
Cardiff wing Josh Adams crossed twice at Newcastle in Round 2
Welsh regions Cardiff Rugby and Scarlets have made excellent starts in the EPCR Challenge Cup to lead Pool A and Pool B respectively at the midway point of the pool stage.
Josh Adams scored a try brace as Cardiff breezed to a 47-10 victory at Newcastle Falcons in Round 2 on Saturday, ensuring they have taken maximum points from their opening two Pool A games.
Scarlets also sit on 10 points at the summit of Pool B, Steff Evans crossing twice for them as they overcame Toyota Cheetahs 45-26 in Parma.
There has been less success so far for Dragons RFC, the other Welsh region in the competition, though they moved onto four points in Pool B following a thrilling 27-21 defeat at Section Paloise and an opening round draw.
What a weekend, here's how the #ChallengeCup pools stand after 2️⃣ rounds 🔥
See you in January! 🥳#ChallengeCupRugby pic.twitter.com/WleofkBziU
— EPCR Challenge Cup (@ChallengeCup_) December 18, 2022
Emirates Lions have impressed in their maiden EPCR campaign, remaining unbeaten and picking up a first victory in Round 2 on Friday as Quan Horn’s double helped them defeat Stade Français Paris 30-12 in Johannesburg.
EPCR heavyweights RC Toulon have been typically strong, trailing Cardiff only on points difference as eased to a 29-7 victory over Bath Rugby at Stade Félix Mayol on Saturday.
Pool A contenders Bristol Bears, Connacht Rugby and Glasgow Warriors are the other three sides with 100%-win records.
Semi Radradra starred as Bristol beat Zebre Parma 35-19 at Ashton Gate on Sunday, with Friday seeing Connacht hold on to win 31-24 at CA Brive and Glasgow see off a stubborn USAP 26-18 at BT Murrayfield Stadium.
Benetton Rugby sit third in Pool B after they romped to a bonus-point win at Avirona Bayonnais on Saturday, Rhyno Smith, Lorenzo Cannone and Onisi Ratave all crossing for braces at Stade Jean Dauger.