The EPCR Challenge Cup quarter-final fixtures have been confirmed at the conclusion of the round of 16.
The location of fixtures was decided based on the league position from the group phase. The home fixture was given to the team with the higher league position.
EPCR Challenge Cup Quarter Final fixtures
Ulster vs La Rochelle
Friday 10th April, 8 pm (UK)
Ulster progressed to a home quarterfinal by the narrowest of margins. They combatted the wind of Storm Dave to win 28-24 against the Ospreys. Ulster saw the difference made by returning Ireland stars, Stuart McCloskey and Nick Timoney. The game was marred by controversy as the Ospreys thought they had scored a winner late on, but the pass in the build-up was judged to have gone forward.
Ronan O’Gara will return to Ireland with his La Rochelle side, who already have one away victory under their belt as they beat Newcastle Red Bulls 26-18. They were 18-15 down with 20 minutes to go, but got two penalties and scored a last-minute try to stretch out to their victory.
Montpellier vs Connacht
Saturday 11th April, 12:30 pm (UK)
Montpellier continued their dominance from the group stage with a massive 53-13 win over fellow French side Perpignan. They scored six second-half tries to run away with the game in the end.
Connacht started the weekend of Challenge Cup rugby with a 29-12 win over the Sharks on Friday night. They found themselves 12-7 behind at half-time as Jean Smith kicked four penalties in the first 40 minutes. Connacht dominated the second-half scoring three tries and kicking a final penalty to seal the game by a 17-point margin.
Zebre vs Dragons
Saturday 11th April, 8 pm (UK)
Zebre were the final team to book their place in the Challenge Cup quarter finals as they played on Sunday afternoon. They beat Pau, despite having much less possession and territory in the match. Zebre were 28-5 ahead with just over 10 minutes to go. Pau scored two tries late on, when Zebre had the match won and a man in the sin bin.
The Dragons pulled off one of their great victories in recent times to book their place in the quarter finals with a 36-31 away win against Stade Francais. They went out to a 17-0 lead after 20 minutes. Stade Francais scored two just before halftime and scored 10 more points in the 12 minutes after halftime to lead 24-17. The Dragons scored again to bring the scores back level. Stade Francais regained the lead with another converted try. The Dragons scored with 10 minutes to go, leaving them 31-29 down. Wyn Jones became the hero as he scored in the final moments to give the Dragons the win.
Benetton vs Exeter Chiefs
Sunday 12th April, 3 pm (UK)
Benetton survived a late push from Cardiff to win 38-35. Tomasso Menoncello scored the fastest try in European Rugby when he crossed the lines on nine seconds. The scoring did not stop then, and there were 54 points scored in the first half. There were three more tries early in the first half to bring the score to 38-35. There were no scores in the final 26 minutes as Cardiff battered the Benetton line, but lost the ball on the line in the final play. This was a controversial call as Cardiff felt they had the ball grounded before the ball was lost.
The Exeter Chiefs won a game of two halves as they beat Munster 31-21. The strong wind was with Exeter in the first half and Munster in the second half. The Exeter Chiefs lead 31-0 at half-time, scoring four tries. Munster were able to score three tries in response, but were unable to get closer.
