Eddie Jones - England's Man

The rumours started in earnest earlier this week when the odds were slashed dramatically on Eddie Jones becoming England's next head coach. On Wednesday evening Neil Squires of the Express filed an exclusive that Eddie Jones would be appointed in the next 48 hours and that is exactly what happened as the RFU announced at 7am on Friday morning that the Australian would become England’s first ever overseas coach. 

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The recent work of Eddie Jones was evident for all to see on Saturday 19th September at the Brighton Community Stadium where his Brave Blossoms delivered the most surprising and well orchestrated victory that has been seen at a Rugby World Cup. From that point forwards the Japanese side delivered an unprecedented run of results causing them to be the first side in the competition's history to win three pool matches but to not progress through to the knockout stages.

In spite of Ian Richie describing the vacancy as ‘a very attractive job within rugby’ since Stuart Lancaster's departure, just eight days ago, the list of 'potentials' was dwindling at an alarming rate. Obviously none of us will know how these individuals were ranked and whether or not Eddie was first choice? If he was, then this appointment will be greatly satisfying for the man whose role is very much under the spotlight with this appointment. 

Eddie Jones’ career ticks the critical ‘international experience’ box well and en route to this point his coaching experiences have seen him cross cultures and countries. Amongst other achievements he is the man credited to finding and developing George Smith with the Brumbies, taking the Australian national side to a 2003 RWC runners up medal and being a highly influential part of South Africa's 2007 RWC victory as their ‘technical advisor’. So many individuals that have worked directly with the Australian cannot sing his praises highly enough and as an individual he is a strong character. 

In recent weeks Eddie hasn’t been shy about coming forwards in terms of key aspects of England’s governance. Indeed he has openly criticised the inability of England’s head coach to be able to control his own players saying to ESPN;

"How can you manage your players when they are controlled by other organisations? In my opinion, that is the single greatest task ahead of whoever is going to be appointed as the next England coach. Wales, Ireland and Scotland - unlike England, Italy and France - all have centralised contracting systems. The union controls the players. As a consequence, they produced competitive teams and vibrant performances at the recent World Cup.”

The question is will he decide to do something about this immediately in his role? If so what affect will that have on relationships with clubs? Or will he arrive and focus on the selecting an EPS squad for the RBS 6 Nations, delivering in that competition and leave the policy changing aspects until later?

Another area Eddie has been open about is what he deems ‘England need a proper open-side flanker’, direct criticism of current captain and number 7 Chris Robshaw. Just what will that  strong opinion mean for the future of the Harlequin on the International stage?

Speaking prior to, what turned out to be his final match in charge,back Stuart Lancaster’s advice to himself three years ago would have been; ‘Good luck, get a tin hat and a flak jacket’, continuing;

“It's a brilliant job but it's a tough job. I think people underestimate the complexity of how injuries, form, fitness, the EPS agreement, having so many players and the must-win game nature of England rugby affect the decisions you've got to make. I understand that, not having nailed a Six Nations or a grand slam and certainly not having nailed this World Cup there is no room for error.”

There are a number of pertinent issues that Eddie Jones will need to address, how does he pick up a squad and motivate a squad that will be so disappointed after a failed World Cup? How does he manage the relationships with Premiership Clubs and the current policies in place? And of course which individuals will make up his coaching team? 

Without question the pressure of England’s top role is immense, the union with the greatest resources and greatest player base in the world should be the one that is pushing the sport forwards and leading the charge. Currently England are not however my great hope is that this appointment is a successful one and one that leads to a very bright future for England Rugby. 

Audio Delights - Last Word Radio

On Tuesday evening this week I enjoyed being a guest on Last Word On Sports' Rugby Podcast. Molly Smith (@mollyraemaria) and Rob Mitchell (@LWOSRob) kindly invited me onto the show and we discussed all of the Round 1 European action, touched on the news regarding key signings, England Rugby's recruitment for a new head coach and then looked ahead to Round 2 of the Champions and Challenge Cups. 

The podcast was recorded prior to the tragic news regarding Jonah Lomu's passing, the understanding that Eddie Jones has been handed the England role and of course the announcement of Richie McCaw's retirement from professional rugby. 

Check out the audio below and as always do let me know your thoughts and feedback. 

Truly Exceptional - Richie McCaw

“This is the end of something that has been a big part of my life. I left it until now because I didn’t want to to have a foot out of the door during the World Cup. I wanted to make it about the team, not about the individual."

For Richie McCaw it has never been about the individual, it has never been about breaking personal records or becoming one of the most famous sportsmen on the planet. Instead it has always been about the black jersey with the silver fern on it, his team and striving to do justice the honour of being an All Black. 

The statistics that document his international career are staggering and may never be broken. 148 All Black tests, 110 matches as captain, just 2 losses on home soil and 3 World Player of the Year Awards. 

It all started on 17th November 2001 when Richard Hugh McCaw was thrown into the deep end for his International Test debut. The match was against Ireland at Lansdowne Road and although he began the game tentatively he found his stride and was awarded Man of the Match for his performance.

On that crisp Dublin day Nick Mullins was part of the commentary team working the BBC and just a few weeks ago he took to the microphone to voice McCaw's final professional outing, the Rugby World Cup Final. 

"What is important to remember is where New Zealand were at that point in Autumn 2001, they were in transition as John Mitchell has just taken over after a relatively short spell from Wayne Smith. Even the most ardent All Blacks’ fans wouldn’t describe it as a vintage team, they were searching for themselves."

"The week before John had said to us to look out of this young kid, as he is going to be special, however it obviously wasn’t the first time that a coach had said that ahead of a players’ debut."

Indeed for Nick Richie’s debut was more noteworthy due to the shoes and jersey that he was pulling on and endeavouring to fill. At that time the All Blacks 7 jersey had a great lineage and it is safe to say that now, after Richie McCaw's 148 tests, the jersey has been further fortified. To the casual rugby fan or observer McCaw’s work wasn’t always instantly recognised however he was absolutely critical to their success, as Nick describes it ‘Richie was that metal bit in an engine that many don’t understand however when it isn’t there nothing works.’ 

Richie McCaw had an unrelenting desire to achieve and an innate ability to motivate and inspire those around him. He was a true leader instilling his side with confidence and character by his sheer presence let alone his actions. Indeed Steve Hansen's final tribute to his retiring captain says it all;

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"In my opinion, he will go down not only as the greatest All Black of all time, but the greatest captain we have ever had and possibly the greatest player to have ever played the game in the modern era."

To play 148 International Tests is an achievement that I don’t believe we will see in our sport again. Richie's longevity defies belief as it was delivered in a position that is so attritional and causes players to constantly put their body on the line. 

"It has been a hell of a journey over the last 15 years. I've been privileged to do what I love for so long. Here's to new adventures." 

New adventures for Richie McCaw include working towards getting his commercial pilot license, he is heavily involved in the Christchurch Helicopters company and I’m sure we all would trust the great All Black to fly us anywhere around the world. 

It says so much about his respect for the All Blacks that Richie never considered donning another jersey somewhere else in the world. Instead the last photograph and memory of Richie McCaw as a professional rugby player is lifting the Webb Ellis Cup for the second time and making history. That is utterly fitting for a man that has broken records and done so in such a professional and humble manner. 

Richie McCaw, like the late Jonah Lomu, deserves his place in the history books as one of the greatest to have ever played our game. He has inspired thousands all around the world and has left the sport in a better place than when be arrived in it. From this day on the All Blacks will not be the same and one thing is for sure, the man stepping into that 7 jersey has some very, very large boots to fill. 

Champions Cup Round 2

The opening weekend of the European Champions Cup was played with events in Paris in all of our minds. It should have been a tremendous sporting occasion filled with joy however instead we were all reminded how precious life is and deeply sadden by the tragic events that unfolded on Friday evening. The sport has been further hit by the sudden death of the great All Black Jonah Lomu and as the competition continues we will all remember those that are no longer with us. 

This weekend 9 of the 10 scheduled matches will be played with Stade Francais’ fixture against Munster understandably postponed in order not to put the French authorities in Paris under even greater strain. 

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Round 2 starts on Friday night with a classic match up between Ulster and Saracens. History shows that these matches are always dramatic affairs however Saracens have a strong record against Ulster. Mark McCall's side have won five of their six European Cup meetings against the Irish provenance and crucially have been victorious in last three meetings. Saracens looked extremely strong against Toulouse and I don’t see any sign of them taking their foot off the gas. This season Ulster’s home form has been strong and although they are managing without a number of key men the province will be chomping at the bit to get one over England’s form side. 

On Saturday the Leicester Tigers head to the Stadio Comunale di Monigo to take on Bennetton Treviso. It is the perfect second round fixture for Richard Cockerill’s side after confidently beating Stade Francais in Round 1. The Tigers looked fresher and more vibrant going forwards than we have seen them in a long time and a fixture against less taxing opposition provides the opportunity to further cement their confidence. In eight top flight European meetings Treviso have never emerged victorious against Leicester and have lost by an average of 40 points per game… reversing this trend will of course be their aim however personally I cannot see it happening. 

In Bath the Recreation Ground will be rocking for a re-match of the 2014 quarter-final as Leinster Rugby come to town. Leo Cullan’s side suffered a shock, and heavy, defeat at the hands of Wasps last weekend and head on the road with their European position on the line. Bath Rugby haven’t gone through the gears yet this season due to their disrupted preparation and on Saturday afternoon they need to show us their razzle dazzle. This is the Out On The Full feature game of the weekend with a full preview en route on Thursday 

The Northampton Saints head north to the Scotstoun Stadium to face the Glasgow Warriors. The Warriors will be enjoying having their 21 Rugby World Cup players back and given Scotland’s performances should run out at home confident. In Round 1 the Saints recorded a vital win, only their second the season, however it wasn't beautiful. Although Jim Mallinder’s side have won four of the previous six European fixtures against the Warriors this one will be a stern test of character. 

Last weekend Rob Baxter’s Exeter Chiefs recorded their first black mark on an otherwise impeccable report card as they struggled away from home. The Chiefs looked off colour, they gave the Ospreys far too much ball and will be disappointed with all areas of their game. I expect some stern words will have been spoken during training and believe that the Chiefs will bounce back at home and showcase the fluid and positive rugby that we've enjoyed during the opening Aviva Premiership rounds. 

The final game with Aviva Premiership representation will be held on Sunday afternoon in Coventry as Wasps will host RC Toulon. This match is the ultimate test of Wasps’ form, was their victory in Dublin a one off or can they do it again against the current title holders? Watch out for the battle of the back rows including Steffon Armitage and George Smith, delight in the expected Charles Piutau versus Delon Armitage full back clash and wait and see what kind of game Quade Cooper brings to the Ricoh. The Met Office are forecasting a crisp and dry evening so expect this one to be a cracker to finish the weekend!! 

Opta Match Facts

• Ulster Rugby have won 12 go their last 15 home matches against English opposition in Europe
• Leicester Tigers have won all 20 matches against Italian opponents in the European Cup
• Bath Rugby have never won a home on home soil against Leinster in Europe, their only was against the provenance came on the road in 2005/6
• Northampton Saints have won 9 of their last 10 matches against Scottish opposition - with an average margin of 17 points
• The Exeter Chiefs are still yet to record a win against a French club in Europe’s top flight competition 
• Wasps have won 17 and drawn 2 of their last 20 home matches in Europe… however they’ve won just 1 of their last 3.  

Champions Cup Round 2 Schedule

Fr 20th Nov 7.45pm - Ulster vs. Saracens - BT Sport

Sat 21st Nov - 2pm - Bennetton Treviso vs. Leicester Tigers - Sky Sports

Sat 21st Nov - 3.15pm - Bath Rugby vs. Leinster Rugby - BT Sport

Sat 21st Nov - 4.15pm - Toulouse vs. Oyonnax - BT Sport

Sat 21st Nov - 5.15pm - Glasgow Warriors vs. Northampton Saints - Sky Sports

Sat 21st Nov - 5.30pm - Scarlets vs. Racing 92 - Sky Sports

Sat 21st Nov - 7.45pm - Exeter Chiefs vs. Bordeaux-Begles - BT Sport

Sun 22nd Nov - 2pm - ASM Clermont Auvergne vs. Ospreys - Sky Sports

Sun 22nd Nov - 5.15pm - Wasps vs. RC Toulon - BT Sport

An Iconic Gentleman - Jonah Lomu

As a writer you expect the words to flow, in any situation they should tumble over the page, however after waking up to the news that Jonah Lomu has passed away I have struggled to put pen to paper. How do I begin to do justice to an individual that changed the face of our great game forever and did so with such a gracious temperament and honour?

Jonah Lomu was a one off; he was a sporting icon, a strong and powerful individual on and off the field and a loving family man. His actions are immortalised in the footage captured from his time on the field and particular in the All Black 11 jersey and for this we, as fans of this great game, will forever be grateful. 

Brilliance transcends time, brilliance is ageless and watching Jonah full flight will always be a pleasure. Once in a generation you are lucky to be able to witness history being made and I speak with conviction when I say that no-one will ever come close to replicating the impact that Jonah had on our sport. 

The world of rugby has been shocked by the sudden loss of one of its true greats, the word legend is too often used however for Jonah Tali Lomu it hardly touches the surface. Prior to the Rugby World Cup I had the tremendous honour of speaking with Jonah, he was filled with joy and contentment being in England for the pinnacle of our sport. Jonah spoke with such love and compassion for his young family and expressed a great wish to see his boys grow up and flourish. He shared that they were already charging around with a mini rugby ball and it is heartbreaking to think that he will never have the opportunity to do that. My sincerest condolences go out to them and all of Jonah's family and friends at this very difficult time. 

Rugby has lost a true gentleman and a great man. There is a warmth in knowing that the most iconic All Black ever saw his nation make history this autumn however at 40 years old Jonah has been taken far, far too soon. Rest In Peace.  

Champions Cup Feature Match - Saracens vs. Toulouse

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On a blustery night in North London Saracens continued their 100% record for the season with a victory over four time European Champions Toulouse. The night after such tragic events back in France you have to wonder if Toulouse’s players were able to fully focus on the task at hand? Of course they are professional sportsmen however the alarming scenes that they witnessed so far from home are likely to have shaken them and if truth be told it was evident in their performance. 

In the opening half Saracens dominated all facets of the game from the scrum to the aerial battle with Owen Farrell in particular excelling. Toulouse simply couldn't get a grasp of the decision making of referee George Clancy and it cost them dearly as Farrell's radar off the tee was also tuned to perfection. 

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The flowing rugby that we had witnessed from Toulouse in the opening rounds of the Top 14 was non existent and instead they struggled to gain any continuity. In contrast Saracens looked comfortable with the ball in hand and turned through the phases nicely. Saracens aren't always known for their heads up rugby however in the drizzle they wound up nicely and had there not been a few basic handling errors they would have wrapped up the bonus point before half time. As it was the scoreline read 27-0 and it looked as if 40 minutes would be ample time for the home side to score two further tries take maximum points from the night.

Mark McCall’s side erupted out of the blocks after half time and scored within two minutes. The 5 points were put next to Chris Wyles' name however it all started from one of the easiest interceptions that Brad Barritt will take in his career.

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Toulouse’s only profit, in terms of points, from the night came on 50 minutes when they finally found themselves with a spot of field position to play with. Ugo Mola’s pack took matters into their own hands preferring to keep the ball in tight and replacement Christopher Tolofua bulldozed over at close range. In all honesty Toulouse never looked liked scoring again however they did do a great job at disrupting Saracens' set piece and defended with vigour to keep the home side out. 

Of course there will be questions asked regarding whether or not it was right to play the match given the horrendous events that unfolded in Paris on Friday night. Could Toulouse’s players really focus on a European fixture after watching such alarming scenes unfolding back in their own country? Personally I doubt it, however the decision was made with full consultation with the club. It would be doing Saracens a disservice to not credit the quality of the rugby, as they have done with so many clubs this season they didn't let Toulouse settled into the game for a moment. 

In Round 2 Saracens head to a place that they know well, Ravenhill, to face Ulster while Toulouse face Oyonnax back at the Stade Toulousain. If this performance had been delivered on any other weekend then it would have been hailed as one of the great European victories however given the backdrop the 32-7 result must be contextualised and therefore dampened slightly. 

Champions Cup Feature Match - Saracens vs. Toulouse

After the events that unfolded in Paris last night the matches that are continuing on this opening weekend are clouded under sadness and disbelief. The harrowing scenes from the French capital shook us all to our very core and at today's game there will be a minute of silence and a rendition of the La Marseillaise preceding the match to respect those affected. 

Saracens’ start to the 2015/16 season has been one filled with positivity as Mark McCall’s men have continued where they left off last year. In every round Saracens have shown their trademark physicality and work rate and will need both assets today. Four wins in four matches is a testament to their productive pre-season and last weekend’s challenging victory at Franklin’s Gardens will have been the perfect preparation going into this opening European fixture. 

The Top 14 competition started earlier than the Aviva Premiership and that means that Toulouse are very much into their stride after eight rounds of action. At the end of last season Guy Noves stepped down after over a decade in charge and handed the reigns to Ugo Mola. The new head coach has quickly got into his stride and his side have looked extremely well put together under his tutelage. Recently Toby Flood shared with Rugby World that they have a new emphasis on video analysis, something that you would have thought was a given, and the benefits of this is being seen on the field. 

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Both sides have packs that make the eyes water and of course we will all watch with baited breath as two monstrous back rows collide. Michael Rhodes, Will Fraser and Billy Vunpiola are facing off against Yacouba Camara, Thierry Dusautoir and Louis Picamoles. Rugby World Cup highlighted to us all, more than ever, the importance of controlling the breakdown and both sides will be armwrestling for supremacy underneath the floodlights at Allianz Park. Personally I hope that Will Fraser has another cracking match, he is player that deserves a spot of luck injury wise and one that has the ability to put his hand up for International recognition in the 7 jersey during the coming weeks. 

This season Toulouse's backs have been enjoying themselves, scoring 25 tries to date and a man that we all know well that has been pulling the strings at 10 or 12, Toby Flood. Toby has taken well to French life and alongside scrum half Sébastien Bézy has been the source of many points in the opening eight rounds. Maxime Médard’s pace and vision will be something to watch out and Gael Fickou is another man than has plenty of French flair. Toulouse will be looking to throw the ball around and will want to test Saracens' defence that has been rock solid to date in the Aviva Premiership. 

Focusing on the rugby alone this should be a cracking fixture however understandably I have concerns as to whether the players and management of Toulouse will be able to fully focus on the task at hand given what has happened back home.   

Saracens’ Key Men - Owen Farrell, Will Fraser and Mako Vunipola

Toulouse’s Key Men - Toby Blood, Sébastien Bézy and Census Johnston

14/15 European Champions Cup Form - Saracens’ Semi Finalists & Toulouse Group Stages Only

Opta’s Match Facts 

Saracens have won 12 of their last 14 home matches in Europe however their two losses were both against French opposition 

Toulouse have played 144 games in Europe’s top flight and have never lost more than 3 consecutive matches 

The last time Saracens failed to make the quarter-finals was in 2010/11

Teams 

Saracens: 15 Alex Goode 14 Chris Ashton 13 Duncan Taylor 12 Brad Barritt (C) 11 Chris Wyles 10 Owen Farrell 9 Richard Wigglesworth 1 Mako Vunipola 2 Jamie George 3 Petrus Du Plessis 4 George Kruis 5 Maro Itoje 6 Michael Rhodes 7 Will Fraser 8 Billy Vunipola Replacements: 16 Schalk Brits 17 Rhys Gill 18 Juan Figallo 19 Alistair Hargreaves 20 Jackson Wray 21 Neil de Kock 22 Charlie Hodgson 23 Marcelo Bosch 

Toulouse: 15 Maxime Médard; 14 Vincent Clerc 13 Gael Fickou 12 Toby Flood 11 Timoci Matanavou; 10 Luke McAlister 9 Sébastien Bézy; 1 Gurthro Steenkamp 2 Julien Marchand 3 Census Johnston 4 Yoann Maestri 5 Joe Tekori 6 Yacouba Camara 7 Thierry Dusautoir (c) 8 Louis Picamoles Replacements: 16 Christopher Tolofua 17 Vasil Kakovin 18 Dorian Aldegheri 19 Romain Millo-Chluski 20 Imanol Harinordoquy 21 Talalelei Gray 22 Jean-Marc Doussain 23 Yann David

Stuart Lancaster Steps Down As England Head Coach

At 12.03pm today a press release was issued from England Rugby entitled RFU Statement: Stuart Lancaster, the ensuing statement contained the information that England’s head coach has resigned ‘by mutual consent’ and will no longer direct England’s elite performance group. 

The words that Stuart used to express his decision are again a reflection of the extremely dignified and honourable man that England’s, now former head coach, is. From the day that he was given an opportunity until today Stuart Lancaster has acted with extreme integrity and endeared himself to many individuals. Personally I count myself extremely fortunate to have had regular contact with him during the past few years and have the utmost respect for the open and honest manner in which he has always interacted with the media.

However the fact of the matter is that elite sport is a results based business and falling short in a home tournament put the writing on the wall for Stuart when the final whistle blew against Australia on Saturday 3rd October. Following that match ensuing criticism and character assassination of him is something that I personally believe was uncalled for. Naturally we could all see that the results hadn’t gone England’s way however to deliver such intense condemnation of a man that was still in role and had a job to do the following week in my view wasn’t necessary.

This England Rugby squad has the potential to fly however I believe it is fair to say that the pressure of this home tournament stifled them. England’s players and coaches aren’t the first side in history to experience that and they certainly won’t be the last. Only individuals that are housed within the squad will be able to tell you if the management did not have the nous or experience to guide them through the pressures of the tournament, from the outside I cannot give you a viewpoint on this. The facts clear to the outside are that the management team's role and selection calls during the 2015 home tournament did not deliver the desired outcomes and ultimately have cost Stuart his role. Only time will tell as to whether those on his team will stay in the set up however you anticipate that a new head coach will want to bring in their own personnel.

The final words in the press release were that ‘the new head coach will continue to report into the CEO, who will now lead the process for recruitment, beginning immediately.’ At this moment in time all signs point to a foreign head coach being appointed and one that has a good level of experience and history behind them for that was the largest criticism laid at Stuart and his management team’s door. Personally I'm not adverse to this for if you look at the progression that Ireland, Scotland and indeed Wales have made under their foreign head coaches I don't see it to be a bad thing. My perspective is that if someone has the skill set and knowledge to lead an elite rugby side it shouldn't matter what their accent is or where they come from. Now the waiting game begins for the RFU's next move, the candidates will be pondered on and the speculation will fly. This is a hugely important appointment and one that they cannot take lightly however they'll be acutely aware that clock is ticking down towards the 2016 RBS 6 Nations. 

Read the full RFU Statement here

Time For A Spot Of European Action - Champions Cup Preview

After four rounds of domestic competition we turn our focus to Europe and the forthcoming Challenge and Champions Cups. As always Out On The Full will cover the campaigns of our Aviva Premiership sides performing in the top tier and with the pools drawn as they are, we are in for some cracking matches from the word go. 

Pool 1 

Mark McCall’s Saracens have Oyonnax, Toulouse and Ulster for company in Pool 1. Saracens have made the final four for the last three European seasons and will be striving to go one better this time around. Captain Al Hargreaves believes that those European experiences will be of great benefit this year and combined with their early season form the signs are positive for Saracens. For the side at the top of the Aviva Premiership table there’s no room to feel their way into the competition as this weekend they are hosting Toulouse.  The French side have a been flying in the Top 14 delivering 6 out of 8 victories and showing everyone that they have more than one dimension as their backs have been flying.

2014/15 European Champions Cup Form - Semi-Finalist 

Key European Men - Billy Vunipola, Petrus Du Plessis & Owen Farrell

European Opta Fact - Saracens have won 18 of their last 24 pool matches, but only one of their last pool games against French opposition. 

Pool 2

Pool 2 houses the Exeter Chiefs as they return to the top flight of Europe after a short break. The Chiefs line up alongside Ospreys, ASM Clermont Auvergne and Bordeaux-Bègles and are starting off with a trip to the Liberty Stadium. At the recent tournament launch Rob Baxter was open about his approach to the competition;

“It is a bit more of an opportunity to showcase your talents of how well you can play and what a good team that you can be - without that pressure at the end of it all you are going to get relegated or kicked out because it is not quite like that. I want us to use that excitement and freedom to show what a really good side we can be, to show the best of ourselves and to really challenge the other top quality teams in our pool.”

Exeter aren’t short of form and if they continue in the manner in which they’ve started the Aviva Premiership then I expect them to turn heads throughout their European journey.

2014/15 European Champions Cup Form - Not Present !! 

Key European Men - Jack Nowell, Henry Slade & Gareth Steenson 

European Opta Fact - Exeter have won 4 of their 12 games in the competition and all four wins have been over Welsh opposition 

Pool 3

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Pool 3 contains a side that have had a tricky start to their domestic season, the Northampton Saints. Jim Mallinder’s men will be looking to their fixture against the Scarlets to kick start their season and need to finally find their spark in attack. The Saints’ Round 2 clash against the Glasgow Warriors will be hugely interesting as the Warriors now have their 21 players back from RWC duties and all will be firing after Scotland’s strong campaign. The Scarlets are currently third in the Pro 12 and of course we all know the talent that Racing 92 have at their disposable, both now, and in the not too distance future!! Pool 3 is certainly one that could throw up some surprises! 

2014/15 European Champions Cup Form - Quarter Finalist

Key European Men - Ben Foden, Stephen Myler and Dylan Hartley
European Opta Fact - George North was the leading try scorer in last season's Champions Cup with 7 tries in 5 matches 

Pool 4

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Pool 4 houses three sides that are desperate to remind us all of their European pedigree; Stade Francais Paris, Munster and the Leicester Tigers as well as Treviso. Richard Cockerill has already laid his cards on that table and put a spot of pressure on his side saying; ‘it is a group that you can get out of, with respect to all of those sides, I think that they will be saying exactly the same.’ Leicester will open the tournament against Stade Francis and although the Tigers have lost just one of their last 28 home European games the French side will pose a huge challenge underneath the Friday night lights. 

2014/15 European Champions Cup Form - Group Stages Only 

Key European Men - Ben Youngs, Dan Cole & Tom Youngs

European Opta Fact - Leicester have lost just one of their last 28 home games in the competition 

Pool 5

The final Pool is the one that we have all been talking about since the draw, Pool 5. Bath Rugby, Leinster, RC Toulon and Wasps have won 9 European Cups between them, just one less than all of the other pools combined, and seeing them go head to head will be sensational. At the competition launch Dai Young clearly stated that his side will be a ‘better team for this experience’ and there’s no question that Wasps will need to be on their game to take anything away from this Pool. It goes without saying that they have the backline to cause their opponents all manner of issues but we need to see them gel and deliver immediately. 

Bath Rugby’s Mike Ford admits that their quarter-final trip to Dublin ‘still gets him’ and that he will be urging his side to ‘play with confidence’ in Europe regardless of their opponents. When it came to the big moments last season Bath didn't 100% back themselves and that was ultimately their downfall. There is absolutely no room for that this season as their European competition starts with a nice simple one at the home of the Champions! 

Wasps

2014/15 European Champions Cup Form - Quarter Finalist

Key European Men - Elliot Daly, Joe Launchbury & George Smith 

European Opta Fact - Wasps are aiming to win three consecutive away games in the competition for their first time since 2007

Bath Rugby

2014/15 European Champions Cup Form - Quarter Finalist 
Key European Men - George Ford, Francois Louw & Kyle Eastmond
European Opta Fact - Bath have won their last 4 pool matches in the competition including 3 against French opposition. 

Fri 13th Nov - 7.45pm - Leicester Tigers vs. Stade Francais Paris - BT Sport

Sat 14th Nov - 2pm - Oyonnax vs. Ulster Rugby - Sky

Sat 14th Nov - 4.15pm - Racing 92 vs. Glasgow Warriors - Sky

Sat 14th Nov - 5.15pm Munster Rugby vs. Benetton Treviso - Sky

Sat 14th Nov - 5.30pm Saracens vs. Toulouse - Sky

Sun 15th Nov - 1pm - Leinster Rugby vs. Wasps - BT Sport

Sun 15th Nov - 2pm - Bordeaux Begles vs. ASM Clermont Auvergne - Sky

Sun 15th Nov - 4.15pm - RC Toulon vs. Bath Rugby - BT Sport

Sun 15th Nov - 5.30pm - Ospreys vs. Exeter Chiefs - Sky