The 24 best European clubs compete against each other, divided into two pools. Eight French teams are vying for the supreme coronation. But the Covid-19 epidemic is still in the game and seems determined to play the troublesome party like last year. Welsh side Llanelli Scarletts, of which 32 players and staff are in quarantine, have withdrawn from their game against Bristol on Saturday.
Toulouse wins widely
Stade Toulousain, which made a double blow last season by winning the European Cup and the Top 14 title, does not seem to be satisfied. The Reds and Blacks won 39-7 on Cardiff Wales, with the offensive bonus point. It was there that the Toulouse residents won the first of their European five stars in 1996.
Cardiff presented itself with a reduced workforce due to Covid-19 cases among six of these members. Cardiff had refused the fatality of a forfeit and the 28-0 defeat it would have resulted. Courageous decision but which forced the Welsh to start with five novices including the entire front row.
The Welsh sold their skin dearly, but Toulouse’s talent and in particular that of Antoine Dupont, crowned best player in the world two days earlier, author of a test and the direct origin of three others, made the difference.
Racing 92 treats
New competition, new start? Racing 92, too vengeful, too strong, too clinical, has submerged Northampton (45-14), Friday, on the first day of the European Rugby Cup. The Scottish Finn Russell, magician found author of four “assists” on the double of Juan Imhoff (23rd, 37th) and two of the three tests of Wenceslas Lauret (8th, 42nd), made living hell to the Saints, however third in the Premiership. Better, the French have offered themselves a breath of fresh air after three defeats in a row in the league, and even four in the last five matches, which left the ambitious Ile-de-France out of the qualifying places.
UBB sinks against Leicester
Union Bordeaux-Bègles missed their Champions Cup entry with a home loss to Leicester 16-13. The English club, leader of the English Premiership, therefore garners a 13th success in a row in all competitions. After a balanced first period (10-10) during which both teams scored a try (Ford 20 ‘for Leicester and Dubie just before the break for UBB 40’), the English made the difference during the second half. George Ford scored two penalties at the end of the match (68 ‘and 76’) which allowed the visitors to gain the advantage and win. Note that Ford has scored all of his team’s points. UBB leaves with the defensive bonus point.
Clermont misses his debut against Ulster
Clermont misses his entry in the Champions Cup by losing to Marcel Michelin against Ulster (29-23)! The Clermontois started the game in the worst possible way by conceding a scathing 16-0 in the first period! But Damien Penaud reacted just before the break and scored a try (35 ‘). At the break, the ASM is only led 19-10. At the start of the second half, Clermont even took the lead thanks to a double from Damien Penaud (56 ‘) as well as a penalty from Hanrahan (62’). But the locals broke down late in the game by conceding a converted try from Timoney (67 ‘) and a realization from Cooney (73’). ASM still reaped the defensive bonus point thanks to a penalty at the end of the match.
No miracle for Montpellier
The step was high for Montpellier Hérault Rugby… way too high. Les Hérault could not compete with Exeter and lost 42-6 at Sandy Park. Without many executives, Montpellier nevertheless made a perfect start to the match, leading 6-0 in the first ten minutes. After a successful test, Philippe Saint-André’s men returned to the break with a point behind the English. But the Chiefs moved up a gear in the second half. In the wake of a sparkling Jonny Gray and author of three tests, Exeter took the upper hand and offered himself a logically enhanced success.
The dark French stadium
Not sufficiently fluid in attack and too undisciplined in defense, Stade Français lost heavily (36-9) this Sunday against the Irish from Connacht who pocketed the offensive bonus. In an often messy match, complicated by a capricious wind, the Parisians took three tries during the first period. Nicolas Sanchez’s boot created an illusion for a while by keeping the Parisians within reach, 10 points behind 10 minutes from the end. But a clumsiness from Telusa Veianu, who failed to control a low kick in the 22 yards, allowed the Irish to score the bonus try.
La Rochelle ensures
La Rochelle, finalist of the last European Cup, began the new edition with a slow success and long to emerge against Glasgow (20-13), Sunday at the Marcel-Deflandre stadium. Surprised at the start of the match by the Scottish intensity, the Rochelais had to count on an old-fashioned test from the Wardi pillar following a carried ball. Eneriko Buliruarua scored the try which allowed La Rochelle to regain a decisive advantage on the hour mark. The Fijian winger had returned in the 24th minute following the injury of Arthur Retière. Out on a stretcher, the French international broke his ankle.
Castres defeated at home
Castres may have regrets for entering the Champions Cup contention. The Tarnais lose at home 20-18 against the Harlequins. However, they were the ones who opened the scoring thanks to a try from Raisuqe (18 ‘) before the English also scored a try thanks to Lynagh (32’). At the break, Pierre-Henri Broncan’s men even lead 11 – 7. But in the second half, the visitors go past the score thanks to a transformed achievement from Dombrandt (51 ‘) then two penalties from Smith (45’ and 73 ‘ ). Laveau’s try, transformed at the end of the game (75 ‘), was not enough and the residents of Pierre-Fabre lost two points.
The program of the 1st day for French clubs
Friday December 10
Pool A
- Northampton 14 – 45 Racing 92
Saturday December 11
Pool A
- Clermont 23 – 29 Ulster
- Exeter 42-6 Montpellier
Pool B
- Cardiff 7 – 39 Toulouse
- Bordeaux-Begles 13 – 16 Leicester
Sunday 12 December
Pool A
- La Rochelle 20 – 13 Glasgow
Pool B
- Connacht 36 – 9 French stadium
- Castres 20 – 18 Harlequins
Challenge Cup
Friday December 10
Saturday December 11
- Zebra 13 – 26 Biarritz
- Perpignan 22 – 16 Newport Dragons
- Pau 17 – 33 London Irish