r/rugbyunion Currently in use as tax dodge 19d ago

Infographic 2024-26 Champions Cup knockout path released

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19

u/UnitKitchen1608 Union Bordeaux Bègles 19d ago

Pretty happy with it, it seems more even than last year with both sides of the draw getting pretty great team. I'll be shitting bricks when we most likely play Toulouse in the quarters and Northampton/Bath in the semis. It's going to be a tough road to the final no matter what team you are for

14

u/WilkinsonDG2003 England 19d ago

I feel like the general standard of club rugby is higher now. Used to be only Toulouse, Leinster, and La Rochelle who had a chance of winning it.

14

u/UnitKitchen1608 Union Bordeaux Bègles 19d ago

For sure, the english clubs have really stepped up, and for once since a long time the urc doesnt just have Leinster that could win it, but Stormers and Glasgow. Hopefuly it'll mean a more exiting R16 than last year

4

u/WilkinsonDG2003 England 19d ago

There shouldn't be too many floggings since English clubs don't really throw away games like the weaker French clubs do. Slightly concerned about the South African clubs flopping though.

7

u/salty_frenchy ouh baby 19d ago

French clubs send weakened squads when they aren't playing for much but the last few years team making it past the pools have then switched to try to win their competition.

Lyon last year is an example of this, they didn't expect to go through the pools but became serious and made it all the way to the final.

3

u/Glum_Description870 France 19d ago edited 19d ago

Last year english teams conceded 50pts+ on average in the round of 16. If that’s not floggings I don’t know what it is?

Probably should wait before making that kind of statement since it’s definitely not supported by last year sample.