The third day of the Champions Cup delivered its verdict this weekend. The opportunity to take stock of the situation of French clubs in their respective groups one day before the end of the group stage.
The Top 14 clubs have performed well since the start of the Champions Cup. The French teams display 69% wins after the first two days, eleven successes in sixteen matches. Thus, six of the eight French clubs involved were in a qualifying position at the end of the first leg of the first round. After the third day, the rankings begin to take shape in each group and certain French teams are already set on their future in the competition.
Three qualified French teams
Halfway through the group stage, Toulon, Bordeaux-Bègles and Toulouse were in a favorable position to qualify due to their two successes in as many matches. Thanks to its convincing success, this Sunday, against Harlequins (33-21) in Mayol, Toulon ensured their qualification and took the sole lead of their group 4. In addition, Pierre Mignoni’s men are already certain of playing their round of 16 at home.
By scattering Exeter (69-17)Saturday,UBB has punched its ticket for the rest of the competition, at the same time taking the queens of its group 1. The Girondins will have to play against the Sharks (Sunday at 2 p.m.) on the last day to ensure they play their eighth game the house.
The Toulouse title holder will also be part of the final phase after his victory in Durban against the Sharks. Antoine Dupont and his partners did not bring back the offensive bonus from their trip to South Africa, leaving Bordeaux alone at the top of group 1.
La Rochelle, Clermont and Castres in a favorable position
By losing against Leinster in the shock of this third day, the Rochelais let the Irish slip away at the top of group 2. However, the situation remains favorable for Ronan O’Gara’s men, second with five points ahead of the first non-qualified before going to Italy to challenge Treviso for their last first round meeting.
In the same pool, Clermont is only in fifth place after the first three days but Christophe Urios’ players are only two points behind Treviso, fourth. The Auvergnats therefore still have a good chance of qualifying before hosting Bristol, last in the group, on Saturday at 4:15 p.m. at the Michelin.
The Olympic Castres completely revived after his improved success against the Bulls at home, Saturday. Currently fourth in Group 3 with four points ahead of fifth-placed Stade Français, the Tarnais will travel to Saracens on the final day. If this trip promises to be perilous, the Castres could count on a possible setback for the Parisians during their trip to South Africa to challenge the Bulls, dead last in the group with zero points.
Parisian teams in an unfavorable position
Their positions in the ranking are not favorable, but the two Parisian teams retain their chances of qualifying. In the event of an improved success on the Bulls pitch (Saturday at 2 p.m.) and a zero-point defeat for Castres at Saracens, the French stadium would qualify for the round of 16.
Last in his group 4, the Racing 92 are just one point behind third-placed Harlequins. The Ile-de-France residents will have to win at home, Saturday at 9 p.m., against the Stormers to advance to the knockout phase.
After three days, no French team is eliminated from the competition. With a combination of extremely favorable circumstances, all French teams could qualify.
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