European Challenge Cup - Round 2 Preview
17
October 2008
 Only
two French clubs were victorious on a dismal opening weekend
in the European Challenge Cup but Brive’s Thursday night win
against Newcastle Falcons (36-22) should have set the tone
for a more successful outing this time around.
Montpellier’s away trip to Northampton Saints looks the pick
of the games but there will also be a keen focus on
struggling Toulon as they travel to Bristol. Coach Tana
Umaga was widely slated for picking an under strength team
for last week’s home rout by Northampton and another poor
showing would continue to weaken his position.
Somewhat predictably he has recalled ex-All-Black Jerry
Collins to a much stronger XV, but the damage may already
have been done.
Mont-de-Marsan v
Bayonne, Pool 5, Stade Guy Boniface (19.00, 17/10/08)
Top 14’s basement club Mont-de-Marsan entertain a
strong-looking Bayonne tonight with Remy Martin returning to
captain the visitors after sitting out last week’s
surprising home defeat by Viadana. Les Montois are on a
recovery mission, however unlikely, after they were thrashed
53-3 away to Saracens. Still, this being an all-French
domestic affair local pride will very much be on the table.
Verdict: Bayonne win.
Bristol v Toulon, Pool 2, Memorial Ground (19.45, 17/10/08)
Struggling Toulon travel to Bristol seeking to make amends
for last week’s embarrassing 56-3 home defeat by Northampton
Saints.
Coach Tana Umaga admitted he had been taken aback by the
ferocity of the Guinness Premiership side, particularly at
the contact areas, but his multi-million pound squad face
more of the same at the Memorial Ground tonight. Former
All-Black Jerry Collins is recalled and handed the captain’s
armband in a bid to restore order.
Pressure can do funny things to a rational person but the
delusional note to his own mid-week press conference must
amaze even Umaga. “I was disappointed with the result,” he
admitted before adding, somewhat bizarrely “and we want to
take the positives into the match against Bristol”. Hmmm.
Bristol, who lost 33-15 away to Montpellier and are
currently bottom of the Guinness Premiership, have also
turned to experience with Mark Regan, Roy Winters and Nathan
Budgett all named in a strong-looking pack.
Verdict: Bristol win.
Bourgoin v Petrarca
Padova, Pool 3, Stade Pierre Rajon (20.30, 17/10/08)
Bourgoin may be set for off-the-field upheavals after owner
Pierre Martinet said he would consider selling 51% of the
club this week, but on the field they look good to make it
two wins from two. Last week they triumphed 21-10 away to
Bucuresti Oaks and tonight they play host to Italian side
Petrarca Padova. French centre Benjamin Boyet returns, while
scrum-half Morgan Parra move along to the No 10 jersey.
Padova were thrashed 55-6 at home by Worcester last week and
look set for another testing evening.
Verdict: Bourgoin win.
Rugby Rovigo v Dax,
Pool 1, Stadio Mario Battaglini (15.00, 18/10/08)
Dax travel to Italy looking to get a win after their 12-30
home defeat by Connacht, and should prove too strong for a
Rovigo side that crashed 78-3 to London Irish last week.
Verdict: Dax win.
Northampton Saints v Montpellier, Pool 2, Franklin’s Gardens
(19.45, 18/10/08)
Northampton are on a high after running in seven tries at
Toulon last week and are sure to test Montpellier’s
ambitions in a mouth-watering tie at Franklin’s Gardens.
Montpellier, who beat Bristol 33-15 at the Yves du Manoir
last week, travelled to England without either first choice
half-backs this week. Former All-Black scrum-half Justin
Marshall was left at home after being cited for an alleged
dangerous tackle against Bristol (although he was cleared on
Thursday), while fly-half Francois Trinh-Duc is injured.
English centre Ollie Smith returns to familiar territory
while Tomas Picamoles returns together with Ouedraogo.
Verdict: Northampton win.
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