Champions Cup 2023

I've listed the French teams below. On the left is their seed and on their right is their pool position.

1 Castres 12

1 Montpellier 9

2 Bordeaux 9

2 Toulouse 2

3 La Rochelle 1

3 Racing 92 11

4 Clermont 8

4 Lyon 10

I have to say (and I've said before) that I'm not a fan of the domestic league results of a single season controlling European seeding.

DuPont's try at 47 minutes against Sale was unreal

With only 4 games, Pool A is becoming clear in terms of who will finish in the top spots. Very hard to see beyond Leinster and Saracens now given they've both won away in France. After that, Exeter are the likely third spot given they've also won in France but still have to go to SA. Not out of the question that Exeter finish second though if they can get a win away to the Bulls who have not been impressive at all this season.

After that, we're probably looking at the Sharks (again, a road win in France under their belts) who have to go to Quins in their final game which could be key for Quins qualifying.

It's starting to look like 7 points might be enough for someone to qualify in the final spots in Pool A given 4 teams have no win at this point.

Pool B is harder to call. 12 points is looking like it might be enough for a home knock out match. You'd back La Rochelle, Toulouse and Leicester all to do enough to get 12/13 points now minimum and secure home knock outs. After that, it's a mess. Bonus points will be crucial. If the Stormers can win in London Irish, they should take the final home quarter final with 13 points (assuming they can beat Clermont at home too). Crucially for them, they're already in the UK the week before to face Glasgow so will be well adjusted when they travel to London several days before their game.

After that, it's 5 teams going after 4 spots. It's probably going to take 10 points to secure one of those spots. Sale have the toughest games hosting Toulouse and away to Ulster but Toulouse visit the week after travelling to La Rochelle and Ulster are likely to be mathematically eliminated by the time Sale arrive.

Montpellier have London Irish at home and Ospreys away; they're capable of winning both but I'd imagine they might lose in Wales which puts Ospreys in the mix with a trip to Leicester to finish. Clermont will be depending on bonus points. Get them and they'll progress.

Munster should be safe with a BP win at home to Northampton given how other games are panning out. I don't see the Ospreys getting a BP at home to Montpellier or much away to Leicester so I'd expect them to be the odd man out.

Brilliant game, that last turnover was top class

Of Raka had held onto that he'd have scored, great tackle to make him pass though.

Ah yeah, very loose and both would struggle against a well drilled team, Clermont were just missing a good 10 to direct the attacks.

Bath v Toulon postponed.

"The pitch at The Rec was deemed unplayable and Bath said there were "up to eight inches of standing water" in the stadium.

Toulon still hope to play the match this weekend.

"Due to heavy and persistent rainfall over recent days, the River Avon has exceeded its bank-full capacity," read a Bath statement."

Postponing games is ok now, it seems.

Gloucester hosed for a second time and can still qualify for knockout stage. Shows the weakness of the competitions group structure.

The rain might keep the scoreline down and save some face for DmF

I think the last 16 will be

Les Kiss making a fool of himself live on TV

You could always mathematically win one game and qualify.... Now you can win one game and realistically hope to qualify.