Cheetahs, Lions fall short as EPCR Challenge Cup brings late drama

South Africa’s two representatives in the EPCR Challenge Cup both suffered Round 2 defeats on Saturday, as European sides produced a mix of dominance and drama across the competition.

The Cheetahs started brightly in Amsterdam, leading Stade Français at the break, but were overwhelmed in the second half. The French club ran in six tries including a brace for Thibaut Motassi to clinch a convincing 45–22 bonus-point win.

In Newcastle, the Lions looked set to bounce back from their opening loss after an early try from Angelo Davids. But the Red Bulls held firm and struck late, with a 78th-minute Murray McCallum try snatching a 14–10 victory for the hosts.

Elsewhere, Benetton backed up their Round 1 result with a 44–31 home win over USAP, while Ospreys overcame a spirited Montauban side 33–22 despite a second-half wobble.

In Galway, Connacht were ruthless in a 52–0 demolition of Black Lion, with Paul Boyle grabbing a first-half hat-trick. In contrast, Cardiff edged Ulster 29–26 in a thriller, with Callum Sheedy’s late penalty sealing the win after a dramatic fightback from the Welsh side.

Sunday delivered more excitement as Racing 92 salvaged a 31–31 draw with Exeter Chiefs thanks to an 83rd-minute conversion by Geronimo Prisciantelli. Meanwhile, Dragons RFC snapped a year-long losing streak with a 23–21 comeback win over Lyon.

EPCR Challenge Cup Round 2 Results

Saturday:

• Benetton Rugby 44–31 USAP

• Toyota Cheetahs 22–45 Stade Français

• US Montauban 22–33 Ospreys

• Newcastle Red Bulls 14–10 Lions

• Connacht Rugby 52–0 Black Lion

• Cardiff Rugby 29–26 Ulster Rugby

Sunday:

• Racing 92 31–31 Exeter Chiefs

• Dragons RFC 23–21 Lyon Olympique