Unlike previous seasons, the final matches of a Champions Cup group were not played at the same time. An unfortunate situation which takes away a little more magic from this “European Cup”.
The time of the multiplex is over. In Clermont as elsewhere, the matches on the last day of the group stage were not played at the same time, depriving fans of our absurd sport of the spice of the last act. Until last year, calculators were heated between the sofas of supporters and technical staff. The phones were also on standby to watch the thrilling ends of matches on France 2 or beIN Sports, sending a team to the final phase or not. But in the middle of this “neo-South African European cup”, which had already lost part of its charm with new formulas, the end of these “multiplexes” finished finishing off the beast. The cause? “As our format contains groups of 6 (since last season), the three matches in each group would have to kick off in the same time slot. However, we must take into account the availability of stadiums, travel – both in Europe and South Africa – and the five-day deadlines for respecting the well-being of the players, even before taking into account the requests of our seven broadcasters” explained the EPCR to L’Équipe this week. An infuriating situation at all levels… except for the teams who already know the result of one or even two matches in their group. Clermont, conversely, had to wait for the results of Leinster and La Rochelle to learn more about its European destiny. Damaging.
France
