Countdown on to electric Challenge Cup quarter-finals

The first knockout round of the EPCR Challenge Cup certainly lived up to the hype as the final eight clubs were confirmed.

Benetton Rugby and Dragons RFC both came out on the right side of two tight thrillers, while Exeter Chiefs and Montpellier Hérault Rugby asserted their dominance at home.

Ulster will open up proceedings on Friday night when they welcome French giants Stade Rochelais  to Northern Ireland. Two sides that were in last year’s Investec Champions Cup, the level is sure to be of the highest standard.

Two-time champions Montpellier earned a home tie for next Saturday too, and they’ll welcome Connacht. It’s set to come down to the wire in what is a repeat of the pair’s pool stage match-up, which ended in a 33-31 win to the French side.

Zebre Parma and Dragons RFC both have a shot at a historic semi-final on Saturday evening thanks to their heroics in the Round of 16. 

High-flying Benetton then play host to Exeter Chiefs for Sunday’s instalment. The attacking Italians are the competition’s highest points and try scorers so far, along with topping carries, clean breaks, metres made and defenders beaten leaderboards.