What have we learned from the opening rounds of the Heineken Champions Cup?

The Champions Cup pools are taking shape after two intriguing rounds that served up an exhilarating blend of drama, entertainment and controversy. We have seen dazzling individual performances, complete and utter howlers and results that shocked all of Europe. Here are the key things we have learned so far:
Leinster far from invincible
The defending champions were installed as the overwhelming favourites to secure back-to-back titles after destroying Wasps 52-3 in their opener. Luke McGrath and James Lowe each crossed twice, and further tries from Sean Cronin, Jordan Larmour, Robbie Henshaw and Jack McGrath handed Wasps a record European defeat. However, they then suffered a chastening defeat at the hands of fellow four-time European champions Toulouse on Sunday. Sean O’Brien, James Ryan and Cronin scored and Leinster were six points up with 20 minutes remaining, but a second try from Maxime Medard settled a feisty encounter and carried the French team to the top of Pool 1. Leinster remain the frontrunners to win this competition in the Sporting Index lines, but they are certainly fallible and that will give their rivals a great deal of encouragement.
Bath’s frustrations continue
Freddie Burns endured one of the most psychologically traumatic performances in recent memory as he twice contrived to snatch defeat from the jaws of victory for Bath in their first game. With seven minutes remaining on the clock, his team trailed Toulouse by two points, but they were handed a lifeline with a penalty right in front of the post. Burns stepped up, but the ball bounced back agonisingly off the post. That was bad, but what followed was even worse. Semesa Rokoduguni broke away in devastating fashion and sent Burns through. Elated at the prospect of redemption, he tried to touch down with one hand and celebrate with the other, only for Medard to nip in and knock the ball out of his hand. The Rec was stunned, and Bath missed the chance to make amends as Alex Davies missed a late penalty in a thrilling 35-35 draw with Wasps at the weekend. Bath led 21-7 at half-time, and fans are growing sick of missed opportunities.
Saracens in a class of their own
Maro Itoje and co are very much England’s standard bearers in European competition as they continue to deliver routine Champions Cup victories. They began their campaign with a demolition job on Glasgow, a permanent fixture near the top of the Pro14 nowadays. With stars like Itoje, Owen Farrell and Billy Vunipola all on song, they have a great chance of success in this competition and they are the clear second favourites after Leinster. They won this tournament in 2016 and 2017, and they look back to their very best, which is ominous for their rivals. Glasgow found themselves up against a brick wall in that opening game, and Saracens made it two wins from two as they dispatched Lyon at Allianz Park at the weekend. Itoje was imperious once again, opening the scoring after he stripped the ball from Etienne Oosthuizen’s grasp, and the defence remained magnificent. Saracens have won 16 of their last 17 home games in Europe, while they have a 100% record in the Premiership, and they look capable of glory on all fronts this season.
Racing display strong endurance
It is now two wins out of two for Racing 92 and they look to be the Pro 14’s strongest representatives in this tournament. They hung on doggedly in treacherous conditions in their opener and picked up a late 14-13 away victory over Scarlets for their efforts. They followed it up with a bonus-point win over Ulster at La Defense Arena on Saturday and last year’s finalists now enjoy a four-point lead at the top of Pool 4. They were clinical on Saturday, providing a lesson in finishing to the visitors, and their strong performances belie their sluggish start to the Top 14 campaign.
Pool 2 is wide open
This looks to be the most delicately poised of the pools, as there is no clear leader and the teams look evenly matched. Munster lead the way on seven points, with Castres on five and Gloucester on four, while it is a surprise to see Exeter bottom with three points. They have drawn one and lost the other so far, which flies in the face of their 100% start to the Premiership season. Castres will be full of confidence after stubbornly battling to a 29-25 over Exeter at the weekend, and they will have plenty to play for when they take on Munster as the Champions Cup resumes in December. Meanwhile, Danny Cipriani‘s season continues to nosedive as he was sent off in Gloucester’s 36-22 defeat to Munster at the weekend. Munster are now the odds-on favourites to win this pool, but it looks wide open and it should provide plenty more entertainment going forwards.