European Challenge Cup Round 1 Predictions & Tips
The European Challenge Cup gets underway on the weekend of 5, 6 & 7 December 2025 (Getty Images)
The 2025/26 European Challenge Cup gets underway this Friday (5 December) with games also taking place on Saturday and Sunday. We have all the news, previews and best bets for the weekend games right here on bets.co.za.
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Scarlets vs Bristol Bears Predictions - Scarlets to edge Bristol Bears in Champions Cup
- Scarlets rely on recent home win versus Glasgow.
- Bristol Bears bolster team with key player returns.
- Scarlets expected to cover +7.5 handicap.
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Lions vs Benetton Predictions - Lions to beat Benetton at home in European Challenge Cup clash
- Lions favored to win at home against Benetton.
- Lions have strong home form, winning 4 of last 5.
- Benetton struggles on the road with 3 recent losses.
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Ospreys vs Connacht Predictions - Ospreys set to win Challenge Cup opener
- Ospreys have won 4 of their last 7 home matches.
- Connacht struggles to win away games lately.
- Ospreys are favoured to cover the handicap.
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Perpignan vs Dragons Predictions - Perpignan to prevail against the Dragons
- Perpignan have lost 11 straight Top 14 games.
- Dragons are winless in last 19 matches overall.
- Perpignan are predicted to cover the handicap.
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Zebre vs Montauban Predictions - Zebre to use home-ground advantage to beat Montauban
- Zebre hopes to leverage home advantage in their European Challenge Cup opener.
- Montauban struggles with away matches, having lost all last six.
- Predicted Zebre win due to Montauban's defensive vulnerabilities.
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Lyon vs Newcastle Predictions - Lyon to condemn Newcastle to another away defeat
- Lyon reached last season's EPCR Challenge Cup final.
- Newcastle has lost 8 of their last 9 matches.
- Lyon are predicted to cover the handicap.
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Black Lion vs Montpellier Predictions - Montpellier to secure an away win over Black Lion
- Montpellier have won 3 of their last 5 matches.
- Black Lion have struggled to win lately.
- Montpellier are backed to cover the handicap.
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Ulster vs Racing 92 Predictions - Ulster to start their EPCR Challenge Cup campaign with a win
- Ulster have won 5 of their last 6 home games.
- Racing 92 has lost 4 straight away games.
- Ulster are predicted to cover the handicap.
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Stade Francais vs Cardiff Predictions - Stade Francais set to beat Cardiff
- Stade Francais strong at home with 7 consecutive wins.
- Cardiff shows fluctuating form away despite URC success.
- Stade Francais are tipped to cover the handicap.
European Challenge Cup Round 1 Fixtures
Friday, 5 December 2025
- Ulster vs Racing 92
Saturday, 6 December 2025
- Lions vs Benetton
- Stade Francais vs Cardiff
- Black Lion vs Montpellier
- Lyon vs Newcastle
- Zebre vs Montauban
Sunday, 7 December 2025
- Perpignan vs Dragons
- Ospreys vs Connacht
- Exeter vs Cheetahs
