The first day of the Champions Cup offered a high-level spectacle, marked by the impressive performances of the Top 14 clubs. If Toulouse, Bordeaux, La Rochelle, Toulon, Racing 92 and Clermont started their campaign with resounding victoriess, Stade Français and Castres struggled on the road. A look back at the vision of foreign media regarding this promising start for French Rugby.
Toulouse, Dupont and undivided domination
The reigning champions struck a major blow by winning 61-21 against Ulster. Antoine Dupont, once again irrepressiblereceived praise from the international press, notably from Planet Rugbywhich emphasizes that “the French captain orchestrated a real recital“. The Belfast Telegraph even speaks of a “Toulouse magnificent, impossible to stopr”, highlighting the clinical effectiveness of the nine trials marked by the Rouge et Noir. Enough to remind all of Europe that Toulouse remains the team to beat.
La Rochelle and Bordeaux impress
Another French team to follow again this season, La Rochelle showed its muscles against Bath. The Guardian evokes a match “controlled by the Maritimes“, despite a complicated start. The power of the La Rochelle forwardscombined with West's precision against the poles, allowed a valuable away victory. It will be necessary to confirm at home against Bristol.
For its part, Bordeaux also shone by winning against Leicester (42-28). Sky Sports loue “the sharp doublet composed of Damian Penaud and Louis Bielle-Biarrey“, while Rugby.com.au highlights the performance of former Brumbies player Pete Samu. The Bordelais, already off to a good start in the Top 14, are also positioning themselves as serious outsiders in this edition.
Racing 92 and Clermont meet, heroic Toulon
Racing 92 dominated Harlequins in Paris (23-12), with an imperial Nolann Le Garrec, described by Ruck.co.uk as “the perfect metronome“. The Ile-de-France residents showed decisive defensive solidity against an English team capable of offensive dazzling under the leadership of Marcus Smith.
Clermont, for its part, outclassed Benetton (28-0) in a match where The Rugby Paper underlined the “infinite class“Jaunards, led by Peceli Yato and Barnabe Massa, each author of a double. Finally, Toulon won against the Stormers (14-24) despite a red card at the end of the game. Rugby.com.au salute”a resilience worthy of the great French teams“, who never gave up.
Paris and Castres: a difficult day
If the other French clubs shone, Stade Français and Castres did not experience the same success. Paris suffered the law of Munster (33-7). The Castres, for their part, lost to the Saints (38-8). Two one-way travel encounters. A failed start to the competition for these two teams whose main objective this season is not the Champions Cup.
This first day confirms the very good form of French clubs on the European scene. With a record of six victories in eight matches, the Top 14 sets its pace and proves, once again, that it remains one of the most competitive championships in the world. The challenge will now be to maintain this dynamic over the coming days to hope to see several French clubs in the final stages.
