The 2023/24 Champions Cup began with a bang last weekend, showcasing thrilling moments and a remarkable start for English teams, as seven out of the eight representatives from England secured victories.
Exeter pulled off a stunning upset against Toulon in a dramatic finish, Bristol clinched victory over Lyon with Callum Sheedy’s last-gasp drop goal, and Harlequins claimed a memorable win against Racing 92 in Paris.
Leinster also secured a hard-fought triumph in challenging weather conditions against La Rochelle, avenging their defeats in the last two finals.
Moving into Round 2, another wave of gripping encounters awaits fans. Friday’s standout game sees Northampton host Toulon, and Saturday’s star match-ups include Stormers vs La Rochelle, Leinster vs Sale, and Ulster vs Racing 92.
Matthew Luddington looks ahead to Friday and Saturday’s nine fixtures with teams’ pool stages set to reach their halfway point in the Champions Cup.
Friday
Bayonne, after an impressive draw in their maiden Champions Cup appearance against Munster, are gearing up to host their historic first-ever home game in the competition at Stade Jean-Dauger against Glasgow. The French side, led by Camille Lopez at fly-half and with Reece Hodge as a potential game-changer off the bench, could be a surprise package in this year’s competition.
Glasgow suffered a rare home defeat to Northampton Saints in their opener and will be desperate to get back to winning ways against a passionate home crowd and a highly physical opposition.
Toulon vs Northampton (8pm)
Star studded French giants Toulon are aiming to recover from their unexpected loss against Exeter, as they face Northampton at Franklin’s Gardens.
Northampton scored 28 unanswered points in their fantastic victory at Glasgow, and captain Courtney Lawes scored his first try for the club for five years.
This match-up promises a clash of Toulon’s star power and brute force against Northampton’s agility and flair in open play. Fans can anticipate an exhilarating battle that could swing either way under the lights at Franklin’s Gardens.
Saturday
Saracens vs Connacht (1pm)
Saracens suffered a tough defeat against The Bulls at Loftus Versfeld, but have been boosted by the rescinding of Billy Vunipola’s red card for a dangerous clean out. Director of Rugby Mark McCall knows clinching a victory in this match is key to maintain their hopes of a strong seed in the knockout rounds.
Connacht were hammered by Bordeaux in their opener, and have lost 27 of their 30 matches in England, so will need to conjure up something special at StoneX Stadium to upset the odds.
Stormers vs La Rochelle (1pm)
These two sides come in off the back of losing starts after the Stormers fought hard at Welford Road and competed until the end but ultimately left empty-handed, while reigning champions La Rochelle faced a rare defeat at home against Leinster in a brutal match that felt physically akin to an international test.
With both teams now desperate for a win, the Stormers will hope their pace and flair outpaces La Rochelle’s formidable pack in what promises to be a high-class encounter in the sunshine in Cape Town.
Bordeaux vs Bristol (3.15pm)
Bordeaux delivered arguably the outstanding performance of the opening round, running in six unanswered tries in Galway against Connacht.
Returning home to face Bristol, Bordeaux’s undefeated record at the Stade Chaban-Delmas this season and excellent form will clash against Bristol’s fearless brand of rugby and exceptional ability to score tries from anywhere.
Leinster vs Sale (5.30pm)
Leinster, eyeing a record-equalling fifth Champions Cup triumph, overcame the grip La Rochelle have had over them in recent seasons in their opener and now believe this could be their year after several close misses.
Sale, however, have a strong line-up full of international stars and comfortably beat Stade Francais in their opener, so this promises to be a high-quality and closely fought encounter.
Lyon vs Bulls (5.30pm)
Lyon faced heartbreak, losing to Bristol at the death despite coming back from a 23 point deficit late in the second-half after Callum Sheedy’s drop goal.
Stronger on home turf, Lyon seek redemption against the Bulls, who need to show they can replicate their equally impressive home form on their travels.
Cardiff vs Bath (8pm)
A youthful Cardiff side were brave against Toulouse but fell to a heavy defeat, which ultimately proved to be their largest in Europe for 16 years.
With key players returning, they’re targeting a win against Bath, but a face a side in scintillating form who showcased their attacking prowess in their opener against Ulster, led by the formidable Finn Russell.
Ulster vs Racing 92 (8pm)
Ulster will be looking to bounce back at the Kingspan Stadium, where they boast a fantastic record, against Top 14 leaders Racing 92, who were themselves stunned by Harlequins.
Both sides will be hungry for a victory and perhaps most importantly, will be looking to put things right after disappointing performances, setting the stage for a closely contested encounter.
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