EPCR Challenge Cup Predictions – Quarter-finals

The Bulls will fly the South African flag when they take on Edinburgh in their EPCR Challenge Cup quarter-final clash in the Scottish capital on Saturday, writes Quintin van Jaarsveld.

With the defending champion Sharks and Lions knocked out last weekend, the Pretoria outfit are Mzanzi’s last remaining hope of securing the silverware and will get the weekend’s action underway.

Two other exciting matches on Saturday will see the Ospreys and Lyon square off in Swansea and Connacht and Racing 92 collide in Galway, while Bath host Gloucester at The Recreation Ground on Sunday.

Edinburgh v Bulls

When: Saturday, 12 April – 13:30

The Bulls showed in their impressive 32-22 away win over Bayonne last weekend that they can flip the switch to knockout rugby remarkably well. Their ability to play set-piece and territory-based finals rugby should stand them in good stead in the Scottish capital and it’s the polar opposite of what Edinburgh faced against the Lions last weekend.

Their juggernaut scrum will have a huge bearing on proceedings and their powerful driving maul will ask more questions of the Edinburgh pack. They had great line speed and intensity on defence in France as well and will want to pick up where they left off in that regard.

Edinburgh like to play a high-tempo game. The match against the Lions showed the importance of contesting at the breakdown against them as they raced to a 17-0 halftime lead with free rein but scored just seven points in the second half when JC Pretorius came on and slowed their ball down. Cameron Hanekom will be huge in this regard for the Bulls.

Once in the 22, Edinburgh are patient and pragmatic, and they had fantastic frontline defence last weekend, although the Lions made it easy for them with their lateral attacks. Sean Everitt’s side’s discipline is shaky, so that could come into play as well. The Bulls haven’t won in the Scottish capital yet but they have the perfect game plan at the moment to get it done.

Prediction: Bulls by 3.

Ospreys v Lyon

When: Saturday, 12 April – 18:30

The Ospreys sent a message to those who don’t consider them legitimate title challengers with their emphatic 36-14 win over the Scarlets last weekend.

Their Welsh internationals looked refreshed, both physically and mentally, and their speed on the ball and fluency will cause their French visitors problems.

Lyon coasted past a second-string Sharks side, triumphing 34-21 to end the Durbanites’ historic reign. Aside from their physicality and breakdown prowess, the French club weren’t overly impressive given the weak opposition they faced and they’ve won just two of their last 10 away games.

Thus, the Ospreys should move on.

Prediction: Ospreys by 6.

Connacht v Racing 92

When: Saturday, 12 April – 21:00

Still undefeated in the EPCR Challenge Cup this season, Connacht claimed a 35-20 win over Cardiff last weekend. The Irish team have been super impressive this campaign, playing a well-balanced brand of rugby.

Racing 92 recorded a hard-fought 24-18 away win over Perpignan. With former England flyhalf Owen Farrell pulling the strings, they are a team with clear direction and a lot of drive.

That said, French sides generally don’t travel well. They lost both of their Investec Champions Cup pool games outside of France, falling 29-7 to the Sale Sharks and 29-19 to the Glasgow Warriors.

Add in Connacht’s form and Irish eyes will be smiling.

Prediction: Connacht by 10.

Bath v Gloucester

When: Sunday, 13 April – 18:30

A mouth-watering English derby will wrap up the quarter-finals.

One of the teams who dropped down from the Investec Champions Cup, Bath made a statement when they ran in seven tries for a 49-24 away victory over Pau last weekend. The current Premiership leaders have an excellent squad and an astute coach in Johann van Graan.

Last season’s runners-up Gloucester also triumphed in France last weekend. They had a far tougher time than Bath, coming from behind to pip Montpellier 25-22 to set up this all-English showdown. Bath are in red hot form and have won the last five meetings against Gloucester, including a 42-26 success last month, so bank on them to deliver.

Prediction: Bath by 12.