Friday's Champions Cup predictions & rugby betting tips: Sharks can take a bite out of French raiders

Where to watch 

Castres vs Munster
Premier Sports 1, 8pm

Sale Sharks vs Racing 92
Premier Sports 2, 8pm

Match predictions & best bets

Munster -1
1pt 10-11 BoyleSports 

Sale Sharks -8
1pt 10-11 BoyleSports  

Champions Cup predictions

Champions Cup action returns this week for the second round of fixtures, starting with what should be two close encounters on Friday night.

Munster cross the Channel to take on Top 14 outfit Castres at the Stade Pierre Fabre in southern France.

Castres suffered a 38-8 hammering from Northampton Saints at a wet and windy Franklin’s Gardens last week but they are a different beast on home soil.

Having won all of their last nine league games at home, Castres are a tough nut to crack, but Munster have the tools to break them down.

The Red Army earned a 16-13 victory on their last visit to the venue in 2022 and considering the host of Ireland internationals at their disposal, Munster should be capable of another successful raid this week.

Friday's other offering from the Champions Cup sees Sale Sharks also take on French opposition in the form of Racing 92.

Sale will be looking for a response after they were humbled 38-19 by United Rugby Championship title holders Glasgow Warriors at Scotstoun Stadium last time out, but the Sharks are another side who thrive in their own waters at the Salford Community Stadium.

They have won all of their last seven Premiership games in Greater Manchester and look capable of covering the handicap when Racing 92 roll into town.

After beating Leicester Tigers 39-25 in their last game at home, Sale can inflict another convincing defeat on a Racing side who have managed to win just two of their last ten away games in the Top 14.

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