After two European weekends, the group stage is already halfway through. If the French clubs shone with an excellent overall result (11 victories in 16 matches), some teams stand out more than others. Overview of French clubs in the Champions Cup.
Top of the class: Toulouse and UBB
Stade Toulousain and Union Bordeaux-Bègles are undoubtedly the big winners at the start of the competition. In the same group, the two teams quickly asserted their status.
The Rouge et Noir overcame the competition by scoring more than 60 points in their first two outings. Ulster and Exeter absolutely did not exist against Ugo Mola's men. The Toulouse residents are preparing as best they can for the rest of the competition and hope to finish first in their group.
Facing them, their most serious competitor is French, it is the UBB. A bit less sovereign, the Girondins still scored 82 points in two games, also gleaning two offensive bonuses. With 10 points each, the two big names will be decided in the last two group matches in January. The least we can say is that their competition is off to a perfect start.
With two victories on the clock, Toulon and La Rochelle assert themselves as two serious contenders for the title. The Maritimes revived with a difficult victory on English soil against Bath, then a success at home against Bristol. First in their group with 9 points tied with Leinster, the hardest part remains to be done. But they will have the advantage of hosting the Irish on January 12.
The RCT, for its part, scored two prestigious victories. The first team to win in South Africa in the group stage, the Toulonnais delivered a great performance against the Stormers (24-14). The reception in Glasgow allowed them to confirm their momentum with a victory at the last minute (30-29).
If there is one team that does not shine, it is Stade Français. The Parisians achieved the feat of collecting three red cards in two days, for gestures that were each as stupid as the next. The prize certainly goes to Sekou Macalou, author of a trip followed by a shoulder charge. In difficulty in the Top 14, we suspected that the Pink Soldiers would not play the Champions Cup to their fullest, but they are reaching new heights.
Racing 92 and Castres are sailing between two waters, with a victory and a defeat on their record. Both with a heavy defeat in their bag. 29-7 in Sale for the Ile-de-France residents, 38-8 in Northampton for the CO. By seeking success during the last days, these two teams will be able to hope to compete in the final stages.
With contrasting results, French clubs still achieved a good overall result. The best stables are ideally placed to shine in spring, but now it's time for the Top 14 this weekend.
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