Eurowatch - 28 August

By Jason Harris
August 29 2006

Of Saracens' three European Challenge Cup opponents, the performance of the week came from Narbonne who upset reigning French champions and Heineken Cup finlaists Biarritz 25-18 at the weekend. Over in Italy GRAN were well beaten at home while Glasgow lost at Newcatle.

Despite being outscored on tries 2-1 by their illistrious opponents, Narbonne centre Lionel Mazars bagged 22 points from a try, a conversion and five penalty that goals kept Biarritz at bay, with the remaining three coming from a second half drop goal by outside half Cedric Rosalen. For the champions, Dimitry Yachvili booted an 84th minute penalty to salvage a bonus point.

This victory was Narbonne's first in the already up-and-running Top 14 competition, after their first weekend's game at newly-promoted Montauban ended in a disappointing 41-20 defeat.

This coming week will be a busy one in Top 14 for RCNM who'll play two tough games in the space of four days. On Wednesday they travel down to Catalunia to play Perpignan and on Sunday they entertain the Parisian city slickers from Stade Francais.

GRAN Parma continued their pre-season with a match against last year's Serie A champions Capitolina at home in the Stadio Sergio Lanfranchi. Unfortunately for GRAN, it was the side from Rome who went back to the capital with the spoils after an easy 35-7 victory. The Itailan Super 10 Championship kicks off on 9 September.

Finally, Glasgow couldn't repeat their Burnbrae triumph over Newcastle Falcons as they went down 19-8 at Kingston Park, with their points coming courtesy of a try from centre Graeme Morrision and a penalty from fly-half Dan Parks.

The Warriors kick off their Magners League campaign this weekend with a home game at Hughenden on Friday night against Newport Gwent Dragons.