Montpellier Herault Rugby vs Ulster Rugby Prediction & Betting Tips - Challenge Cup

Prediction published on 06/04/2024, 04:50  by Devesh Jaganath | Modified on 06/04/2024 at 05:50 in Challenge Cup Predictions

Montpellier will play host to Ulster in the Round of 16 of the EPCR Challenge Cup on Sunday afternoon. Montpellier approaches the upcoming fixture amidst a patchy run of form. Following a narrow 10-12 defeat to Top 14 leaders Stade Francais, their performance showed significant improvement compared to the previous week's heavy 54-7 loss against Toulon. Despite their domestic struggles, Patrice Collazo's squad has shown resilience in the Challenge Cup, securing a commendable second-place finish in their group with three wins out of four rounds. Their European campaign has provided a much-needed reprieve from their Top 14 challenges, where they are currently languishing in 13th position with eight wins and 12 losses from 20 matches. Notably, Montpellier has been solid in attack during the Challenge Cup, leading in carries (576), meters gained (1870), and defenders beaten (89), while also boasting one of the most efficient lineout systems in the competition.

Meanwhile, Ulster boasts a formidable core lineup led by renowned players like the Springbok powerhouse Steven Kitshoff. However, recent results have been less than ideal, with just one win in their last six games across all competitions. Despite this, signs of promise emerged during their BKT United Rugby Championship clash against DHL Stormers in Cape Town, where a late try and two penalties narrowed the scoreline to a 13-7 defeat at DHL Stadium. Heading into their encounter with Montpellier, Ulster have won just one European match this season, leading to their elimination from the Champions Cup and setting up a last-16 showdown against the French club. The return of captain Iain Henderson, who had previously missed a match due to illness, provides a welcome boost for the team. Notably, Ulster's previous visit to Montpellier in October 2013 saw them deliver an impressive away performance, clinching a 25-8 victory and becoming the first team to triumph at Montpellier's home ground in the Champions Cup at the time.