This weekend the world of rugby was shocked to its very core as we lost one of the game’s greats. Anthony Foley was a Munster man through and through and he was also a loving family man and friend. Those that knew him, and those that admired him from afar, respected him immensely and it is a true tragedy that he has been taken from us far too soon at the age of just 42.
Right now our thoughts and condolences are with those that were closest to him and the anguish that they must be feeling is unimaginable. Rugby’s importance has been put into perspective and this European competition, and the season as a whole, will continue with Anthony’s memory at the forefront of all of our minds.
Respectfully Sunday evening’s match at Sandy Park had one minute of silence prior to kick off and all in the world of rugby are paying their respects to a great man who loved our the sport. He will never be forgotten by the game that he gave so much to and I hope that the season ahead delivers competitions that he would have been proud to have been a part of.
The round started at Scotstoun Stadium where Leicester Tigers were taught a lesson by their hosts. In my preview I said that I expected Leicester to find their form in Europe, how wrong I was. The Tigers’ early season output has been inconsistent but I don’t think that anybody foresaw a defeat of such magnitude happening in Glasgow. Matt Toomua was a lucky man to see yellow because on another day another referee would have handed him a red but that wasn’t the cause of their defeat. Across the park Leicester’s defence was porous and they were out played by their opponents. There will have been a tough video analysis session today at the Tigers’ Oval Park Training Ground because Racing 92 have the threats to dismantle them if they don’t improve.
Saturday started at the Ricoh Arena where Wasps ran in tries for fun. It truly was men against boys as Zebre had absolutely no way of handling their host’s physicality and creativity. There were delightful moments left, right and centre and the performances of a number of individuals turned heads, Joe Launchbury for example. However, as brilliant as Wasps were I’m dampening my exaltations due to the quality of their opposition. Without question the proof will be in the Toulouse pudding and I cannot wait to see whether or not Dai Young’s side can show that they have learned the lessons of their loss at Allianz Park a couple of weeks ago and deliver against a hurting European giant. 
Speaking of Saracens let’s just spend little bit of time focusing on their victory at the Stade Felix Mayol because it was pretty impressive wasn’t it? Saracens’ opening half was about as complete as it gets, they showed us all how you play European rugby and delivered a superb combination of intense physicality, outstanding handling from one to 15 and almost perfect precision. Many believed that the game was done and dusted at the break but the comeback that Toulon delivered was a mark of the character of former champions. There was a moment when you thought that they may succeed and take it, if you watched the game then you’ll know the moment that I’m talking about when Ma’a Nonu broke forwards with the game hanging at 23-28. Instead of putting boot to ball Nonu took contact and Saracens held firm before Owen Farrell added to their tally. The level of the output of Saracens’ squad as a whole was outstanding but a couple of individuals were immense. Mako and Billy Vunipola looked like they would fit right in with the All Blacks’ pack and Owen Farrell showed his class as he played as if his last competitive match was yesterday not in June. Toulon now head to Sale with a mountain of pressure on their shoulders while Saracens will march confidently to Allianz Park ready to dismantle the Scarlets.
At Franklin’s Gardens Northampton Saints were involved in a tussle with Montpellier and it took the boot of Stephen Myler, nicknamed the Iceman by his team mates, to snatch the spoils. Was it comfortable? You bet your bottom dollar it wasn’t but the four points are welcome ones give how challenging it is to progress out of the group stages of the Champions Cup. Within the nail biting victory there were performances to hail and praise; Ben Foden’s form looks to be returning and the mighty Louis Picamoles dominated against his former club. It’s a privilege to watch the Frenchman perform for a Premiership side and the go forward that he provides Saints is invaluable. Jim Mallinder’s side must continue to eek out wins while their truly complete form continues to be missing and next will be a challenging visit to Castres. On a side note I must just mention the childish behaviour of Frans Steyn; shouting ‘miss’ during a kick at goal is the stuff of playgrounds. It’s totally unsportsmanlike and in my book not the behaviour that you expect from a professional athlete and a grown man. 
At the Parc y Scarlets Sale Sharks’ two yellow cards and defensive mishaps cost them the chance of starting their Champions Cup campaign with a victory. In all honesty the real excitement of the evening was delivered by the hosts as opposed to Steve Diamond’s side and need to find their feet before Friday night. Possession and territory were difficult to come by for the Premiership side and once they found themselves 13-3 after 15 minutes they were facing a uphill battle that they never truly looked like conquering. This week Sale need to find some precision and head into Friday night’s game with a greater amount of physicality, intent and focus than we’ve seen from them in recent weeks. 
The final match of the round with Aviva Premiership representation was Exeter Chiefs hosting ASM Clermont Auvergne and Rob Baxter’s side were taken apart by the French leaders. Last time the two met at Sandy Park Exeter contained Les Jaunards however on Sunday one of the most threatening back lines in Europe had a field day. When you are facing a back line that boasts the likes of Nick Abendanon, Noa Nakaitaci, Wesley Fofana and co your defence has to be on point and Exeter left gaps that were too generous. The Chiefs had a period of second half pressure but couldn’t convert and Rob Baxter has asked to see a reaction from the side. He wants them to show their hurt and anger at not fully firing and their to Ulster will be a real test of their resilience and fortitude.
