Champions Cup: qualified, on waivers, eliminated... Update on French clubs

This year, the 24 clubs participating in the Champions Cup are divided into four groups of six. At the end of the group stage, the four best ranked clubs in each group will qualify for the round of 16, and the clubs which finish in fifth place will be transferred to the round of 16 of the Challenge Cup. By finishing first in their group, the clubs ensure that they have a home advantage in the eighth round but also in the quarters and semi-finals, if they face a lower ranked team. Precious.

A flawless one to begin with. The most successful team in the competition, Stade Toulousain honored its status as a major player in Europe by winning its first three matches in style. The last, by impressing on the hostile pitch of Ulster. Another qualifier, Union Bordeaux-Bègles struck a big blow this Sunday by inflicting three-time winners Saracens with their heaviest defeat in the Champions Cup. Impressive Bordeaux machine, which gives the full measure of its offensive talent in a competition which gives pride of place to the game. More surprisingly, Lyon also validated its ticket for the round of 16, while the Rhone club is struggling in the Top 14 where he fights to maintain (13th).

RC Toulon seriously got tripped up in Mayol against Munster. A third setback in as many days which places Pierre Mignoni's team in a more than unfortunate situation. Next weekend, the RCT will have to win in Glasgow and at the same time have a defeat or a draw for Bayonne at home against Exeter. Complicated. La Rochelle, after two initial defeats, woke up and it was the English Leicester who paid the price. The two-time reigning champions will qualify for the round of 16 if they do not lose in Sale, a suburb of Manchester, on matchday four. This formula being convoluted to say the least, they could even finish in second place in the event of favorable results. Inconceivable after their failed departure.

Is this competition still a goal? When we see the team composition aligned by Stade Français Paris at Leinster, we can wonder. With three defeats, the Parisians are not yet mathematically eliminated but will they hold their own against the South African Stormers? It's not sure. Bayonne, which is discovering the competition, can still believe in it but it will have to make a move against Exeter at Jean-Dauger. Racing 92, who made the Champions Cup a goal, are also off to a bad start with three early losses, the last on the Bath lawn after letting a match slip away from their reach. On the last day, the Ile-de-France residents will have to perform well against the disappointing Welsh side of Cardiff and do better than Ulster who travel to Harlequins. Elimination from the group stage would be a first failure for Stuart Lancaster's Racing.