European Rugby Champions Cup round one predictions, odds and betting tips

Bulls vs Stade FrancaisPremier Sports 2, 1pm

Sale vs Glasgow WarriorsPremier Sports 1, 1pm

Clermont vs LeinsterPremier Sports 2, 3.15pm

Stormers vs BristolPremier Sports 2, 3.15pm

Connacht vs SaracensPremier Sports 1, 5.30pm

Bath vs MontpellierPremier Sports 2, 8pm

Munster vs Racing 92Premier Sports 1, 8pm

Glasgow -32pts 6-4 BoyleSports

Stormers -301pt 11-10 BoyleSports

Bath -112pts 11-10 BoyleSports

Glasgow beat Sale 26-21 in the opening round of last season's Champions Cup and can grind out another win.

The Sharks have had an odd start to the season. They were poor in their opening defeat to Bristol before beating Saracens and Harlequins.

Glasgow are undefeated, beating Munster and Connacht, either side of a 33-33 draw with Ulster.

Sale's two victories have been by four points and their games tend to be close. However, Glasgow can match the Sharks up front, and their attack looks even better with captain Kyle Steyn set to make his first appearance of the season.

Expect points to pile up in Cape Town.

Stormers are blessed with a wonderful backline and Springbok pair Cobus Reinach and Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu start in the halves, with Damian Willemse at full-back.

The pack is hardly shabby either, with Siya Kolisi named in the back row alongside Paul de Villiers and Evan Roos.

That selection suggests Stormers will look to move the ball quickly against Bristol, who enjoy similar tactics, but have left several star names at home.

They beat the Bulls in a 110-point thriller in round three last season, but Stormers beat Sharks 39-22 last Saturday, and their clear quality can help them secure a big opening victory.

Connacht have spent decent money on and off the pitch, and it could pay off with an opening win over Saracens.

Sarries have won two of three league games and have packed their side with experience.

However, Connacht have also named a strong team, captained by Cian Prendergast and with Ciaran Frawley making his home debut.

Stuart Lancaster says the hosts are "relishing" facing the three-time European champions, so don't be surprised by an upset at the Dexcom Stadium.

Ben Spencer returns to captain Bath against MontpellierCredit: Getty Images

Finally, to the Rec, where Bath should have no trouble overcoming Montpellier.

French teams famously don't travel well, but they rarely help themselves with selection, and Montpellier have made 11 changes from the side that started last weekend's loss at Stade Francais.

Their selection includes notable names but most are past their prime, while Bath have Ben Spencer back to captain from scrum-half.

After reaching last season's semi-finals, Johann van Graan's side should have no issues and are worth backing to go beyond the general ten-point handicap.

2026-27 European Rugby Champions Cup predictions: Toulouse can end the Ramos era with a bang

Australia vs New Zealand rugby union predictions, betting tips and odds

Important information: This article may contain links to offers or promotions that were available at the time of publication. These offers may have since expired or changed.

Offers are handpicked and come from operators that our experts have first-hand experience of. Opening an account via one of these links will earn revenue for the Racing Post, which will be used to continue producing our award-winning coverage of horseracing.