Sale Sharks vs Stade Rochelais Prediction & Betting Tips - Champions Cup

Prediction published on 19/01/2024, 08:00  by Nella Wagah | Modified on 21/01/2024 at 00:00 in Champions Cup Prediction

The stage is set for a tense battle when Sale Sharks host Stade Rochelais at the Salford Stadium in Sunday’s Champions Cup clash. Sale Sharks are fifth in Group 4 with five points while Stade Rochelais are two points and a place above in the pool. The math is simple for both teams heading into the encounter; the winner takes it all. The prize is a Round of 16 ticket. After a bright start in the competition, Sale have fallen off the pace, leaving their qualification in jeopardy. A win over Stade Francais kicked off their tournament but they suffered back-to-back defeats to Leinster and Stormers. In the Premiership Rugby, Sale have had a decent season, sitting fifth and just seven points off table-toppers Northampton Saints. Heading into this match, their form is however not inspiring, having lost their last three games.

Reigning champions Stade Rochelais head into the encounter knowing a win could set them on course for an unprecedented three-peat. The French giants posted a torrid Champions Cup start losing to Leinster and Stormers before beating Leicester Tigers last time out. Despite getting three sin bins to Ultan Dillane, Will Skelton, and Jonathan Danty, Rochelais held on for the win against Leicester. The visitors have posted a balanced season in the Top 14 having won six and lost as many games, leaving them eighth. Rochelais will be banking on their recent good form against Sale having won three of the last four games. Their last encounter was memorable to Rochelais as they won 45-21 back in 2022 to book a place in the semis.