at 17/10 at BetXchange
The handicap has been pretty stable all week and currently sits at Glasgow +8.5. Glasgow come into this off a solid away win against Sale last week and I expect them to be competitive again, particularly in poor conditions.
That said, Toulouse still look the more complete side and should have enough to get the job done, even if it is not pretty. With bad weather expected and a total points line of 42.5, this shapes up as a tight, attritional contest rather than a blowout.
I’m siding with Toulouse to edge it, but in a narrow winning margin rather than on the handicap.
Hopefully this one helps round off Saturday on a positive note. Either way, I’ll be back on Sunday.
BET: Bordeaux-Bègles v Scarlets
Posted 13 Dec 13h44
4 units Bordeaux Over 8.5 tries at 1/1 at Sportingbet
A quick word first on Munster v Gloucester, which kicks off at the same time. Munster have moved from -16.5 out to -26.5, with the points line sitting at 55.5. Conditions are expected to be wet, windy and cold. I have not decided whether to get involved there, but if things are going well earlier in the day I may have a late play.
Turning to Bordeaux, the handicap has stretched from -32.5 to -37.5, and with Scarlets not at full strength this has the potential to be absolute carnage. Bordeaux’s team total sits at 54.5, which means that unless they opt for goal kicks, the overs will require at least eight converted tries and more realistically nine tries.
For that reason, I prefer to go straight to Bordeaux Over 8.5 tries at even money.
BET: Sharks v Saracens
Posted 13 Dec 12h28
5 units Sharks win at 8/10 at BetXchange
1 unit Winning Margin 5-way, Sharks 13+ at 9/2 at BetXchange
Before getting into this game, a quick note on Clermont v Sale Sharks, which kicks off at the same time. I will not be having a bet there. Clermont opened at -16.5 but have come back into -13.5, with the points line at 55.5. Conditions look cold but clear.
Turning to Durban, the Sharks have flipped from +1.5 to -2.5 following team news, with Saracens resting a number of players. The Sharks are loaded with Springboks, although historically that has not always translated into results. With Plumtree gone, I am hoping this can act as a catalyst.
I am backing the Sharks on the moneyline and adding a small speculative play on them winning by 13 or more. The points line is low at 40.5, with rain expected, which adds another layer of uncertainty but does not put me off siding with the home team.
BET: Stormers v La Rochelle
Posted 13 Dec12h08
3 units Stormers Over 6.5 tries at 11/10 at Sportingbet
This handicap opened at Stormers -12.5 but moved sharply and is now out at -26.5 following news that La Rochelle have named a severely depleted side. The total points line is 57.5, with the Stormers team total sitting at 42.5.
Conditions should be decent, although in typical Gqeberha fashion there is likely to be some wind about. Assuming the Stormers turn down kickable penalties which seems likely, then six tries even if all converted would leave an overs play short, which is why I prefer the 11/10 that the Stormers score seven tries or more.
Saturday Games
Posted 13 Dec 07h48
The Leicester unders arrived thanks to them not scoring a point in the 2nd half. It would of hurt to lose that one as both their tries were unlikely and required perfect bounces.
I have had a few chores thrust my way this morning but will be back later to update lineups and post a couple of bets on Saturdays games - latest betting below.
Stormers -27.5 v La Rochelle, Points 56.5
Sharks -2.5 v Saracens, Points 40.5
Clermont -13.5 v Sale Sharks, Points 54.5
Munster -26.5 v Gloucester, Points 56.5
Bordeaux-Bègles -38.5 v Scarlets, Points 67.5
Glasgow Warriors +8.5 v Toulouse, Points 45.5
BET: Toulon v Bath
Posted 12 Dec 08h55
4 units Bath win at 1.29/1 at Pokerbet
One of my main fancies this weekend is Bath to get the win in Toulon. The French side were well beaten by Edinburgh last week and, while not terminal, there is a possibility they may already be deprioritising this competition. Bath, are a proper side and impressed when hammering Munster at home.
Bath are slight underdogs, but I believe they come away with the points. Team announcements later today may influence the market (and make me look foolish), but I’m happy to put Bath up early.
BET: Leicester v Leinster
Posted 12 Dec 08h21
3 units Leicester Under 20.5 points at 9/10 at Pokerbet
There has been some handicap movement on this game. Early lines of Leicester +9.5 and +10.5 shortened into +7.5, before drifting back out to +11.5 on team news with Leicester missing a few players.
Leinster conceded four tries at home to Harlequins last weekend, but in cold and potentially damp conditions (no rain expected during the match but humidity in the 90s), I am expecting a tighter contest. Nienaber will likely have addressed the defensive lapses in training, and I prefer the Leicester team total under 20.5.
The Weekend Ahead
Posted 12 Dec 07h30
There has been a fair bit of movement in the betting markets as team selections and strategies become clearer. Team line ups, weather and match officials are posted at the bottom of the blog for easy reference.
I am not strong on anything this weekend but that may change when I see the points lines and bets will be posted on selected games.
Latest Handicaps
Posted 11 Dec 20h48
Leicester +11.5 v Leinster
Stormers -24.5 v La Rochelle
Sharks +1.5 v Saracens
Clermont -16.5 v Sale Sharks
Bordeaux -37.5 v Scarlets
Munster -17.5 v Gloucester
Glasgow +8.5 v Toulouse
Harlequins -19.5 v Bayonne
Castres -3.5 v Edinburgh
Toulon -0.5 v Bath
Saints -13.5 v Bulls
Bristol -20.5 v Pau
Our rugby betting show THE HANDICAP live at 21h00
Champions Cup Betting Moves
Posted 10 Dec 09h56
Recent significant betting moves below
Stormers -19.5 v La Rochelle
➡️ Moved from -13.5 → -19.5 (6-point shift)
Bordeaux-Bègles -37.5 v Scarlets
➡️ Moved from -32.5 → -37.5 (5-point shift)
Munster -17.5 v Gloucester
➡️ Moved from -15.5 → -17.5 (2-point shift)
Harlequins -21.5 v Bayonne
➡️ Moved from -17.5 → -21.5 (4-point shift)
Bristol Bears -20.5 v Section Paloise
➡️ Moved from -16.5 → -20.5 (4-point shift)
All Round 2 Handicaps
Posted 08 Dec 20h01
Leicester Tigers +8.5 v Leinster (was +9.5 → +8.5)
Stormers -13.5 v La Rochelle (was -12.5 → -13.5)
Sharks +1.5 v Saracens (was +2.5 → +1.5)
Clermont -15.5 v Sale Sharks (no move)
Munster -15.5 v Gloucester (was -14.5 → -15.5)
Glasgow Warriors +8.5 v Toulouse (no move)
Harlequins -17.5 v Bayonne
Castres -5.5 v Edinburgh
Toulon -3.5 v Bath (no move)
Northampton Saints -21.5 v Bulls
Bristol Bears -16.5 v Section Paloise
Round 2 – Opening Handicaps (7 matches)
Posted 08 Dec 12h44
Betxchange early lines below - 5 games still to be priced up
-
Leicester Tigers +9.5 v Leinster
-
Stormers -12.5 v La Rochelle
-
Sharks +2.5 v Saracens
-
Clermont Auvergne -15.5 v Sale Sharks
-
Munster -14.5 v Gloucester
-
Glasgow Warriors +8.5 v Toulouse
-
Toulon -3.5 v Bath
🏉 Investec Champions Cup – Round 2 Fixtures
(Match officials, weather and lineups will be added below during the week)
Fri, 12 Dec 2025
Pool 3 – Round 2
22:00 – Leicester Tigers v Leinster
Mattioli Woods Welford Road
Leicester Tigers: 15 Freddie Steward, 14 Adam Radwan, 13 Will Wand, 12 Solomone Kata, 11 Ollie Hassell-Collins, 10 Billy Searle, 9 Tom Whiteley, 8 Joaquin Moro, 7 Tommy Reffell (captain), 6 James Thompson, 5 Harry Wells, 4 Cameron Henderson, 3 Joe Heyes, 2 Jamie Blamire, 1 Nicky Smith.
Replacements: 16 Finn Theobald Thomas, 17 Archie van der Flier, 18 Will Hurd, 19 Tom Manz, 20 Sam Williams, 21 Ollie Allan, 22 Orlando Bailey, 23 Joseph Woodward.
Leinster: 15 Jimmy O’Brien, 14 Tommy O’Brien, 13 Rieko Ioane, 12 Robbie Henshaw, 11 James Lowe, 10 Harry Byrne, 9 Jamison Gibson-Park, 8 Caelan Doris (captain), 7 Josh van der Flier, 6 Jack Conan, 5 James Ryan, 4 Joe McCarthy, 3 Tadhg Furlong, 2 Rónan Kelleher, 1 Paddy McCarthy.
Replacements: 16 Dan Sheehan, 17 Jack Boyle, 18 Thomas Clarkson, 19 Diarmuid Mangan, 20 Max Deegan, 21 Luke McGrath, 22 Sam Prendergast, 23 Ciarán Frawley.
Match Officials:
Referee: Pierre Brousset (France)
Assistant referees: Vincent Blasco Baque (France), Julien Caulier (France)
TMO: Tual Trainini (France)
Weather: Cold at 6 degrees, rain before kickoff, humidity late 80,s - click here for updates
Sat, 13 Dec 2025
Pool 3 – Round 2
15:00 – DHL Stormers v La Rochelle
Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium
Stormers: 15 Warrick Gelant, 14 Dylan Maart, 13 Ruhan Nel, 12 Jonathan Roche, 11 Leolin Zas, 10 Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, 9 Cobus Reinach, 8 Evan Roos, 7 Ben-Jason Dixon, 6 Paul de Villiers, 5 JD Schickerling, 4 Salmaan Moerat, 3 Neethling Fouché, 2 André-Hugo Venter, 1 Ntuthuko Mchunu
Replacements: 16 JJ Kotzé, 17 Oli Kebble, 18 Sazi Sandi, 19 Connor Evans, 20 Ruan Ackermann, 21 Marcel Theunissen, 22 Imad Khan, 23 Wandisile Simelane
La Rochelle: 15 Nathan Bollengier, 14 Suliasi Vunivalu, 13 Adrien Seguret, 12 Simeli Daunivucu, 11 Hoani Bosmorin, 10 Diego Jurd, 9 Nolhann Couillaud, 8 Lucas Andjisseramatchi (captain), 7 Kirill Fraindt, 6 Charles Kante Samba, 5 Kane Douglas, 4 Ultan Dillane, 3 Karl Sorin, 2 Quentin Lespiaucq, 1 Reda Wardi
Replacements: 16 Nikoloz Sutidze, 17 Christian Luaki, 18 Joel Sclavi, 19 Simon Huchet, 20 Aleksandre Kuntelia, 21 Edouard Richer, 22 Thomas Berjon, 23 Dillyn Leyds.
Referee: Luke Pearce (England)
Assistant Referees: Karl Dickson (England), Joe James (England)
TMO: Ian Tempest (England)
Weather: 22 degrees, windy, humidity low 50's, cloudy but should be dry - click here for updates
Pool 1 – Round 2
17:15 – Hollywoodbets Sharks v Saracens
Hollywoodbets Kings Park
Sharks: 15 Aphelele Fassi, 14 Edwill van der Merwe, 13 Ethan Hooker, 12 Andre Esterhuizen (captain), 11 Makazole Mapimpi, 10 George Whitehead, 9 Grant Williams, 8 Phepsi Buthelezi, 7 Vincent Tshituka, 6 Siya Kolisi, 5 Emile van Heerden, 4 Jason Jenkins, 3 Hanro Jacobs, 2 Bongi Mbonambi, 1 Phatu Ganyane
Replacements: 16 Eduan Swart, 17 Lee-Marvin Mazibuko, 18 Mawande Mdanda, 19 Marvin Orie, 20 Matt Romao, 21 Nick Hatton, 22 Jaden Hendrikse, 23 Jordan Hendrikse
Saracens: 15 Elliot Daly, 14 Rotimi Segun, 13 Sam Spink, 12 Olly Hartley, 11 Angus Hall, 10 Fergus Burke, 9 Charlie Bracken, 8 Tom Willis, 7 Andy Onyeama-Christie (captain), 6 Theo McFarland, 5 Harry Wilson, 4 Nick Isiekwe, 3 Marco Riccioni, 2 Theo Dan, 1 Eroni Mawi
Replacements: 16 James Hadfield, 17 Alex O Driscoll, 18 Marcus Street, 19 Hugh Tizard, 20 Nathan Michelow, 21 Ben Earl, 22 Gareth Simpson, 23 Alex Lozowski
Referee: Luc Ramos (France)
Assistant Referees: Kevin Bralley (France), Flavien Hourquet (France)
TMO: Julien Casteignede (France)
Weather: 23 degrees, showers and overcast, humidity mid 80's - click here for updates
Pool 1 – Round 2
17:15 – Clermont Auvergne v Sale Sharks
Stade Marcel-Michelin
Clermont: 15 Axel Guillaud, 14 Yerim Fall, 13 Timeo Frier, 12 George Moala, 11 Alivereti Raka, 10 Irae Simone, 9 Sebastien Bezy, 8 Selevasio Tolofua, 7 Marcos Kremer, 6 Killian Tixeront (captain), 5 Thomas Ceyte, 4 Rob Simmons, 3 Cristian Ojovan, 2 Etienne Fourcade, 1 Sacha Lotrian
Replacements: 16 Seilala Lam, 17 Giorgi Akhaladze, 18 Giga Tutisani, 19 Tevita Ratuva, 20 Pio Muarua, 21 Lucas Zamora, 22 Harry Plummer, 23 Alex Newsome
Sale Sharks: 15 Arron Reed, 14 Tom O’Flaherty, 13 Joe Bedlow, 12 Marius Louw, 11 Alex Wills, 10 Rob du Preez, 9 Raffi Quirke, 8 Ben Curry, 7 Ernst van Rhyn (captain), 6 Jacques Vermeulen, 5 Ben Bamber, 4 Tom Burrow, 3 Willgriff John, 2 Nathan Jibulu, 1 Si McIntyre
Replacements: 16 Ethan Caine, 17 Tumy Onasanya, 18 James Harper, 19 Hyron Andrews, 20 Tristan Woodman, 21 Gus Warr, 22 Ollie Davies, 23 Gurshwin Wehr
Referee: Gianluca Gnecchi (Italy)
Assistant Referees: Franco Rosella (Italy), Manuel Bottino (Italy)
TMO: Stefano Roscini (Italy)
Weather: 8 degrees, overcast, humidity mid 80's - click here for updates
Pool 4 – Round 2
19:30 – Bordeaux-Bègles v Scarlets
Stade Chaban-Delmas
Bordeaux-Bègles: 15 Xan Mousques, 14 Damian Penaud, 13 Pablo Uberti, 12 Yoram Moefana, 11 Louis Bielle-Biarrey, 10 Matthieu Jalibert, 9 Martin Page-Relo, 8 Temo Matiu, 7 Bastien Vergnes-Taillefer, 6 Tiaan Jacobs, 5 Adam Coleman, 4 Boris Palu, 3 Sipili Falatea, 2 Gaetan Barlot, 1 Jefferson Poirot (captain)
Replacements: 16 Christian Everitt, 17 Matis Perchaud, 18 Ben Tameifuna, 19 Jonny Gray, 20 Romain Gardrat, 21 Arthur Retiere, 22 Joey Carbery, 23 Rohan Janse van Rensburg
Scarlets: 15 Jac Davies, 14 Tomi Lewis, 13 Joe Roberts, 12 Eddie James, 11 Ellis Mee, 10 Joe Hawkins, 9 Dane Blacker, 8 Fletcher Anderson, 7 Dan Davis, 6 Josh Macleod (captain), 5 Jake Ball, 4 Max Douglas, 3 Henry Thomas, 2 Marnus van der Merwe, 1 Alec Hepburn
Replacements: 16 Ryan Elias, 17 Kemsley Mathias, 18 Harri O’Connor, 19 Sam Lousi, 20 Jarrod Taylor, 21 Archie Hughes, 22 Sam Costelow, 23 Macs Page
Referee: Morne Ferreira (South Africa)
Assistant Referees: Griffin Colby (South Africa), Christopher Allison (South Africa)
TMO: Marius van der Westhuizen (South Africa)
Weather: 9 degrees, clear, humidity in 90's - click here for updates
Pool 2 – Round 2
19:30 – Munster v Gloucester
SuperValu Páirc Uí Chaoimh
Munster: 15 Mike Haley, 14 Shane Daly, 13 Dan Kelly, 12 Alex Nankivell, 11 Ben O’Connor, 10 Jack Crowley, 9 Craig Casey, 8 Gavin Coombes, 7 Jack O’Donoghue, 6 Tom Ahern, 5 Tadhg Beirne (captain), 4 Jean Kleyn, 3 Michael Ala’alatoa, 2 Niall Scannell, 1 Michael Milne
Replacements: 16 Diarmuid Barron, 17 Josh Wycherley, 18 Conor Bartley, 19 Edwin Edogbo, 20 Ruadhán Quinn, 21 Paddy Patterson, 22 JJ Hanrahan, 23 Tom Farrell
Gloucester: 15 George Barton, 14 Josh Hathaway, 13 Will Knight, 12 Max Knight, 11.Rob Russell, 10 Charlie Atkinson, 9 Mike Austin, 8 Jack Clement, 7 Harry Taylor, 6 Josh Basham, 5 Arthur Clark (captain), 4 Cam Jordan, 3 Jamal Ford-Robinson, 2 Jack Innard, 1 Dian Bleuler
Replacements: 16 Kealan Freeman Price, 17 Ciaran Knight, 18 Afolabi Fasogbon, 19 Danny Eite, 20 Hugh Bokenham, 21 Caio James, 22 Rhys Price, 23 Jack Cotgreave
Referee: Ben Breakspear (Wales)
Assistant Referees: Craig Evans (Wales), Adam Jones (Wales)
TMO: Aled Griffiths (Wales)
Weather: 11 degrees, overcast but should be dry, wind 32km/h, humidity early 90's - click here for updates
Pool 1 – Round 2
22:00 – Glasgow Warriors v Toulouse
Scotstoun Stadium
Glasgow Warriors: 15 Josh McKay, 14 Kyle Steyn (captain), 13 Stafford McDowall, 12 Sione Tuipulotu, 11 Ollie Smith, 10 Adam Hastings, 9 Jamie Dobie, 8 Jack Dempsey, 7 Rory Darge, 6 Matt Fagerson, 5 Scott Cummings, 4 Max Williamson, 3 Zander Fagerson, 2 Gregor Hiddleston, 1 Nathan McBeth
Replacements: 16 Seb Stephen, 17 Rory Sutherland, 18 Sam Talakai, 19 Alex Craig, 20 Gregor Brown, 21 Ally Miller, 22 George Horne, 23 Dan Lancaster
Toulouse: 15 Thomas Ramos, 14 Ange Capuozzo, 13 Paul Costes, 12 Kalvin Gourgues, 11 Blair Kinghorn, 10 Romain Ntamack, 9 Antoine Dupont, 8 Anthony Jelonch, 7 Leo Banos, 6 Jack Willis, 5 Thibaud Flament, 4 Joshua Brennan, 3 Dorian Aldegheri, 2 Julien Marchand (captain), 1 David Ainu’u
Replacements: 16 Thomas Lacombre, 17 Rodrigue Neti, 18 Joel Merkler, 19 Emmanuel Meafou, 20 Mathis Castro-Ferreira, 21 Alexandre Roumat, 22 Paul Graou, 23 Teddy Thomas
Referee: Matthew Carley (England)
Assistant Referees: Hamish Smales (England), John Meredith (England)
TMO: Andrew Jackson (England)
Weather: 10 degrees, some showers, wind early 30's, humidity late 80's - click here for updates
Sun, 14 Dec 2025
Pool 3 – Round 2
15:00 – Harlequins v Bayonne
Twickenham Stoop
Harlequins: 15 Nick David, 14 Cassius Cleaves, 13 Oscar Beard, 12 Luke Northmore, 11 Cadan Murley (captain), 10 Marcus Smith, 9 Will Porter, 8 Zach Carr, 7 Will Evans, 6 Jack Kenningham, 5 Stephan Lewies, 4 Guido Petti Pagadizábal, 3 Pedro Delgado, 2 Jack Walker, 1 Fin Baxter
Replacements: 16 Sam Riley, 17 Boris Wenger, 18 Will Hobson, 19 Kieran Treadwell, 20 Chandler Cunningham-South, 21 Lucas Friday, 22 Jamie Benson, 23 Ben Waghorn
Bayonne: 15 Yohan Orabe, 14 Jonah Thompson, 13 Sireli Maqala, 12 Federico Mori, 11 Victor Hannoun, 10 Tom Spring, 9 Baptiste Tilloles, 8 Manex Ariceta, 7 Esteban Capilla, 6 Alexandre Fischer (captain), 5 Lucas Paulos, 4 Alvaro Garcia Iandolino, 3 Emerick Setiano, 2 Lucas Martin, 1 Ignacio Calles
Replacements: 16 Vincent Giudicelli, 17 Swan Cormenier, 18 Marco Fepulea’i, 19 Baptiste Heguy, 20 Raphael Marchesin, 21 Noa Traversier, 22 Herschel Jantjies, 23 Pyrénées Boyle-Tiatia
Referee: Andrew Brace (Ireland)
Assistant Referees: Andrew Cole (Ireland), Jonathan Erskin (Ireland)
TMO: Olly Hodges (Ireland)
Weather: 10 degrees, overcast but dry, humidity mid 80's - click here for updates
Pool 2 – Round 2
15:00 – Castres Olympique v Edinburgh Rugby
Stade Pierre-Fabre
Castres: 15 Geoffrey Palis, 14 Christian Ambadiang, 13 Vilimoni Botitu, 12 Jack Goodhue, 11 Adam Vargas, 10 Pierre Popelin, 9 Jeremy Fernandez, 8 Abraham Papalii, 7 Tyler Ardron, 6 Baptiste Delaporte (captain), 5 Tom Staniforth, 4 Gauthier Maravat, 3 Aurelien Azar, 2 Loris Zarantonello, 1 Quentin Walcker
Replacements: 16 Teddy Durand-Pradere, 17 Lois Guerois-Galisson, 18 Nicolas Corato, 19 Leone Nakarawa, 20 Baptiste Cope, 21 Gauthier Doubrere, 22 Enzo Herve, 23 Vuate Karawalevu
Edinburgh: 15 Jack Brown, 14 Ross McCann, 13 Matt Currie, 12 Piers O’Conor, 11 Lewis Wells, 10 Cammy Scott, 9 Ben Vellacott, 8 Tom Dodd, 7 Freddy Douglas, 6 Liam McConnell, 5 Glen Young, 4 Callum Hunter-Hill, 3 Ollie Blyth-Lafferty, 2 Harri Morris, 1 Boan Venter
Replacements: 16 Ewan Ashman, 17 Mikey Jones, 18 Paul Hill, 19 Connor Boyle, 20 Hamish Watson, 21 Charlie Shiel, 22 James Lang, 23 Wes Goosen
Referee: Andrea Piardi (Italy)
Assistant Referees: Clara Munarini (Italy), Alberto Favaro (Italy)
TMO: Matteo Liperini (Italy)
Weather: 11 degrees, sunny, humidity 80% - click here for updates
Pool 2 – Round 2
17:15 – Toulon v Bath Rugby
Stade Félix Mayol
Toulon: 15 Mathis Ferte, 14 Gaël Drean, 13 Nacho Brex, 12 Jérémy Sinzelle, 11 Setariki Tuicuvu, 10 Matéo Garcia, 9 Baptiste Serin, 8 Zach Mercer, 7 Charles Ollivon (captain), 6 Lewis Ludlam, 5 Brian Alainu’uese, 4 Swan Rebbadj, 3 Kyle Sinckler, 2 Gianmarco Lucchesi, 1 Jean-Baptiste Gros
Replacements: 16 Teddy Baubigny, 17 Leo Ametlla, 18 Dany Priso, 19 Corentin Mezou, 20 Esteban Abadie, 21 Ben White, 22 Mathieu Smaili, 23 Joe Quere Karaba
Bath: 15 Santi Carreras, 14 Joe Cokanasiga, 13 Max Ojomoh, 12 Cameron Redpath, 11 Henry Arundell, 10 Finn Russell, 9 Tom Carr-Smith, 8 Alfie Barbeary, 7 Sam Underhill, 6 Ted Hill, 5 Ross Molony, 4 Quinn Roux, 3 Billy Sela, 2 Tom Dunn, 1 Beno Obano
Replacements: 16 Kepu Tuipulotu, 17 Francois van Wyk, 18 Thomas du Toit, 19 Charlie Ewels, 20 Miles Reid, 21 Neil le Roux, 22 Louie Hennessey, 23 Arthur Green
Referee: Nika Amashukeli (Georgia)
Assistant Referees: Saba Abulashvili (Georgia), Saba Makharadze (Georgia)
TMO: Ben Whitehouse (Wales)
Weather: 15 degrees, cloudy, humidity late 60's - click here for updates
Pool 4 – Round 2
17:15 – Northampton Saints v Vodacom Bulls
cinch Stadium @ Franklin’s Gardens
Northampton: 15 George Furbank (captain), 14 Ollie Sleightholme, 13 Rory Hutchinson, 12 Fraser Dingwall, 11 George Hendy, 10 Fin Smith, 9 Alex Mitchell, 8 Henry Pollock, 7 Tom Pearson, 6 Josh Kemeny, 5 JJ van der Mescht, 4 Alex Coles, 3 Trevor Davison, 2 Craig Wright, 1 Danilo Fischetti
Replacements: 16 Robbie Smith, 17 Emmanuel Iyogun, 18 Cleopas Kundiona, 19 Chunya Munga, 20 Ed Prowse, 21 Sam Graham, 22 Tom James, 23 Toby Thame
Bulls: 15 Devon Williams, 14 Sergeal Petersen, 13 Stedman Gans, 12 Harold Vorster, 11 Stravino Jacobs, 10 Kade Wolhuter, 9 Zak Burger, 8 Elrigh Louw, 7 Reinhardt Ludwig, 6 Marcell Coetzee (captain), 5 JF van Heerden, 4 Cobus Wiese, 3 Mornay Smith, 2 Akker van der Merwe, 1 Alulutho Tshakweni
Replacements: 16 Juann Else, 17 Sti Sithole, 18 Khutha Mchunu, 19 Mpilo Gumede, 20 Nizaam Carr, 21 Embrose Papier, 22 Keagan Johannes, 23 Phillip-Albert van Niekerk
Referee: Hollie Davidson (Scotland)
Assistant Referees: Rob McDowell (Scotland), David Sutherland (Scotland)
TMO: Mike Adamson (Scotland)
Weather: 8 degrees, overcast, wind high 20's, humidity early 90's - click here for updates
Pool 4 – Round 2
19:30 – Bristol Bears v Pau
Ashton Gate
Bristol Bears: 15 Louis Rees-Zammit, 14 Kalaveti Ravouvou, 13 Benhard Janse van Rensburg, 12 James Williams, 11 Aidan Boshoff, 10 Tom Jordan, 9 Kieran Marmion, 8 Fitz Harding (captain), 7 Benjamin Grondona, 6 Joe Owen, 5 Joe Batley, 4 Pedro Rubiolo, 3 Lovejoy Chawatama, 2 Gabriel Oghre, 1 Ellis Genge
Replacements: 16 Harry Thacker, 17 Jake Woolmore, 18 Max Lahiff, 19 Santiago Grondona, 20 Luka Ivanishvili, 21 Sam Wolstenholme, 22 Sam Worsley, 23 Josh Carrington
Pau: 15 Aymeric Luc, 14 Aaron Grandidier Nkanang, 13 Fabien Brau-Boirie, 12 Quentin Valentino, 11 Clement Laporte, 10 Clément Mondinat, 9 Dan Robson, 8 Carwyn Tuipulotu, 7 Clément Paul, 6 Joel Kpoku, 5 Mickael Capelli, 4 Thomas Jolmes, 3 Siate Tokolahi, 2 Lucas Rey (captain), 1 Daniel Bibi Biziwu
Replacements: 16 Youri Delhommel, 17 Hugo Parrou, 18 Jon Zabala Arrieta, 19 Remi Picquette, 20 Loic Credoz, 21 Thomas Souverbie, 22 Nathan Decron, 23 Thomas Carol
Referee: Eoghan Cross (Ireland)
Assistant Referees: Robbie Jenkinson (Ireland), Padraic Reidy (Ireland)
TMO: Leo Colgan (Ireland)
Weather: 8 degrees, overcast, win mid to high 20's, humidity mid 90's - click here to bet
Round 1 Bets – High-Level Summary
I kept a fairly low profile this weekend as I never had a strong feel for most of the fixtures.
1️⃣ BET: Bayonne v Stormers (Lost)
2 units Bayonne win + Over 42.5 at 2.35/1
Stormers were too strong in a game where favouritism changed hands during the week. Total points arrived with the last kick but I needed the home win.
2️⃣ BET: Bulls v Bordeaux (Won)
5 units Bordeaux Over 29.5 at 17/20
1 unit HT/FT Bordeaux/Bulls at 5.2/1
The game delivered exactly what was expected: tempo, points, and Bordeaux firing early. This bet was my biggest of the weekend and arrived comfortably. The HT/FT went the other way as Bordeaux came from behind to win.
3️⃣ BET: Section Paloise v Northampton Saints (Won)
3 units Saints Over 32.5 at 19/20
Saints were excellent with ball in hand and cleared the line late on after a slow opening 30 minutes.
4️⃣ BET: Toulouse v Sharks (Lost)
3 units Toulouse Over 58.5 at 17/20
Toulouse racked up 56, but the last try came on the hooter. The handicap blew out from -26 to -48.5 so the early birds caught the handicap. I must say at 28-0 after 24 minutes I thought this bet was home and hosed.