Connacht Rugby vs Cardiff Rugby Prediction & Betting Tips - Challenge Cup

Prediction published on 03/04/2025, 15:00  by Ita Emmanuel | Modified on 04/04/2025 at 13:44 in Challenge Cup Predictions

Connacht will host Cardiff Rugby in this 2024-25 European Rugby Challenge Cup round-of-16 clash on Saturday. The winner of this match will face either USA Perpignan or Racing 92 in the next round. Can the Westerners defeat Blue and Blacks to qualify for the quarterfinals? Here is our prediction for the match.

Connacht suffered their second defeat in a row, losing 30-24 at home against Munster in their last match. However, despite their dwindling fortunes in the United Rugby Championship this season, the Galway-based side have been formidable opposition in the 2024-25 European Rugby Challenge Cup.

They have won their four matches in the competition, the most recent of which being an impressive 28-19 away victory over Cardiff Rugby in Group 1 matchday 4 fixture. 

Cardiff Rugby have had an underwhelming run both on the domestic and European scenes this season. After a five-match losing streak in the United Rugby Championship, they secured a narrow 20-17 home win over Lions in matchday 13. This was followed by a 20-19 loss against Benetton in their last match.

Also, Matt Sherratt's side have lost three of their four European Rugby Challenge Cup matches (W1), with the most recent being the 28-19 home loss to Connacht.