Edinburgh in vital Castres trip

The Scottish region sit fifth in the pool after a 30-26 defeat at Saracens in Round 1 and a 31-20 home success over Castres in Round 2.

That victory leaves Edinburgh in a prime position to qualify for the knockout stage, though Castres, who were beaten 27-12 at home to Exeter Chiefs in Round 1, will be desperate to get points on the board to keep their own qualification hopes alive.

The French side’s last win in all competitions came at the start of December, when they beat Section Paloise 26-22 in the TOP 14. Edinburgh come into the match off a 24-17 win over Zebre Parma in the United Rugby Championship (URC) last weekend.

The match kicks off at 13:00 (UK & Irish time) and can be watched on beIN SPORTS, BT Sport, SuperSport and FloRugby.

GAME WEEK 🤩

Here’s a reminder of how it stands heading into #HeinekenChampionsCup Round 3️⃣ 👇 https://t.co/twnfpdfzlr

— Heineken Champions Cup (@ChampionsCup) January 9, 2023

Key quote:

Edinburgh forwards coach Stevie Lawrie: “This is an opportunity to qualify for the knockout stages of Europe, and then that puts a bit of a different complexion on where our season is probably perceived at the moment. So for us it’s really exciting to go to Castres. We know how big a challenge that is.”

Castres Olympique

• Castres have won just 75 per cent of their lineouts. Only Harlequins have an equally low rate of success.
• They have won the joint-most jackal penalties in the competition so far this season, seven, level with Stade Rochelais.
• Castres have made four dominant tackle contacts to date, the fewest in the competition.

Edinburgh Rugby

• Grant Gilchrist has made as many clear-outs as any other player (18, level with Christ Tshiunza) and the joint-most attacking ruck entries (52, also level with Christ Tshiunza).
• Edinburgh have made the fewest kicks in the competition (38), but the joint-most interceptions (three).