The final weekend of the EPCR Challenge Cup pool stage has conjured up some interesting qualification mathematics. Here’s a rundown of who needs what to progress to the Round of 16.
Pool 1 - Hollywoodbets Sharks require only a point from their trip to Dragons RFC on Sunday to seal their passage to the Round of 16 and a home tie, while Dragons will join them with a win. A defeat would end the Welsh region’s hopes unless they can grab a full suite of bonus points.
Section Paloise v Zebre Parma at Stade du Hameau on Saturday is a straight winner-takes-all playoff, although again if the losers can grab bonus points while Toyota Cheetahs lose without any at Oyonnax Rugby, who are out, both could qualify.
Pool 2 - It only remains to decide who gets the home knockout ties, since Montpellier Hérault Rugby, Benetton Rugby, Emirates Lions and Ospreys are all through. The TOP 14 club need only a bonus point at Stadio Monigo on Saturday for a home tie, while a win for Benetton Rugby will guarantee home rugby for them as well.
Emirates Lions host Ospreys on Sunday with a good win for either and a lop-sided result in Italy the only path to any chance of home knockout rugby.
Pool 3 - Gloucester Rugby are through and welcome Castres Olympique on Friday, with the winners almost certainly hosting a knockout tie.
The losers would be at the mercy of ASM Clermont Auvergne, who would grab a home tie with a win at Black Lion on Saturday.
That’s a tough ask, made harder because Black Lion need to outdo Edinburgh Rugby to qualify and the latter only have a trip to struggling Scarlets on Friday to negotiate, with the Welsh region out of contention.