3 minute read
The Investec Champions Cup is nearly back in action, and Round 3 brings with it some crucial matches in deciding who will progress to the knockout stages of the competition.
There were shocks in the first two rounds, and no doubt the new year will bring more of the same. Initial results indicate that tales of England's decline were greatly exaggerated, with the coupled belief the French were going to dominate seemingly disproven.
High above it all, however, are four-times European champions Leinster. The Irish province are now favourites with bookmakers for the title at 2/1, thanks in no small part to their gritty win at La Rochelle to whom they lost the last two finals.
With Jacques Nienaber coaching an additional bit of steel into their defence, Leinster seem like the most likely candidates for the title. However, Ulster's clever triumph in Dublin last weekend in the United Rugby Championship, powered by kicks over the top of the eager Leinster line, indicates that there is a weakness to exploit.
They have also not been the single most impressive side so far - that honour belongs to Toulouse who have been frankly awe-inspiring with their attacking play. They are now second favourites at 4/1 for the title and those odds will almost certainly shorten as the tournament goes on.
But it's Toulouse who have the harder game in Round 3, landing in Belfast to take on Ulster in Pool 2.
The Irish province are a very different prospect at home in Europe than away from the Kingspan; just ask Racing 92, who were stunned by the physicality and determination of the Ulster XV. They were led by a truly fantastic Stuart McClockey that day, and while Toulouse will likely still win, the winning margin will probably be smaller than the bookies expect.
Across the border, Leinster host a Stade Francais Paris side who have been poor in their Pool 4 games so far. The most interesting aspect will be who the province choose at fly-half, but whoever is in the 10 shirt should get chances to notch up some decent points.
The shock of the tournament has, of course, been two-time defending champions La Rochelle losing both of their opening games. That's seen their title odds move to 8/1.
They will host Leicester Tigers in what should be a mammoth battle between two teams looking to power over the line via driving mauls. It will be an attritional, tight encounter but the French side should edge it as they will have to start their strongest team if they want to get out of Pool 4.
The final Pool 4 game sees Sale Sharks travel to DHL Stormers. While the South Africans don't travel well, they defeated La Rochelle at home in Round 2 and should be more than capable of defeating Sale Sharks – who may well opt to send the young side that fought so well, if unsuccessfully, in Dublin.
Speaking of travelling South Africans, Bristol Bears host the Vodacom Bulls in a tasty affair at Ashton Gate. It could be a high scoring affair, but the English side should come out on top of the Pool 1 battle.
Also in Pool 1, Lyon host Connacht with the Irish province surely needing a win to stay in the tournament. Their return to the competition, which was meant to be triumphant, has never really got up and running and it's unlikely to jump-start in France.
The tournament actually re-starts on Friday 12, with Northampton hosting Bayonne. The Saints have impressed so far and should be able to beat the French side by a healthy margin, especially given that their coach has openly talked about using the tournament to prepare for the TOP14 more than anything else.
Saints are joint on points atop Pool 3 with Exeter Chiefs, who have also shown quality in this year's competition. They should have enough to deal with the travelling Glasgow Warriors.
Rounding out Pool 3 is an exciting clash between hosts RC Toulon and Munster Rugby who are both yet to win in the 2023-24 Champions Cup. With the sheer number of injuries affecting Munster, a big win for Toulon could be on the cards.
If you want to see games between teams solely interested in putting on a show, the remaining four match-ups offer excellent viewing.
Cardiff Rugby host the Marcus Smith-fueled Harlequins, the skilful Bath Rugby entertain the freestyling Racing 92, and the Damian Penaud-powered Bordeaux welcome Saracens to France.
Those will all be high–scoring affairs, but of particular interest will be how UBB perform. After dominant wins at Connacht and home to Bristol, they have emerged as the outsider bet for the title at 14/1.
The next two rounds will show the reality of their credentials – but if they finish on top of Pool 1, expect them to make seriously deep inroads.
