Johan van Graan and Sean Everitt go head-to-head as the remaining four teams in this season’s EPCR Challenge Cup battle for a place in the final during this weekend’s semi-finals.
On Saturday, May 3, Edinburgh Rugby will square off against Bath Rugby, while Lyon Olympique Universitaire will take on Racing 92 on Sunday. With a place in the final at stake, both matches promise plenty of excitement ahead of the greatest weekend in international club rugby in Cardiff on the 23 and 24 May.
See the match-by-match preview statistics below, and the general round preview HERE.
KEY MATCH INFORMATION
Edinburgh Rugby v Bath Rugby
Saturday, May 3 – Hive Stadium, Edinburgh (15.00)
Premier Sports / beIN SPORTS / SuperSport / FloRugby
CLICK HERE for Edinburgh Rugby v Bath Rugby preview statistics.
Edinburgh Rugby will take on Bath Rugby in their semi-final in what promises to be a thrilling encounter between two of Europe’s top teams.
Edinburgh Rugby have only lost one match in this season’s competition, earning their place in the semi-finals with a thrilling 34-28 win over Vodacom Bulls at home in April.
With another home match now on the cards, and players including Wes Goosen, who has made the most carries this season, and Darcy Graham, who leads in both meters gained and clean breaks, the Scottish side will have their sights set on their first EPCR Challenge Cup Final since 2015, when they lost to Gloucester Rugby.
Bath Ruby advanced to the semi-finals after an impressive 110-point knockout stage with commanding wins over Section Paloise and Gloucester. They are aiming to continue their pursuit of a rare treble of titles this season, having already secured the Premiership Rugby Cup and currently dominating the Gallagher Premiership. Bath are no doubt looking to go all the way, having last made the EPCR Challenge Cup Final in 2014, where they lost to Northampton Saints.
The clubs last met in the EPCR Challenge Cup in 2022 at Hive Stadium, with Edinburgh Rugby winning that encounter 41-19.
Lyon Olympique Universitaire v Racing 92
Sunday, May 4 – Matmut Stadium de Gerland, (13.30)
France TV / beIN SPORTS / Premier Sports / FloRugby / SuperSport
CLICK HEREfor Lyon Olympique Universitaire v Racing 92 preview statistics.
Lyon Olympique Universitaire and Racing 92 will face off in Sundays all-French semi-final, in what promises to be an unforgettable clash between two of the country’s top rugby clubs.
Lyon Olympique Universitaire, the 2022 EPCR Challenge Cup winners, secured their spot in the semi-finals with a hard-fought victory over Ospreys in the quarter-finals. The team has only lost once this season and has been dominant on home turf, with Léo Berdeu leading as the top points scorer remaining in the competition.
Racing 92, with their rich European pedigree, qualified for the EPCR Challenge Cup after finishing fifth in their Investec Champions Cup Pool. Their down-to-the-wire win over Connacht Rugby in the quarter-finals showed the side’s resilience under pressure and they will look to continue their strong form as they chase their first European title. While they have never played in a EPCR Challenge Cup Final, they have made the Investec Champions Cup Final on three occasions but have yet to lift any silverware.
The two last met in the TOP14 in December, finishing in a thrilling 25-25 draw. This weekend’s crucial semi-final promises to be one of the matches of the season.
EPCR Challenge Cup key links
Src: keo.co.za
