Stade Francais Paris vs Cardiff Rugby Prediction & Betting Tips - Challenge Cup

Prediction published on 04/12/2025, 08:00  by Ita Emmanuel | Modified on 06/12/2025 at 03:17 in Challenge Cup Predictions

Stade Francais Paris host Cardiff Rugby in their 2025-26 Challenge Cup opener on Saturday at Stade Jean-Bouin. The one-time champions will look to kick off their European campaign on a winning note. Let's take you through our prediction. 

Stade Francais Paris' European campaign last season ended in the group stage after a poor 1-0-3 record in Champions Cup Group 3. The Paris-based outfit is also managing a not-so-stellar run in their domestic league campaign this term. 

They sit fourth in the league standings with 31 points from six wins and five defeats, and have alternated between victories and defeats in their last six games. This includes a 36-32 loss to Clermont last weekend. However, they stand a good chance of bouncing back on Saturday, having won all five of their home matches this season. 

Cardiff Rugby's journey in Europe last season ended in the Challenge Cup round-16 following a 35-20 defeat to Connacht. They head into this match in strong form, having won their last four domestic league fixtures, including a 29-14 victory over Zebre in their last match. 

Nevertheless, the Blue and Blacks are in for a tough test on Saturday. In addition to their vacant dugout, they have endured a five-match losing streak in their last European away games, four of which by double digits.