Everything you need to know ahead of this weekend’s Investec Champions Cup round of 16.
Holders Bordeaux Bègles and the Glasgow Warriors were the best performers in the pool stage and seek more dominance in the round of 16.
Six-time winners Toulouse, four-time champions Leinster, and three-time victors Saracens and Toulon are all still involved, while the Stormers and Vodacom Bulls will fly the South African flag.
ALSO: Stars go head-to-head in Champions Cup
Northampton Saints vs Castres
Friday, 3 April, Franklin’s Gardens (9pm SA time)
The curtain will rise on a spectacular weekend when last year’s finalists the Northampton Saints host Castres. It’s the third meeting between the two in two seasons, with the latest instalment being last year’s quarter-final.
Currently top of the English Premeirship standings, Northampton won three of four pool games, losing only to Bordeaux Bègles. Castres, meanwhile, progressed with two wins from four.
PLAY: Investec Champions Cup game centre
Bath vs Saracens
Saturday, 4 April, The Rec (4pm SA time)
A tense English showdown opens Saturday’s action. 2024-25 English Premiership and EPCR Challenge Cup champions Bath host Saracens at The Rec, and a statement win for Bath over Saracens two weeks ago in the Premiership will have worked wonders for pre-round of 16 momentum.
Bath topped their pool, while Saracens qualified in 13th.
Coach Johann van Graan’s men are currently the competition’s second-highest point-scorers, thanks largely to Investec Player of the Year nominee Finn Russell, who amassed an impressive 51 points and 21 conversions during the pool stage. Bath have another Player of the Year nominee in Alfie Barbeary, while Saracens’ Tom Willis is also nominated, thanks to his strong attacking displays.
MORE: South Africans flood the Investec Champions Cup playoffs
Toulon vs Stormers
Saturday, 4 April, Stade Félix Mayol (4pm SA time)
Toulon host the Stormers in parallel, with the French side winning their last meeting in South Africa during last season’s pool stage. On the road to the round of 16, both clubs secured three wins in the pool stages, setting up what will no doubt be a close encounter.
The Toulon reached last year’s quarter-finals, while the Stormers’ return to the knockouts for the first time since 2024 means they’ll be hungry to go further. A potential South African derby against the Vodacom Bulls or clash with Glasgow Warriors awaits if they can make it to the final eight.
STATE OF EURO CUPS: Stormers, Bulls on collision course
Glasgow Warriors vs Bulls
Saturday, 4 April, Scotstoun Stadium (4pm SA time)
The Glasgow Warriors picked up maximum points in the pool stage and beat the Bulls at home earlier this season in the URC, but both sides will be focusing on a ticket to the quarter-finals.
Top of the URC, Glasgow are boosted by returning internationals, including Investec Player of the Year nominee Jack Dempsey, a standout performer in both carries and tackles so far this season.
Toulouse vs Bristol Bears
Saturday, 4 April, Stadium de Toulouse (6:30pm SA time)
The six-time champions host Bristol Bears for what will be their first-ever meeting. Stade Toulousain secured two wins during the pool stage, while Bristol impressed with three. The Bears will arrive full of confidence too, boosted by the return of international stars Ellis Genge, Tom Jordan, and Louis Rees-Zammit.
Ugo Mola will have the competition’s top points scorer at his disposal, though, in Thomas Ramos. An Investec Player of the Year nominee, Ramos has racked up 53 points and was also the top overall scorer in this year’s Six Nations – where he coolly sealed France’s championship win in the final moments of the last match.
OTE! Investec Player of the Year
Harlequins vs Sale Sharks
Saturday, 4 April, Twickenham Stoop (9pm SA time)
Saturday night sees another all-English clash as Harlequins welcome the Sale Sharks. The sides haven’t met in the competition since 2009-10, and while Sale won convincingly in their last domestic encounter, Harlequins will back their home advantage in the Champions Cup.
Harlequins lead the tournament for points scored (184) and have been prolific at home. But Sale, with key internationals such as George Ford, Tom Roebuck, and Luke Cowan-Dickie back, will look to build on their domestic win over Harlequins earlier this season.
SUPERBRU: Investec Champions Cup predictor
Bordeaux Bègles vs Leicester Tigers
Sunday, 5 April, Stade Chaban-Delmas (4pm SA time)
Reigning champions and top seeds Bordeaux Bègles host the Leicester Tigers, having beaten them in last season’s pool stage. Leicester will aim to go beyond their round of 16 exit last season.
UBB lead the competition in tries, powered by scoring sensation and Investec Player of the Year nominee Louis Bielle-Biarrey. Playmaker Matthieu Jalibert – the top points scorer in the first two rounds – is also nominated as Investec Player of the Year.
MORE: South Africans flood the Investec Champions Cup playoffs
Leinster vs Edinburgh
Sunday, 5 April, Aviva Stadium (6:30pm)
The round of 16 concludes in Dublin.
Leinster, chasing a fifth star, topped their pool with four wins from four, led by captain and Investec Player of the Year nominee Caelan Doris. Edinburgh qualified 14th and return to the knockouts for the first time since 2022-23.
Despite their histories in the competition, this is their first meeting in it since 2008-09.
Photo: Ryan Byrne/INPHO
The post Champions Cup last-16: Match-by-match guide appeared first on SA Rugby magazine.
Everything you need to know ahead of this weekend’s Investec Champions Cup round of 16.
The post Champions Cup last-16: Match-by-match guide appeared first on SA Rugby magazine. Read More
