This weekend marks the second round of European rugby fixtures this season. We’ve highlighted three key matchups for you to keep an eye on over the weekend.
Leicester Tigers vs Leinster
Old foes reunited in the East Midlands as sleeping giants Leicester Tigers welcome the reigning URC victors to Mattioli Woods Welford Road.
A fixture etched in rugby folklore, four-time European champions Leinster have taken the plaudits on all four of the sides’ most recent encounters, winning by a double point margin more often than not.
The latest instalment of this rivalry saw Jamison Gibson-Park dot down a Round of 16 hat-trick in 2024, a stepping stone on the run to a third consecutive final for the Irish powerhouse.
Two-time European champions Leicester head into this one with their best chance of taking down Leinster in recent memory, following a fast start to their domestic rugby campaign this year.
Despite Leinster failing to hit the ground running in similar vein to last year, they’re taking some Champions Cup momentum into this fixture, having dispatched Harlequins 45 – 28 last weekend in Round 1.
This one is there for the taking – who will come out on top?
DHL Stormers vs La Rochelle
A match-up born from the expansion of the Champions Cup into South Africa, two of the world’s finest go head-to-head in Cape Town on Saturday lunchtime.
Both of the two previous meetings between these sides came in the 2023/24 campaign and were each decided by a single point.
The DHL Stormers edged the group stage affair, winning 21-20 thanks to a last-grasp Mannie Libbok conversion, before La Rochelle had the last laugh in the knockouts, coming out as 21-22 victors in the Round of 16.
It’s been a tale of two ends so far this season – La Rochelle have struggled to gain any momentum in the Top 14, whilst DHL Stormers remain unbeaten in all competitions with a perfect seven wins from seven games. With the likes of Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu named in the starting team, it seems John Dobson isn’t looking to slow down, seeking an eighth win on the bounce.
A clear favourite versus a fierce competitor, who are no strangers to winning this competition. Grab the popcorn.
Glasgow Warriors vs Toulouse
Saturday night prime-time brings us a star-studded fixture at Stotstoun Stadium as six-time champions Toulouse head to Glasgow to face the Warriors.
The Scottish giants have started this URC season strongly, boasting four wins from their first six games, including a blockbuster victory against rivals Vodacom Bulls in a repeat of the 2023/24 Grand Final.
A different kind of challenge awaits the Warriors this weekend in the form of the competition favourites, Toulouse. Led by Antoine Dupont, one of the greatest to ever pick up a rugby ball, this French superteam brings a hybrid of precision, flair and faultless instinct to every game, with the ever-lasting goal of not just beating their opponents, but battering them.
The name ‘Toulouse’ by itself sends shivers up the spine. Off the back of a 50-point thumping against the Hollywoodbets Sharks, France’s favourite outfit will be brimming with confidence in the build-up to this one.
Can this Glasgow side tame the top dogs and send a real message of intent across the rugby world?