Clermont vs Cheetahs Prediction & Betting Tips - Challenge Cup

Prediction published on 05/04/2024, 04:20  by Devesh Jaganath | Modified on 06/04/2024 at 05:54 in Challenge Cup Predictions

The first match on Saturday in the Round of 16 at the EPCR Challenge Cup will see Clermont Auvergne taking on the Free State Cheetahs at Stade Marcel-Michelin. Clermont Auvergne narrowly missed out on topping Pool 3 to Gloucester, suffering their only defeat of the tournament at Kingsholm. Despite that, they secured three solid victories in their remaining group matches, placing them second and granting them home-field advantage for the upcoming match. However, the French team cannot underestimate their opponents, as the Free Staters previously defeated the Hollywoodbets Sharks and convincingly beat Zebre Parma 33-15 in Italy during the pool stages. Currently ranked fourth from bottom in the Top 14 standings, Clermont has won only eight out of their 20 matches this season. Clermont's recent form is worrying, having won just one of their last six matches, including a loss to Racing 92. It remains to be seen whether Clermont will prioritize improving their local tournament standing or seek redemption in the Challenge Cup.

Last season proved to be particularly challenging for the Cheetahs, as the Currie Cup was scheduled for later in the year. Consequently, they had to rely on friendlies to prepare for European competition, ultimately being eliminated in the last 16 by Toulon. This season, though, they find themselves in a slightly better position as they've had the opportunity to gear up for their match against Clermont with significant victories in the local SA Cup competition. With two wins and two losses, the Cheetahs secured their spot in the final 16 as the number 13 seed and look set for a tough challenge against Clermont, who secured three wins out of four in their pool games. The absence of participation in a major competition adds an extra layer of difficulty for the Cheetahs. While they demonstrated their ability to lift their performance in their 32-29 victory over the Sharks during the pool stage, it's clear that the level of competition in the SA Cup doesn't quite match what they'll encounter this weekend.