Challenge Cup: Top 3 Fixtures Round 2
Chris Ashton returns to the Sale Sharks line-up and Eddie Jones' Autumn international squad
©PA
Round Two of the Challenge Cup begins on Friday and Joe Harvey has selected three standout fixtures from this weekend's matches.
Dragons vs Northampton Saints, Friday
Yet another Northampton Saints game on this list. This week, they travel to Rodney Parade to play a Dragons side that has invested in their side massively prior to this season.
Dragons had a resounding victory last weekend over the Timisoara Saracens, whilst Northampton were comfortably beaten by Clermont.
Ross Moriarty is due to start the game for the hosts. The Welsh international was always a favourite when playing for Gloucester and fans will be intrigued to see what he can do when playing an English club. Also, with Elliot Dee, Rhodri Williams and Hallam Amos in their ranks, Dragons will be competitive against Saints.
Saints have an embarrassment of riches in this competition. Able to field Courtney Lawes, Taqele Naiyaravoro and Dan Biggar, Saints would have been disappointed last weekend when Greig Laidlaw and co came to town.
Dragons are a far different prospect for Saints though. When on the front foot, the Welsh side are more than capable of pulling off an upset. It will, hopefully, be a good game on Friday night and will give Chris Boyd a much better idea about his side.
Sale Sharks vs Connacht Rugby, Saturday
Sale have named a rather brilliant side for this game. Chris Ashton returns from his preseason ban and with Faf de Klerk, Byron McGuigan and James O’Connor also in the team, on paper, it looks like a routine victory for Sharks.
Connacht did pick up a handy win over Bordeaux in the first round of fixtures, but it is unsure how they will perform in this game.
Sale have named a side probably capable of beating a top Premiership outfit, therefore you worry for the Galway natives.
Since Andy Friend has taken the reigns at Connacht, they look a lot more like the side who won the Pro 14. Combative in the forwards, there is a chance that they could gain the upper hand there. Let’s be honest though, Ashton and de Klerk in the same side...It’s what Sale have been waiting for!
Worcester Warriors vs Ospreys, Saturday
Both of these sides won last weekend so this game has the potential to be the best match-up in this round of fixtures.
Worcester’s second-string side had a remarkable game to beat Stade Francais and Ospreys enjoyed a completely dominant performance over Pau, beating them 27-0.
George North was in fine fettle against the French side, scoring impressively as he seems to be getting better and better since his return to Wales.
Worcester will be delighted to have had three players selected for the senior England squad this week.
Ben Te’o, Nick Schonet and teenager Ted Hill were all named in Eddie Jones’s England side, although Hill is just an apprentice. However, like last week it seems unlikely that any of Worcester’s A-listers will take to the field of play.
