EPCR Challenge Cup Final: Bath v Lyon – Key Battles

Charlie Ewels v Mickael Guillard

Bulls fans will remember Ewels’ name as the England second-rower had a loan spell at the Pretoria franchise in 2023.

Known for his exceptional lineout and defensive skills, the 29-year-old is a legend of Bath rugby and has made over 150 appearances for the Blue, Black and Whites.

Incredibly mobile for a man standing 1.97m tall and weighing 122kg, Guillard is a hybrid athlete who’s adept at lock and in the back row. At only 24, he already has 10 Test caps for Les Bleus to his name and has a bright future ahead of him. Man of the Match in Lyon’s 29-15 semi-final win over Racing 92, he’s eyeing another big performance in the decider.

Sam Underhill v Liam Allen

A talented back-rower known for his power and ability to influence the game with his skill over the ball, Underhill is consistently colossal for Bath and produced a Man of the Match performance in their 39-24 semi-final triumph over Edinburgh. 

New Zealand-born Allen operates with sheer force at both lock and flank. After cutting his teeth in Canterbury, the 25-year-old has established himself as a dynamic force in France. The final is a great opportunity for him to get stuck in and raise his stock.

Miles Reid v Arno Botha

Reid showed resilience to overcome injuries early in his career and has developed into one of Bath’s leaders. Known for his humility and leading by example, the No. 8 is a Blue, Black and White man through and through and is closing in on a 100 appearances for the club.

Born in Nylstroom, Botha looked like the next big thing in South African rugby, having captained the Junior Springboks in 2011. He made his Springbok debut in 2013 but was limited to just two Test caps through injury. Now 33, he’s carved out a good career for himself at Lyon, where he’s one of the club’s leaders and primary ball carriers.

Ben Spencer v Baptiste Couilloud

It’s the clash of the captains at scrumhalf. Spencer’s speed of service and kicking game have made him a threat for the opposition. The 32-year-old’s experience includes five Premiership titles, an Investec Champions Cup title and an Anglo-Welsh Cup title.

A level-headed general, Couilloud is a quality all-round talent. A scrumhalf in the French mould, the 27-year-old is a game driver known for his sound decision-making and tactical prowess. Lyon’s lynchpin, he’s played over 160 games for the club and is looking to add to his 17 Test caps.

Finn Russell v Leo Berdeu

One of the game’s great entertainers, Russell is a joy to watch. A maverick who masterfully manipulates space, he’s a playmaker extraordinaire and was pure class in the semi-final win in the Scottish capital. Before embarking on his third British & Irish Lions tour, the ace flyhalf plans on piloting Bath to a trophy treble.

Berdeu is a physical presence in the No. 10 jersey at 1.95m and 99kg. He’s been worth his weight in gold for Lyon this season and is the competition’s leading point scorer with 64. A Lyon centurion, he’d like nothing more than to guide his club to glory and outplay one of the biggest names in the game in one epic swoop.