Sale Sharks vs Stade Francais Paris Prediction & Betting Tips - Champions Cup

Prediction published on 08/12/2023, 07:30  by Steve Ashfield | Modified on 10/12/2023 at 00:00 in Champions Cup Prediction

Pool D of the 2023/24 European Rugby Champions Cup sees Sale Sharks host Stade Francais. After this opening pool game, the two teams also have to face cup holders La Rochelle, Leicester Tigers, Leinster and Stormers. Finishing in the top four will guarantee a place in the last 16. Sale Sharks currently lead the English Premiership ahead of second placed Bath Rugby on head-to-head results. The Sharks have won six of their eight games but were beaten in their last match. That was a disappointing 36-3 loss at Harlequins. The defeat ended a run of four straight wins in the English Premiership, three at home. Despite topping the table, Sale actually have a -16 points difference. That's due to their away performances with a 43-0 loss at Exeter Chiefs earlier in the season. Home form has seen them win all four of their fixtures.

Stade Francais are fifth in Top 14 but only two points behind the leaders Racing 92. Last week saw them beat Stade Toulousain at home 27-12 and that was a much-needed win. That's because their two previous fixtures had both ended in defeat. A home loss to Racing 92 was followed by a 30-6 defeat at Section Paloise. That was their second away loss in Top 14 but their other two games on the road did end in victory. With Sale Sharks having home advantage in this European Rugby Champions Cup game, we believe they will get the win.