Union Bordeaux Begles vs Bristol RC Bears Prediction & Betting Tips - Champions Cup

Prediction published on 14/12/2023, 11:15  by Devesh Jaganath | Modified on 16/12/2023 at 02:15 in Champions Cup Prediction

After an incredible first week in the European Champions Cup, Round 2 will see Bordeaux-Begles taking on Bristol Bears on Saturday. This match will be played at Stade Chaban-Delmas, and the hosts will head into it sitting atop the Pool standings. However, the visitors are right on their tails, level on five points and only behind on match points difference. In a thrilling kickoff to Pool 1 of this season's Champions Cup, Union Bordeaux-Begles made a statement with an impressive performance. Despite challenging windy conditions at The Sportsground, the French side dominated and secured a resounding 41-5 victory over Connacht. Fullback Romain Buros and wing Pablo Uberti took center stage, each scoring two tries in the match. That result took them to three wins in a row following victories over Oyonnax and Perpignan in the preceding two weeks. The hosts are currently in mid-table in the Top 14 this season with a record of five wins and four losses. They are also carrying a six-match home winning streak into this one. 

Meanwhile, Bristol also claimed a win in their first match of the competition; however, it was far from a straightforward result. The Bears looked to be home and hosed 33-10 up at the 50-minute mark before Lyon surged back to take the lead 33-34 heading into the final moments. However, Bristol refused to be beaten as they forced their way upfield in stoppage time, and Wales fly-half Callum Sheedy knocked over a clutch drop goal to earn his side a slender 36-34 victory. That turned out to be the final action of a match that featured 11 tries, with Richard Lane, Steven Luatua, Harry Thacker, Harry Randall, and Gabriel Oghre all crossing the scoreline for the Bears. Sheedy further complemented the team's performance with four successful conversions. However, Bristol will now hope to reverse their recent poor run of away results, which includes consecutive losses in their last three outings.