The EPCR Challenge Cup Final is just days away, and the culmination of an entire season’s work comes down to this weekend. Finn Russell vs Léo Berdeu, Tom Dunn vs Guillaume Marchand and Max Ojomoh vs Semi Radradra - the key battles to look out for in the EPCR Challenge Cup Final.
Both Bath Rugby and Lyon Olympique Universitaire (LOU) will be bidding for their second title at this level, with the French side winning the silverware most recently (2022).
As it the way at the pinnacle of club rugby, it’s the team unit that matters most when it comes down to a season-long trophy push, but as is the way with a major Final, individual brilliance can often shines through. We’ve identified three key head-to-heads to look out for on Friday.
Finn Russell vs Léo Berdeu
Two men who are often in the spotlight are Bath’s Finn Russell and LOU’s Léo Berdeu. Famed for his unrivalled creativity, playmaking prowess, and his attacking instincts, Bath’s number 10 will be looking to make an impact on the greatest stage.
Used to controlling the game when it matters most, Russell’s international experience in Six Nations, World Cup and British & Irish Lions campaigns will serve him and Bath well for the EPCR Challenge Cup Final.
Another who will be eyeing an Investec Player of the Match performance is Russell’s LOU counterpart Léo Berdeu. Just as reliable from the tee, this season’s EPCR Challenge Cup has been the Frenchman’s playground.
Having slotted home 64 points in total – including two tries – Berdeu is leading the tournament’s leaderboard for points scored. Also first in conversions, the LOU star has been ever-present in his side’s historic run this season.
Tom Dunn vs Guillaume Marchand
Another key battleground in any rugby match is the scrum. Armed with brutish packs, Bath and LOU will be looking to gain vital metres.
The English side has hundreds of kilograms on which to count, and prop Tom Dunn has been an ever-present this season, coming into Friday’s Final in prime form.
Not only does his defence stand him apart, but he’s bullied his way over for four tries in Bath’s last three Challenge Cup outings. Add to that a Player of the Match award in last weekend’s Gallagher Premiership win over Leicester Tigers, Dunn is certainly one to watch should he get the call-up.
And fans will be in for a treat should Dunn be starting against counterpart Guillaume Marchard. Bringing a similar scrum dominance to Dunn, Marchand’s occasional attacking prowess will be sure to ask questions of Bath's widely solid backline.
Max Ojomoh vs Semi Radradra
The battle of the centres also promises a much-anticipated confrontation between Bath’s Max Ojomoh and LOU’s Semi Radradra.
A constant in Bath’s Investec Champions Cup campaign, Ojomoh has continued to play his part throughout the side’s Challenge Cup outings. A solid feature in the English side’s defence this season, Ojomoh has equally contributed with several scores across the domestic campaign.
Potentially lining up to lock horns with him could be LOU’s Semi Radradra. The Fijian international has earned his formidable reputation for a reason – his experience and defensive prowess often causes trouble for counter-attacking charges.
He’ll also be counting on past experiences from his Bristol Bears days of coming up against Bath to give the French side the edge in Cardiff.