Cardiff end DHL Stormers unbeaten run

EPCR Challenge Cup Pool A side Cardiff Rugby defeated United Rugby Championship title-holders DHL Stormers 30-24 at Cardiff Arms Park.

Rhys Priestland took centre stage for the hosts, kicking six penalties, while Theo Cabango and Jason Harries chipped in with tries.

The match was tied up at 14 points apiece at the break, but Cardiff turned the screw in the second period to claim an important win.

DHL Stormers managed four tries, but a brace for Nama Xaba, and crosses from Leolin Zas and Junior Pokomela were not enough to win in Wales , bringing an end to their 15-match unbeaten streak.

Connacht ease to Scarlets victory

Irish province Connacht Rugby defeated Welsh region Scarlets in another of the URC’s Saturday games.

Connacht, who will be playing in Pool A of the 2022-23 EPCR Challenge Cup, eased to a 36-14 victory and claimed a bonus point in the process.

A penalty try, a brace from Mack Hansen, a score from Niall Murray and Jack Aungier crossing all helped Connacht to victory in Galway, moving them above of opponents Scarlets in the table.

Bath win first game of the season

Bath Rugby won their first game of the Gallagher Premiership season with a surprise victory over Northampton Saints.

The crowd at Bath’s Recreation Ground saw the home side emerge victorious with 27 points to Northampton’s 14.

The 2008 EPCR Challenge Cup Champions scored three tries, with Miles Reid, Tom Dunn and Cameron Redpath all crossing. There was also an impressive performance from Premiership debutant George Worboys as Bath moved off the bottom of the table.

Stade Francais wipe out Brive

Stade Francais Paris wiped out CA Brive in a 27-0 victory in the Top 14.

Stade Francais, who were drawn to face Benetton Rugby and the Emirates Lions in Pool B of the EPCR Challenge Cup, ran out comfortable winners against Pool A Brive at the Stade Jean Bouin, moving them move to second in the table.

Mickael Ivaldi, Leo Barre and Clement Castets all crossed for the hosts.

Bayonne defeat USAP

Aviron Bayonnais edged out USAP 24-10 in an all-EPCR Challenge Cup Top affair in the Top 14.

USAP were eleven points up at the break with two tries from George Tilsley and Afusipa Taumoepeau, but two yellow cards turned the game on its head.

Uzair Cassiem and Gaetan Germain crossed for the hosts, Germain also kicking four penalties to give his side the win.

We’ve taken a look at the best of Saturday’s domestic action involving EPCR Challenge Cup clubs, with Cardiff Rugby’s home win the highlight.