With only six victories in 16 matches, the representatives of the Top 14 are struggling. If the UBB honors its rank, Toulouse, La Rochelle or even Toulon are not assured of anything. The point.
It looks like a disappointment. The Top 14 clubs presented themselves with a flattering label at the start of the Champions Cup eight days ago. But, in two days, patatras, the disillusionments have accumulated. Only six victories in sixteen matches. And only one team having achieved a flawless performance, UBB, which maintained its position as title holder by winning in South Africa then easily dominating the Welsh of Llanelli, for two additional successes.
Halfway through the group stage sprint – only 4 days – the balance is already negative. As a reminder, the first four in each of the four groups qualify for the round of 16. With a big advantage for the leaders who will reach the semi-finals. A first place that only the people of Bordeaux seem able to achieve. On the other hand, with zero points after two days, Clermont, Bayonne and Pau have undoubtedly already given up on the final phase. Another lesson from this two-day block is that the English clubs are fighting back. They lead 6 victories to 2 in direct confrontations with the representatives of the Top 14.
Skip the ad
Pool 1: Toulouse complicates the task
By losing 28-21 in Glasgow after leading 21-0, the Toulouse team undoubtedly let the precious first place slip away. With 6 points, they are 4 points behind the Scottish Warriors. And they will have to battle in mid-January on the Saracens pitch before welcoming another English club, that of Sale. Both with 6 points as well. Antoine Dupont and his partners, uncomfortable away from home since the start of the season, will have to raise the bar against the Londoners otherwise they will seriously complicate their task for the rest of the competition. In this group 1, with two big losses against Sale and Saracens, Clermont has nothing left to hope for apart from saving honor. And give a boost to… Toulouse by beating Glasgow in mid-January.
Also read
Champions Cup: the group rankings
Pool 2: Toulon and Castres in the fray
Nothing is done in this group where Bath has 6 points and the other five teams, 5 points. Including Toulon and Castres. The battle therefore promises to be intense with an almost similar program for the two French representatives. Reception of the Irish from Munster and trip to Gloucester for the RCT; the English champion Bath at home and Munster in Limerick for the CO. Qualification can be decided until the last minute in this very open group where the six teams can even still claim first place.
Also read
Toulon-Bath: Monumental Ollivon, Garcia there, the RCT gifts… The tops and flops
Pool 3: La Rochelle in unfavorable waiver
The Maritimes sacrificed the trip to South Africa, sending a young team to be punished 42 to 21 by the Stormers. Who are in the lead (9 points) tied with Leinster. The trip to Dublin on January 10 could put the Rochelais back in the saddle in the event of an exploit. Which they have already achieved in the past against this same opponent. The reception of London Harlequins will be just as decisive. For Bayonne, zero points before a trip to Leicester and the reception of Leinster, qualification is a mission impossible.
Pool 4: UBB master of its destiny
The reigning European champion is the only French team to have two victories. A solid score even with the two offensive bonuses (10 points). But first place is not yet acquired because Northampton also has 10 points. Everything will be decided on Sunday January 11 during the reception of the Saints. A hot reunion, as announced in the draw, between the two finalists from the previous edition. In the event of further success, the UBB will still have to validate its first place on the lawn of the Bristol Bears, in ambush with 9 points. Very spicy. But Yannick Bru’s troupe is obviously capable of it. For the Section Paloise, two defeats against English clubs, the return to the Champions Cup after 25 years of absence is complicated. But a little hope remains since the Béarnais, runners-up to Toulouse in Top 14, will face Llanelli and the Bulls, also in difficulty. A folding seat for the round of 16 remains possible.
