Well we've now had the first two rounds of the brand new European competition completed. We can all admit that at certain points last year it felt like this day would never come. In the end it's safe to say it was worth it. The competition is much tougher now, with each pool containing multiple teams who could compete for the trophy. Some were worried this could lead to tight, goal-kicking affairs which could be dull for the viewers, instead we've had games won by 30+ points, comebacks from half-time and even a last minute drop goal winner.
From what matches I have managed to catch, and from watching multiple highlight reels, I will state that the European Rugby Champions (and Challenge) Cup is going to be completely worth all of the hassle from last season. The stand out match so far has to have been Sale hosting many times champions Munster. Where in a first half show of dominance the Mancunian outfit took a commanding 16 point lead into the break. It seemed the opening weekend was going to have a massive upset, until Munster showed why they are feared in Europe. Lead by the indomitable Paul O'Connell the men in red scored seventeen unanswered points, before as the clock ticked over 80, Ian Keatley slotted a crisp 40m drop goal to claim the comeback.
We also had a rematch of last years memorable semi-final, where Saracens completed a total destruction of Clermont Auvergne. This year was a tit-for-tat affair with Saracens edging with a brace of tries from both wingers. While discussing tries we can't avoid Glasgow Warriors. Their opening game of the competition brought high-flying Bath to Scotland, a team who have been scoring incredible flowing tries all season. It was a must watch game, but for a very different reason. Glasgow finally arrived on the European scene, with an across the park complete job done on Bath, scoring fantastic tries and claiming a bonus point against the team many believed could top the group. And in fairness to the Warriors they then continued this form on to France winning in Montpellier to top the group after this two weekends with nine points.
There are so many other results that are worth discussing: Toulon's team of superstars bringing international test match intensity to Ravenhill and defeating Ulster; Northampton blowing a bonus point in Paris, and then proceeding to blow the Ospreys away (include four tries from George North); an injury hit Scarlets grinding out a win against Leicester Tigers. All of these and more have totally justified the trouble caused, as we now have a much tighter, stricter, competitive format which will be the shining jewel of the northern hemisphere season.
Of course the Challenge Cup has had it's fair share of results, but with notable underdogs in the form of Bucaresti; Rovigo and London Welsh many of the scoreboard results were inevitable. However one result certainly cannot be ignored, Newport-Gwent Dragons went to Paris to face the pink-shirted Stade in what was considered a very tough game for the Welsh outfit. However in a shocking turn of events the Men of Gwent scored four tries in a 22-32 win, to remind everyone just how much they improved last year and why they have managed to get multiple players into the Wales international squad.
Now it's time for predictions based on the first two weeks - for the Champions Cup.
Pool 1 Winner: Munster
Pool 2 Winner: Leinster
Pool 3 Winner: Toulon
Pool 4 Winner: Glasgow
Pool 5 Winner: Northampton
Runner Up #1: Saracens
Runner Up #2: Ospreys
Runner Up #3: Toulouse
No comments:
Post a Comment