Champions Cup – The results of the future opponents of French clubs in the Champions Cup

La Rochelle opens the ball for this new edition of the Investec Champions Cup. The double European champions travel to England to challenge Bath. Current leader of the Premiership, the English club is in great form this season, in the wake of its opener Finn Russell, well known in France after his time at Racing 92. Symbol of its good dynamic, Bath has just won 19-15 at home against Exeter. A short success against the English red lantern. But maritime supporters rest assured, O'Gara's men have not lost in Her Majesty's kingdom since January 18, 2020, more than four years.

In the same group, Clermont challenges Treviso at the Marcel-Michelin. An opponent in difficulty since the start of the season, after having achieved a historic previous exercise, notably reaching the semi-final of the Challenge Cup. But the Italians remain on two consecutive defeats, the latest of which in Scotland on the pitch in Edinburgh. A heavy 50-33 defeat which nevertheless saw Agustin Creevy make his debut and score a double coming off the bench.

Six defeats for two victories

Overall the dynamic of the future opponents of the French clubs is not to their advantage. Of the eight matches to come, only two teams come out with a victory: Bath and Munster. Next opponents of Stade Français, the Irish recovered after a complicated start in the URC. There Red Army disposed of the Lions 17-10 in the legendary Thomond Park. It is in this same stadium that the Pink Soldiers will meet on Saturday at 6:30 p.m.

Earlier today, Castres and Toulon will travel to Northampton and South Africa respectively to face the Stormers. Two big names on paper, but who missed the start of the season. In the Premiership, while it is the defending champion, Northampton is only eighth (out of 10) and has just lost at home to Gloucester 17-25. A reason for hope for the Tarnais.

On the other side of the equator too, the sky is rather gloomy. The Cape Town franchise is in great difficulty with only two victories since the start of the season. During the duel against the other South African juggernaut, the Sharks, the Stormers could do no better than concede a narrow defeat 21-15.

Toulouse favorite, UBB facing its black beast

The last three French entrants in the competition will do so in front of their audience. Racing 92, relocated again to Créteil due to a YouTubers' boxing fight, hosts the Harlequins there. This is the third year in a row that the Quins have traveled to Ile-de-France to meet the Ciel et Blanc. Marcus Smith's teammates have just dealt a big blow to the Stoop, swept aside 24-48 by Bristol. Declining confidence which could benefit Ile-de-France residents.

On Sunday, the two finalists of the last Top 14 take to the track. The UBB first of all with the reception of the Leicester Tigers. Third in the Premiership, the English were however unable to get rid of Sale last Sunday (39-25). However, over the last three years, UBB have fallen twice in as many matches against the same Leicester team and will have to avoid falling into the trap set by the English club.

Finally, the title holder of the competition, Stade Toulouse welcomes Ulster. A Northern Irish province with a generous calendar. Indeed, before moving to Walloon, she received… simply Leinster. THE Boys in Blue imposed themselves, not without difficulty, on the lawn of their northern neighbor. A 20-27 defeat which demonstrates the quality of this province, capable of annoying the best teams on the continent.