Sharks face stern test in Galway

SPOTLIGHT: The Challenge Cup’s knockout stages are finally here as the remaining sides battle it out in the Round of 16.

The Sharks have a realistic chance of making a deep run in the Challenge Cup and are very much still part of the European picture. This weekend could define how big that role becomes.

JP Pietersen’s side moves into the knockout stage after missing out on Champions Cup qualification on points difference.

They have a tough fixture against Connacht in Galway, a team that has dominated recent meetings.

The Sharks have won just one of their five meetings.

Connacht v Sharks – Dexcom Stadium

The knockout stage kicks off in Galway with a first-ever EPCR Challenge Cup clash between URC rivals. Connacht arrive with confidence after a strong domestic showing and are chasing a maiden title in their 14th knockout appearance. Standouts include Sam Gilbert, who topped the pool stage for points and conversions, and Paul Boyle, their leading try scorer.

The Sharks, meanwhile, drop into the competition after finishing fifth in their Champions Cup pool. As defending champions, they bring pedigree, but face a stern test away from home against a Connacht side determined to make history.

Saturday, April 4

Montpellier v USAP – Stade de Septo

An all-French encounter sees top seeds Montpellier host USAP. Two-time champions Montpellier were flawless in the pool stage, collecting maximum points and building strong momentum. Currently fifth in the TOP 14, they look well placed for another deep run.

USAP, however, will be eager to respond after being shut out in their last domestic meeting, adding extra edge to what promises to be an intense clash.

Exeter Chiefs v Munster – Sandy Park

A heavyweight showdown between two former Champions Cup winners. Exeter secured home advantage with a strong pool stage, while Munster enter after finishing fifth in their Champions Cup pool.

The sides have a competitive history, with Exeter edging their most recent meeting, setting up another high-quality encounter.

Benetton v Cardiff – Stadio Monigo

Benetton host Cardiff in a repeat of the 2023 quarter-final, which the Italian side won. They come into this clash in red-hot form after topping their pool with four wins from four.

Cardiff, who qualified with two home victories, face a major challenge away against one of the competition’s most dynamic attacking teams.

Newcastle Red Bulls v Stade Rochelais – Kingston Park

Stade Rochelais travel to face Newcastle for the first time. The French giants drop down from the Champions Cup and bring significant pedigree as two-time winners.

Newcastle, seeded sixth after winning three of four pool matches, will look to make home advantage count against one of the tournament favourites.

Ulster v Ospreys – Affidea Stadium

A familiar URC battle sees Ulster host Ospreys. Ulster topped their pool to secure a strong seeding, while Ospreys scraped into the knockouts but bring recent pedigree, having reached the quarter-finals in the past two seasons.

Expect a tight, physical contest between two well-acquainted sides.

Sunday, April 5

Stade Français Paris v Dragons – Stade Jean Bouin

The 2017 champions Stade Français welcome Dragons RFC to Paris. The hosts arrive in strong domestic form, sitting third in the TOP 14 and carrying momentum from three pool-stage wins.

Dragons, meanwhile, will look to build on their qualification and push for a rare deep knockout run.

Zebre Parma v Section Paloise – Stadio Sergio Lanfranchi

The Round of 16 concludes in Italy as Zebre Parma host Pau. Zebre impressed with three pool wins, showing clear improvement this season.

Pau, currently third in the TOP 14, drops down from the Champions Cup and brings quality and experience. Their last meeting was decided by a single point, suggesting another close contest is on the cards.