The Investec Champions Cup knockout stage begins with a tightly matched Round of 16 clash as Northampton Saints host Castres Olympique at cinch Stadium at Franklin’s Gardens on April 3.
With just one place separating the sides in their respective standings, this matchup shapes as one of the most evenly balanced contests of the opening knockout round.
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Northampton enters with strong recent history in this fixture, having dominated the last two meetings in Champions Cup play, winning 51–16 and 38–8. That success will provide confidence for the Saints at home, where they have consistently played with pace and attacking control.
Their ability to dictate tempo early has been a defining factor in previous matchups against Castres.
Castres, however, arrives in strong form and sitting just ahead of Northampton in the table. The French side has shown resilience and physicality throughout the competition, making this a compelling contrast in styles.
With both teams closely matched and a quarterfinal spot on the line, the margin for error is minimal in what could be one of the most competitive fixtures of the round.
Northampton Saints vs. Castres Kickoff Time
Northampton Saints host Castres Olympique at 3 p.m. ET on Friday, April 3 at cinch Stadium at Franklin’s Gardens in the Investec Champions Cup Round of 16.
How To Watch Northampton Saints vs. Castres
Northampton Saints vs. Castres Olympique streams live on FloRugby and the FloSports app as part of the Investec Champions Cup knockout stage.
Northampton Saints Lineup vs. Castres
Starting XV
- Danilo Fischetti
- Craig Wright
- Luke Green
- Tom Lockett
- JJ van der Mescht
- Josh Kemeny
- Henry Pollock
- Callum Chick
- Archie McParland
- Anthony Belleau
- James Ramm
- Fraser Dingwall
- Tom Litchfield
- Tommy Freeman
- George Furbank (c)
Replacements
- 16. Curtis Langdon
- 17. Tom West
- 18. Cleopas Kundiona
- 19. Ed Prowse
- 20. Chunya Munga
- 21. Tom Pearson
- 22. Jonny Weimann
- 23. Rory Hutchinson
Castres Lineup vs. Northampton Saints
Starting XV
- Quentin Walcker
- Teddy Durand-Pradere
- Nicolas Corato
- Guillaume Ducat
- Florent Vanverberghe
- Baptiste Delaporte (c)
- Tyler Ardron
- Abraham Papalii
- Jeremy Fernandez
- Enzo Herve
- Vuate Karawalevu
- Jack Goodhue
- Vilimoni Botitu
- Christian Ambadiang
- Theo Chabouni
Replacements
- 16. Pierre Colonna
- 17. Lois Guerois-Galisson
- 18. Aurelien Azar
- 19. Gauthier Maravat
- 20. Baptiste Cope
- 21. Veresa Ramototabua
- 22. Santiago Arata Perrone
- 23. Geoffrey Palis
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