Exeter RC Chiefs vs Stormers Prediction & Betting Tips - Champions Cup

Prediction published on 06/04/2023, 09:30  by Devesh Jaganath | Modified on 06/04/2023 at 10:20 in Champions Cup Prediction

It’s been an exhilarating European Rugby Champions Cup, and the final eight sides have emerged as we head into the quarter-final stages this weekend. In the third of four quarter-finals, we will see the DHL Stormers of South Africa take on the Exeter Chiefs at Sandy Park on Saturday, with both sides seeking a semi-final berth and players competing for a national team spot with the World Cup closing in. The visitors finished third in Pool B with a record of three wins in their four matches, enough to see them qualify for a round of 16 clash against the Harlequins, which they won 32-28 in a thrilling match at the Cape Town Stadium last week. In that match, the Stormers were coasting home with a 32-7 lead in the 75th minute; however, the Harlequins put on an incredible display in the closing stages of the match, scoring three tries in the last 8 minutes, but came up just short eventually losing 32-28. The Stormers will fancy their chances in this one, despite being away from home, but they will need to tighten up in defence to overcome this strong opponent. 

The Exeter Chiefs finished their group stages in second place in Pool A with 16 points and a record of three wins and one loss in their four matches, which secured them a home round of 16 clashes against Montpellier. That match may have been the most exhilarating one of the tournament to date, finishing 26-26 after full-time. Montpellier was sent down to 14 men after Zach Mercer was shown a questionable red card early in the second half but fought valiantly to force extra time and thought they had it won when they scored a try in the 96th minute of play. Unfortunately for them, the Chiefs rallied one final time and got over the line in the dying moments of the match to level proceedings at 33-33, which was enough for them to qualify due to their higher ranking in the group stages. The Chiefs were quite far from their best in that match and will need to address their defensive frailties as they come up against a powerful front line in this one.