Newcastle Falcons vs Montpellier Herault Rugby Prediction & Betting Tips - Challenge Cup

Prediction published on 08/12/2023, 10:08  by Steve Ashfield | Modified on 08/12/2023 at 11:10 in Challenge Cup Predictions

Newcastle Falcons turn their attention to the European Rugby Challenge Cup this weekend. They host Montpellier in their opening Pool 2 game with future matches against Benneton Rugby, Lions, USAP and Ospreys. A top four finish takes a side through to the knockout stages. It's been a poor season for the Falcons with them stranded at the bottom of the English Premiership. All eight of their league games have been lost and last weekend saw a heavy 47-3 loss inflicted on them at Leicester Tigers. Home form hasn't produced any wins but they have come close on a few occasions. They led Exeter Chiefs at half-time only to lose the match by six points. Other close matches had been against Northampton Saints (losing by two points) and when hosting Gloucester, they lost by only four points.

Montpellier are also having a nightmare season and are bottom of Top 14. They got a home win in their opening league game of the season but have since lost their next eight fixtures. It's not gone well on their travels with all five of their games in Top 14 being lost. Only 70 points have been scored away from home with 145 being conceded. Their most recent game saw them beaten 34-19 at Aviron Bayonnais. All but one of their away defeats have been by a double-figure margin. We go for Newcastle to win this with a plus five handicap.