Gloucester Rugby vs Castres Olympique Prediction & Betting Tips - Challenge Cup

Prediction published on 17/01/2024, 15:00  by Nella Wagah | Modified on 18/01/2024 at 12:53 in Challenge Cup Predictions

A top-of-the-table clash will be on the offing when Gloucester host Castres Olympique in a Challenge Cup clash slated for Friday. Gloucester sit at the summit of Group 3 while Castres Olympique are two points and a place below the hosts. Gloucester have already sealed a place in the playoffs while Castres need a positive result to assure themselves of qualification. The hosts will however be chasing for a win in order to almost certainly host a knockout tie. This will depend on Clermont’s clash against Black Lion as the former has equal points to Castres. Gloucester have found solace in the Challenge Cup after struggling in Premiership Rugby. They sit second from bottom having won only two of their 11 games. Their torrid run of form has seen them lose their last nine games in their domestic competition. 

Castres are on the cusp of qualifying for the Challenge Cup playoffs with at least a bonus point loss earning them a ticket. A loss to Edinburgh is the only blemish to the visitors’ record in the competition this season. Castres have picked up bonus point victories over Black Lion and Scarlets to leave them with 10 points in the group. In the Top 14, Castres have posted a balanced start to the season, winning six and losing an equal number of games. Ahead of the clash, the visitors will be boosted by the news that hooker Gaëtan Barlot is committed to the club. This follows speculations linking him with a transfer to Stade Français.