After turbulence linked to the health situation, the European Rugby Cup resumed this weekend for the 3rd day of the championship. Travel conditions between the United Kingdom and France have been relaxed and a decision, however criticized, has been taken by EPCR, the organizing body for European competitions, to settle the fate of the postponed matches of the 2nd day. , mid-December.
The five European Cup matches which could not be played due to health and travel constraints between the two sides of the Channel ended in as many 0-0 draws, with two points in the standings for each of the clubs concerned. “This competition today no longer makes sense”, denounced the coach of Bordeaux-Bègles Christophe Urios. “Between those who lose with 0 points, those who don’t play who have 2 points, it sucks. It annoys me because it distorts the competition”.
Castres bows slightly
After having already conceded two short losses against Harlequins (20-18) and on the lawn of Munster (19-13), the Castres did not deserve at the opening on Saturday but they lost three small points (13-16) against Munster, synonymous with a new defensive bonus which still keeps them alive. With a 3rd victory in a row in the Champions Cup, Munster ensure their qualification in the round of 16 of the competition. Six cases of coronavirus had been detected among the Castres workforce.
Toulouse complicates the task
the Toulouse Stadium fell at the Wasps this Saturday afternoon. Still deprived of Antoine Dupont and undermined by the cases of Covid-19, the Hauts-Garonnenais lost against the Londoners on the score of 30 to 22. However, the men of Ugo Mola had started the meeting with drums beating with a try from the first minute by François Cros. But the home side reacted immediately and scored two tries in the first half to lead into the break. In the second half, the same scenario despite the expulsion of Umaga for the Londoners. With its first defeat in the competition, Toulouse is in 5th place while the Wasps go back to 7th place.
Racing at the top of their group
the Racing 92 won at Ospreys (25-10). However, the Racingmen did not make the task easy, notably returning to the break led by the English (8-10). But after returning from the locker room, the Ile-de-France residents stopped thwarting by taking uncontrolled risks and opted for simplicity. A winning bet for Racing, which finally imposed its domination over its opponent by scoring two converted tries and a 50-meter penalty without conceding a point in the second half. Thanks to this victory, the Ile-de-France residents are alone at the top of Group A of the Champions Cup with 14 points.
The unfortunate finalist of the last edition, La Rochelle, winner of Glasgow (20-13) on the first day, succeeded against Bath, surprising red lantern of the English championship (39-21). Solid and realistic, the Stade Rochelais passed five trials in Bath. With eleven points in three games, qualification is within reach for the Maritimes.
The Bristol Bears of England secured their ticket to the round of 16 of the European Rugby Cup on Saturday by beating the French Stadium (28-17), thanks to more control in an unbridled match. Bristol is thus guaranteed to be there for the round of 16, while for the Parisians, qualification will go through a victory against the Irish province of Connacht, next Sunday at Jean-Bouin.
UBB close to qualification
Mission accomplished and in what way for the leader of the Top 14, Bordeaux-Bègles, who took a very big step towards the round of 16 of the Rugby Champions Cup after their improved victory over the Scarlets (45-10) on Sunday in the mist of Chaban on the occasion of the 3rd day: seven tries, one bonus guaranteed from the 47th minute and the hatching of yet another nugget for French rugby, the rear Louis Bielle-Biarrey, 19, who, for his first tenure in pro, offered himself a hat-trick and the title of best player of the game.
Beaten at home by the Irish from Ulster (29-23) during the first day, the Auvergnats cannot afford another misstep at the Michelin stadium against the English from Sale on Sunday evening.
Spanking for Montpellier
With thirteen tries conceded and 82 points difference, Montpellier suffered Sunday at Leinster the heaviest setback ever suffered by a French club in the European Cup 89 to 7. It is even the biggest defeat in the history of the club, in front of the 92-12 struck by Stade Français in 2005/2006. Even if there remains a theoretical chance for Montpellier to see the round of 16, it will be necessary to beat Exeter next Sunday.
Clermont got back into the race for qualification for the round of 16 thanks to its 25-19 victory against the English of Sale. In Pool A, the Clermontois go back to 6th place with seven points, tied with the Sharks.
The French club program
Friday January 14
Saturday January 15
- Wasps 30-22 Toulouse
- Ospreys 25-10 Racing 92
- La Rochelle 39-21 Bath
- Bristol 28-17 Stade Français: 9 p.m.
Sunday January 16
- Leinster 89-7 Montpellier
- Bordeaux-Bègles 45-10 Scarlets
- Clermont 25-19 Dirty