Unmissable battles await in Friday night’s EPCR Challenge Cup final in Bilbao, including that between No 8s Juarno Augustus and Lenni Nouchi.
This will be Ulster’s first appearance in a Challenge Cup final and they will be up against two-time winners in Montpellier. The French side won in 2016 against Harlequins and again in 2021, beating the Leicester Tigers.
These individual head-to-head battles could go a long way to deciding which team emerges triumphant at the San Mamés Stadium, or “La Catedral”.
Juarno Augustus vs Lenni Nouchi
Few players carry with the force of Juarno Augustus.
The Ulster No 8 is a relentless ball-carrier, with a 91% success rate in tackles this season, consistently punching holes through his opposition.
Standing in his path is Montpellier captain Lenni Nouchi, equally physical and influential.
A hard hitter who thrives on contact, Nouchi relishes stopping momentum before it builds.
In this collision of two big dogs, neither is likely to give an inch.
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Nathan Doak vs Ali Price
It has been a breakthrough season for Nathan Doak. The Ulster scrumhalf earned his first Ireland cap after a string of impressive performances in the Challenge Cup.
Equally comfortable in attack and defence, Doak has been a complete presence at No 9. His accuracy from the tee could come in handy if the final is settled by fine margins.
Across from him could stand Ali Price, enjoying his first season with Montpellier.
The Scotland international has been instrumental in guiding Montpellier back to an Challenge Cup final.
Quick to the breakdown, Price’s pace could raise the tempo of the match-up.
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Zac Ward vs Gabriel N’gandebe
Both teams have a stacked selection of wingers to form unforgettable head-to-heads, and with the trophy at stake, this pairing could prove pivotal.
Ulster’s Zac Ward’s sevens background gives him speed beyond the average winger, making him Ulster’s golden ticket.
Across all competitions, he has scored 13 tries this season, and is topping the statistics for clean breaks, defenders beaten and metres made in the URC.
Montpellier could counter with Gabriel N’gandebe, an explosive finisher who combines size with quick footwork. Dangerous in open space, he will look for every chance to turn slip-ups into points.
Photos: Charles McQuillan/Manuel Blondeau/Getty Images/INPHO
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Ulster and Montpellier will battle it out for glory in the EPCR Challenge Cup final in Bilbao, Spain, on Friday night.
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