On the back of a couple of wide margins home wins in the URC the Lions switch focus to the European Challenge Cup where their first assignment is a visit to USA Perpignan on Sunday
USA Perpignan v Lions, Sunday 10th December, Perpignan, KO 15:00 (South African time)
Referee: Adam Leal (Eng)
Assistant Referees: Alex Thomas (Eng), Neil Chivers (Eng)
TMO: Rowan Kitt (Eng)
Weather Forecast – Perpignan
Perpignan:
Perpignan are battling in the current Top 14 season with just 2 wins and 7 defeats for 8 log points and they are second from bottom of the standings. Their points conceded tally of 327 is by far the biggest total in the competition.
In the Challenge Cup last season Perpignan lost all 4 of their pool matches, earning just 1 bonus point and they failed to make the knockout rounds.
After this the Perpignan visit Benetton and the Ospreys and they finish up at home to Newcastle Falcons.
Lions:
The Lions URC form comprises of 3 wins and 4 defeats and they are ninth on the log. They have just completed back to back home wins over Zebre 61-19 and most recently the Dragons 49-24, they also won on tour at the Scarlets and they have earned at least 1 bonus point in all of their outings so far.
In the Challenge Cup last season the Lions won 2, drew 1 and lost 1 of their pool matches. They started with a 31-31 draw with the Dragons and a 30-25 victory over the same opponent in Wales in Round 4 sealed their progress. The Lions also came up against French opposition in the shape of Stade Francais and they were 30-12 winners in Johannesburg but went down 17-7 away from home. In the Round of 16 they thrashed Racing 92 in Johannesburg 51-28 but they bowed out in the quarter finals with a 31-21 defeat away to Glasgow Warriors who eventually finished as runners up to Toulon.
After this the Lions host the Newcastle Falcons, visit Montpellier and in the final round of pool matches they are at home to the Ospreys
Team News
Perpignan: 15. Jean-Pascal Barraque, 14. Lucas Dubois, 13. Afusipa Taumoepeau, 12. Freddy Duguivalu, 11. Louis Dupichot, 10. Alexandre Perez, 9. Matteo Rodor, 1. Sacha Lotrian, 2. Victor Montgaillard, 3. Nemo Roelofse, 4. Tristan Labouteley, 5. Shahn Eru, 6. Jaco van Tonder, 7. Alan Brazo, 8. Ewan Bertheau,
Replacements: 16. Vakhtang Jincharadze, 17. Xavier Chiocci, 18. Akato Fakatika, 19. Lucas Bachelier, 20. Valentin Moro, 21. Tom Ecochard, 22. Eddie Sawailau, 23. Boris Goutard
Lions: 15 Andries Coetzee, 14 Rabz Maxwane, 13 Erich Cronje, 12 Zander du Plessis, 11 Boldwin Hansen, 10 Jordan Hendrikse, 9 Nico Steyn, 8 Hanru Sirgel, 7 Ruhan Straeuli, 6 JC Pretorius, 5 Raynard Roets, 4 Etienne Oosthuizen, 3 Ruan Smith, 2 Jaco Visagie, 1 Corne Fourie
Replacements: 16 Morne Brandon, 17 Morgan Naude, 18 Conraad van Vuuren, 19 Izan Esterhuizen, 20 Travis Gordon, 21 Johan Mulder, 22 Gianni Lombard, 23 Rynhardt Jonker/Sibusiso Sangweni
The Betting
Perpignan -11.5
Lions +11.5
Note, odds quoted are available at the time of writing but are subject to change.
Betting Angle
I would have expected some markets out by now (Friday afternoon) but looks like bookies are wating for team news and I will return with a bet on Saturday morning.
Update 10 December 09h20
The handicap is out but no points lines as yet. I quite like the Lions team selected and believe they can push Perpignan.
My main bet will likely come in the points markets and will be posted in our forum
For now though a nibble on the Lions causing an upset. They have not lost by more than 7 all season and have shown they have plenty of fight. Perpignan are hardly world beaters and could be there for the taking.
Bet: 1 units Lions win at 5/1 at WSB
Note, odds quoted are available at the time of writing but are subject to change.
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