Pool A of the EPCR Challenge Cup is almost decided, with only one of the six playoff places still not decided. None of the clubs that are still in the run for sixth place has won a match this season.
The 9th and 10th placed in both Heineken Champions Cup pools will qualify to play in the EPCR Challenge Cup. The Heineken Cup qualifiers will play against the 3rd and 4th ranked clubs of each pool of the EPCR Challenge Clubs.
Results Pool A
Bath Rugby fell to a 35-23 defeat to RC Toulon at Kingsholm Stadium on Sunday as the visitors secured their passage to the EPCR Challenge Cup Round of 16. The hosts, who were forced to play away from their usual home due to flooding, managed two tries from Matt Gallagher and one exceptional individual score from Ted Hill. But Toulon proved too strong, notching a penalty try inside the first minute before crossing through Thomas Salles, Cheslin Kolbe and Adrien Warion. Dan Biggar also kicked a crucial 13 points.
Cardiff Rugby booked their spot in the EPCR Challenge Cup Round of 16 thanks to a dominant 42-10 home win over Newcastle Falcons at Cardiff Arms Park on Sunday. Two tries from Owen Lane along with further scores from Lloyd Williams, Rhys Carre, Josh Adams and Harri Millard gave the Welsh region a hefty win. Newcastle notched a consolation score through Alun Walker, but the dismal day for the visitors also saw Elliott Obatoyinbo sent off for a high tackle.
Glasgow Warriors confirmed their progression to the EPCR Challenge Cup Round of 16 as they held on to win 40-26 in an 10-try cracker at USAP on Saturday. Johnny Matthews, Richie Gray, Stafford McDowell, Samuel Johnson, Ollie Smith and Josh McKay went over for the Scottish region, who made it three victories from three in Pool A. Yellow cards for Smith, Tom Gordon and Cole Forbes made Glasgow’s task somewhat tougher at the Stade Aimé Giral, with USAP crossing four times to take a losing bonus point.
Bristol Bears scored six second-half tries as they won 34-11 at Zebre Parma on Saturday to seal their progression to the EPCR Challenge Cup Round of 16 with a game to spare. Harry Thacker grabbed a hat-trick of scores at Stadio Sergio Lanfranchi along with further efforts from Ioan Lloyd, Fitz Harding and Magnus Bradbury. Zebre led at the break thanks to two Tiff Eden penalties, but the Italian outfit were undone following the restart.
Alex Wootton scored a hat-trick of tries as Connacht Rugby sealed their place in the EPCR Challenge Cup knockout stage with a 61-5 thrashing of CA Brive at The Sportsground on Saturday. The Irish province ran in nine tries in a superlative bonus-point victory, maintaining their 100%-win record in Pool A.
