Match Preview: 2020 winners Bristol back in EPCR Challenge Cup action
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Bristol Bears begin their EPCR Challenge Cup Pool A campaign away at USAP on Friday night as they look to emulate their 2020 success.
The Gallagher Premiership side lifted the trophy that year but have since spent two seasons in the Heineken Champions Cup, reaching the Round of 16 on both occasions.
USAP returned to the EPCR Challenge Cup last season after a two-year spell in France’s second tier, but failed to advance to the knockout stage.
Bristol are currently bottom of the Premiership with two wins from their first nine games, while USAP are second-bottom of the TOP 14 on four wins from 12.
The game at Stade Aimé Giral kicks off at 20:00 (UK & Irish time) and is available to watch on beIN Sports and FloRugby.
π¨ FIXTURES ADJUSTMENT π¨
— EPCR Challenge Cup (@ChallengeCup_) November 3, 2022
Check out the full revised #ChallengeCupRugby pool schedule π https://t.co/1uqTNC5dvR
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USAP
- USAP made the fewest unforced dropped balls in the EPCR Challenge Cup last season (six).
- USAP have alternated between wins and losses in their most recent four fixtures in the TOP 14. Prior to this they were on a three-match losing streak. They have only won consecutive fixtures on one occasion so far this season.
- This is the first meeting of USAP and Bristol Bears in the EPCR Challenge Cup.
Bristol Bears
- Charles Piutau has made more offloads than any other player in the Gallagher Premiership this season (21).
- Bristol Bears centre Sam Bedlow has made seven choke tackles so far in this Gallagher Premiership season – only one player has made more.
- Magnus Bradbury, who has joined from Edinburgh, made more metres in contact last season than any other player in the EPCR Challenge Cup (46).
