Newcastle Falcons vs Benetton Treviso Prediction & Betting Tips - Challenge Cup

Prediction published on 10/01/2024, 15:00  by Nella Wagah | Modified on 12/01/2024 at 03:57 in Challenge Cup Predictions

An out-of-form Newcastle Falcons will welcome Benetton Trevise to Kingston Park in Friday’s Challenge Cup clash. With one point against their name, Newcastle sit fifth in Group 2 while Benetton are third having garnered six points. The hosts are in danger of suffering elimination from the Challenge Cup as they are four points from the playoff places. This has been down to their poor start that has seen them lose successive games to Montpellier and Lions. Their Premiership Rugby form doesn’t inspire much confidence, having suffered defeats in all their 11 games which leaves them rooted to the bottom. The English side’s last encounter was a bruising 3-24 defeat to Harlequins that saw them end the game without a single try. Defense has been their major undoing, having conceded the second most Challenge Cup points (59).

Benetton are on course for another playoff berth in the Challenge Cup as they comfortably sit in the quarter-final places. A bonus point victory over USA Perpignan boosted their chances after suffering an opening defeat to Ospreys. The Italian side is flying high in the United Rugby Championship (URC) having closed 2023 second on the log. A single URC defeat is their only blemish this season as they are currently on a run of four successive wins. The visitors will be looking to go one better this season having suffered a Challenge Cup semi-final elimination last season. More positive news for Benetton will be former Wasps and England playmaker Jacob Umaga inking a new two-year deal.