Having got their campaign underway with victory last week, Gloucester are now back to nearly full strength for a crucial match against Clermont under the lights at Kingsholm.
The Cherry and Whites are seeking to ignite their underwhelming season by toppling a formidable French giant in front of their own fans.
This clash is just one highlight among an array of compelling fixtures in Round 2 of the Challenge Cup, which features eight exciting matches, previewed by Matthew Luddington, across Friday and Saturday.
Friday
Gloucester‘s director of rugby George Skivington, pictured in the featured image, has emphasised the significance of the game against Clermont (8pm), and acknowledged the threat posed by Clermont.
“It’s a massive game for us,” he said. “There’s a few boys who had a rest last week who are returning for us. Clermont are a quality team with threats all over the place.”
Santi Carreras, Louis Rees-Zammit, Stephen Varney, Zach Mercer, Matias Alemanno and captain Lewis Ludlam all start for the Cherry and Whites having been rested last week.
Clermont started their European campaign with a bonus-point triumph over Edinburgh, and field a side full of international stars led by Fritz Lee for their visit to England. With both teams known for their attacking prowess and a wealth of individual talent, fans could be in for a treat at 8 pm.
Black Lion, the impressive Georgian newcomers, pushed Gloucester all the way in their European debut, but now face a different test as they travel to Parc Y Scarlets at 8pm. This fixture promises a clash of styles, with Scarlets favouring expansive running rugby while Black Lion aim to impose a physical style of play. Scarlets, buoyed by the return of key players, will be looking to bounce back from defeat in Castres in front of their home supporters.
Saturday
Edinburgh host Castres at 1pm, and are boosted by the return of pivotal players to their line-up such as Pierre Schoeman, Grant Gilchrist, Jamie Ritchie, Ali Price, Ben Healy, and James Lang. The absence of these Scottish stars was felt keenly in their defeat against Clermont, and their return could be transformational.
Speedster Darcy Graham has returned from injury and could make his first appearance of the season off the bench.
Castres have made a strong start to the season, and sit third in the Top 14 and started their European campaign with a bonus point victory against Scarlets, however, they historically struggle away from home in Europe.
Oyonnax face struggling Zebre at the same time (1pm) with both teams seeking their first points of the campaign, before another Italian team are in action as Benetton host Perpignan at 3:15pm, having suffered a narrow, high-scoring defeat to the Ospreys in their opener.
The Italians have made a fantastic start to their URC campaign, and will fancy their chances against Perpignan who have failed to win away from home this season.
Lions produced arguably the performance of the first round, with a comfortable 28-12 victory in Perpignan, as fly-half Jordan Hendrikse starred kicking seven penalties in a 23-point haul.
The Lions now return to the sunshine and altitude in Johannesburg to face a winless Newcastle at 3:15pm. Newcastle have opted to rest several of their international players, and face a daunting assignment.
Dragons made a flying start to their European campaign with a bonus point win over Oyonnax, and now embark on a challenging trip to Pau (5:30pm).
Pau were thrashed in their opener in Durban by the Sharks, but remain formidable at home, and boast a flawless home record in the Top 14. With key players returning, including former England scrum-half Dan Robson, Pau will be seeking a dominant victory in front of their enthusiastic home crowd.
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