The third day of the Challenge Cup delivered its verdict this weekend. The opportunity to take stock of the situation of French clubs in their respective groups one day before the end of the group stage.
The French clubs confirmed their good start to the competition this weekend with four victories in six matches and one improved defeat. These positive results place all Top 14 clubs in a good position before the final day.
Montpellier and Pau qualified
The MHR scored a third consecutive victorySaturday, in this Challenge Cup group stage, allowing him to ensure his qualification for the final phase. The three-time winner of the competition (2004, 2016, 2021) will have to win on Friday in Newcastle to secure first place in their group 1, synonymous with a round of 16 and a quarter-final at home.
Following its victory on Welsh soil on the Dragons’ pitch this Sunday, the Pau Section is also already qualified for the next round. When hosting the Ospreys on Saturday, the Béarnais could consolidate their second place in the group and even aim for first in the event of a zero-point defeat by Montpellier.
Lyon and Bayonne in favorable waivers
Despite a crushing defeat in Connachtthis Saturday, Lou remains second and maintains a good chance of qualifying for the round of 16. Karim Ghezal’s men will host the fifth-placed Cheetahs at Gerland on Saturday at 6:30 p.m.
The success of Bayonnais in Georgia on the pitch of the Black LionSaturday afternoon, placed the Basque club in third position in its group 3 before its reception of Gloucester on Sunday at 2 p.m.
Perpignan and Vannes in difficulty
L’Usap is fourth in its group 1 at the end of his victory on his Aimé-Giral lawn against Cardiff. The Catalans hold the same number of points as the Cheetahs, fifth and first non-qualified team. Franck Azéma’s players will therefore have to win on the Parma field on Sunday to qualify.
Following their home defeat to Edinburghthis Saturday, the Vannetais got into difficulty. Jean-Noël Spitzer’s men will necessarily have to win in Wales on the Scarlets pitch to qualify for the first European final phase in their history.
Like in the Champions Cupall Top 14 clubs could qualify for the round of 16 thanks to a combination of extremely favorable circumstances.
Senegal
