« Today, the European Cup is a Coupe de France with Leinster as guests. » Mourad Boudjellal has always had a sense of formula. We will forgive the former president of RC Toulon for his slight inaccuracy concerning the current name of a competition that he won three times. With the integration of the South African provinces, it is now the “Rugby Champions Cup”. But fundamentally, his judgment, made the day after the first day, seems relevant. Or at least, it makes you wonder.
Arriving halfway through the group stage, there is no shortage of questions. Has this event, which should be a step between domestic competitions and international rugby, lost quality? What added value do South Africans bring to it? Will this edition end with Leinster against Top 14?
1 Big scores and loss of competitiveness
By rewarding the offensive mindset with bonuses awarded based on the four tries scored, the Champions Cup formula has always favored high scores. After two days, there were six victories by 40 points or more when there were only four last year. Some are shocking in their scale like that of Stade Toulousain in Exeter (21-64) or Union Bordeaux-Bègles in Ulster (19-40). But the best indicator of a decline in competitiveness is the small number of matches which ended with a difference of seven points or less. Only four out of 24 this season compared to eleven in 2023-2024.
We can also note a decline in English clubs who, last spring, managed to place six clubs in the final table. After two days, there are only four in a position to do so. Bath and Bristol, the first two in the Premiership, sank against Rochelais. Bath even fell to Treviso. “The English clubs believe that they do not have the capacity to play on both sides since they have smaller squads than the French due to the limitation of the wage bill,” says Stuart Barnes, columnist for the Sunday Times. “That’s partly true, but it’s also an easy excuse. »
2 Boks without flavor
Are the South African provinces interested in the Champions Cup? During the last edition, the Stormers and the Bulls managed to slip into the final table. After two days, the country of world champions has a poor record of five defeats in six matches. During the 2nd day, the Stormers surrendered to London at Harlequins (53-16) and the Sharks of Kolisi and Etzebeth, deprived of all their Springboks, took a beating at Leicester (56-17). “We need to protect our athletes. They are not robots,” explained John Plumtree, the Sharks coach, by pointing out the obvious: the season for South African internationals, involved in the Rugby Championship with the Boks, lasts twelve months. It is imperative to provide them with rest periods.
-The Sharks assured that they would field their best team on Saturday against Toulouse and that if successful, they would arrive in Bordeaux with all their big names to secure their qualification. If they fail, South Africa will end up a flop.
“We need to protect our athletes. They are not robots. »
3 Leinster vs Top 14
Since 2018, Leinster have reached the final five times in seven editions. Will he come to Cardiff on May 25? If the Dubliners have failed four times, they still represent the biggest threat to French ambitions. “Who else?” », asks Gerry Thornley, the specialist from The Irish Times. “The attractiveness of this competition has faded. The number of contenders is limited to Leinster and three French clubs. » An opinion shared by Stuart Barnes. “Saracens and Northampton can be tough customers and reach the semi-finals but they lack the depth to win this edition. »
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