With the 2024/25 EPCR Challenge Cup set to kick off tonight, the stage is set for seismic encounters across Europe and the additionally invited sides. These are the five positional battles to keep a close eye on, as players in pivotal positions aim to stamp their authority in the opening round of European club rugby’s secondary competition.
1. BACK ROW: Aaron Wainwright vs. Sam Simmonds
(Dragons RFC vs. Montpellier Hérault Rugby)
Aaron Wainwright enters this match as one of the Dragons’ leading names, with the Newport faithful excited to see more of their man in the famous black and gold. Wainwright has only featured twice for the Men of Gwent this year, as he recovered from a hamstring injury which he sustained on Wales’ Summer tour of Australia this past July. The back row has since been back to his battering-ram best for Warren Gatland’s side, as a rare shining light in the dark defeats to Fiji and Australia.
Despite their struggles in the URC this season, where they’ve picked up only two wins in their opening six games, Wainwright will be looking to breath new fire into his Dragons, as they sore into a fresh competition. His ability to cover ground and provide turnover opportunities has been a rare bright spot for the Welsh side, that Dragons interim head coach Filo Tiatia will be eager to unleash.
Montpellier, meanwhile, have shown mixed form in the TOP 14, sitting mid-table after a series of tight games. Sam Simmonds has been pivotal for the Southern French side this season, as he has cemented himself into the starting XV, regardless of whether he takes up the seven or eight shirt.
The former British & Irish Lion prides himself of a high line speed, and the ability to take matters into his own hands when picking from the base of the scrum. Whilst Simmonds has not yet crossed the whitewash for a Montpellier try this season, his influence upon the French club’s attacking order has been undeniable. This matchup pits Wainwright’s defensive prowess against Simmonds’ offensive explosiveness, with the success at Rodney Parade hinging on who comes out on top amongst the back row dominance.
2. WING: Christian Wade vs. Duhan van der Merwe
(Gloucester Rugby vs. Edinburgh Rugby)
Christian Wade’s return to Premiership Rugby with Gloucester has been a masterstroke, as the wing has revitalised the Cherry and Whites attack following the departure of Louis Rees-Zammit to the NFL. Gloucester currently sit at fifth in the table after a strong start, yet slot into the secondary European competition after failing to qualify for the Champions Cup last season. Gloucester reached the final of the Challenge Cup in the 2023/24 campaign, and Wade could well add that extra attacking dimension to take George Skivington’s side that one step further this time around.
Wade has made it no secret that he is after the Gallagher Premiership try scoring record, that is currently held by former Saracens, Northampton and Leicester Tigers flyer Chris Ashton. Wade continues to close down on the former England wing, and has already accrued four tries this season, three of which came in a hat-trick hero performance against Bristol Bears.
Edinburgh have endured an up-and-down start in the URC, losing three of their first six games. However, Duhan van der Merwe remains their talisman, and his barnstorming runs and physical dominance has already seen him score four tries for the capital city club. English rugby fans are well versed to van der Merwe’s ability to shrug off multiple defenders, with highlight-reel tries such as his stunning solo score against England in the 2024 Six Nations, making him one of rugby’s most feared wingers.
Van der Merwe has since been at his best in the tartan of the national team, with Gregor Townsend unleashing his South African stormer against Fiji, the Springboks and the Wallabies. The powerhouse wing crossed over for tries against the Pacific Islanders and Joe Schmidt’s Australians, yet his fellow South African countrymen proved too powerful on the defensive foot for him to break through.
This matchup is tantalizing because of the contrast in styles. Wade brings finesse and agility, while van der Merwe offers raw power and a devastating aerial presence. If Gloucester’s playmakers can give Wade space, he could thrive, but van der Merwe’s ability to dominate physically could swing the momentum Edinburgh’s way.
3. CENTRE: Bundee Aki vs. Fetuli Paea
(Connacht Rugby vs. Zebre Parma)
Connacht come into this game following a mixed bag of results in the United Rugby Championship, with just three wins from the first seven fixtures landing them at eighth in the table. Bundee Aki has been central to Connacht’s sporadic success, as the Ireland centre starred in the wins against the Scarlets and Dragons. Aki’s physicality and leadership continue to elevate Connacht’s performances, even as he enters the twilight of his career at 34-years-old. Fresh off a bizzare Autumn campaign with Ireland, where Andy Farrell’s side were far below their world-beating best, Aki will look to seamlessly transition back to club rugby, and bring both stability and flair to the Connacht midfield.
Zebre Parma have continued to struggle this season, sitting at second to bottom of the URC table with just two wins to their name. However, emerging talents like Argentine flyer Gerónimo Prisciantelli, and Tongan Test match bruiser Fetuli Paea have been rare bright sparks. Paea sharp running lines and ability to break tackles were witnessed in the Pacific Islanders’ Autumn fixtures against Romania, the USA and Georgia. Whilst the Sea Eagles were unable to secure a win this past November, Paea looked dangerous throughout the campaign, and got Zebre fans chomping at the bit for his return to Italy.
This battle could well dictate the flow of the game, if Zebre decide to go ‘like-for-like’ with Bundee Aki and match the Irishman’s physicality with a similarly sized centee. Aki’s ability to dominate the gain line and distribute effectively could overwhelm Zebre’s defense, and Paea may have to dig deep into his box of tricks to deliver something special, in any hope of an upset out in Galway.
4. HOOKER: Youri Delhommel vs. Jamie Blamire
(Section Paloise vs. Newcastle Falcons)
Section Paloise have been inconsistent in the TOP 14, currently languishing in the lower half of the table. Youri Delhommel, however, has been consistently proving his might as a stalwart of the French club’s front row. Whilst not currently on the radar of Fabien Galthie’s side, a storied run in the Challenge Cup for Pau could bolster his chances of joining up with Les Bleus for the 2025 Six Nation.
His missile-like accuracy in the line-out and mobility in open play have been critical, particularly in Pau’s 29-15 victory over Challenge Cup rivals Lyon this past month, where he was instrumental in securing key set-piece ball.
Jamie Blamire has been a cornerstone for Newcastle Falcons, as there has been a renewed sense of success returning to the North East under Steve Diamond. The Falcons achieved three consecutive wins throughout the Premiership Rugby Cup, with the trio of triumphs pillared either side by significant league victories over Exeter Chiefs and Saracens.
Blamire’s work rate and versatility have stood out in the eyes of Falcons fans, despite the hooker not getting the long desired international call-up for the past Autumn Nations Series. It has been Blamire’s ability to score in clutch moments, including a brace of tries in Newcastle’s hard-fought win over Exeter, that has garnered him such strong backing for a future return to the England squad. The hooker battle will be pivotal in determining who controls the set piece, with two hookers eager to impress their international squad selectors.
5. SCRUM HALF: Reuben Morgan-Williams vs. Morne van den Berg
(Ospreys vs. Emirates Lions)
The Ospreys come into this match needing to bounce back after a mixed start in the URC. Reuben Morgan-Williams has been a steady presence at scrum half, yet has battled for the nine jersey with Wales international Kieran Hardy. The duo offer quick service and tactical acumen to the Swansea side, with Morgan-Williams pipping his halfback counterpart to a majority stake of the starting shirt shares. His ability to control the tempo was evident in Ospreys’ 37-24 win over the Stormers in Round 2, and he’ll be hoping for another try-scoring effort against South African opposition this weekend.
The Emirates Lions have found success in the URC with an enthralling attacking brand of high-octane rugby, and Morne van den Berg has been central to this resurgence for the South African side, who currently sit at fifth in the table. His sharp sniping runs around the breakdown and ability to link with his back line have been critical in wins such as their thrilling 55-21 hammering of Edinburgh. His pace and vision make him a constant threat to defenses, with the Lions remaining amidst the bookies favorites to go the distance in the Challenge Cup this season.
This duel pits Morgan-Williams’ control against van den Berg’s unpredictability. Ospreys will rely on their scrum half to manage the game, but if van den Berg finds gaps, he could turn the match into a high-scoring affair.
