The pressing question in European rugby union as the Champions Cup starts is how do you stop Leinster winning it for a record fifth time. At the launch in Newcastle, where next May’s final will be played, Bath’s director of rugby, Todd Blackadder, suggested it is a tournament where cultures collide – and that the holders have become adept at winning the collision battle.
The draw has placed the Irish provincial side in Pool 1 with three former winners of the cup, including Toulouse, whose record of four triumphs Leinster equalled last season in a tense final against Racing 92 in Bilbao. The Irish province look a class apart, all but an international team whose leading protagonists, unlike their French and English counterparts, have enjoyed a long pre-season.
Written by Paul Rees
This news first appeared on https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2018/oct/07/english-clubs-champions-cup-atonement-leinster-saracens under the title “England’s finest seek Champions Cup atonement at feet of Leinster | Paul Rees”. Bolchha Nepal is not responsible or affiliated towards the opinion expressed in this news article.
