Champions Cup has a jeopardy problem: can anyone stop the Top 14 giants?
A seventh consecutive French title looks likely with lopsided odds again favouring Toulouse and Bordeaux-Bègles The world is currently awash with uncertainty but not, sadly, in the case of rugby’s Champions Cup. This season’s winners will be either Toulouse or Bordeaux-Bègles. Next question?
Such is the French stranglehold on the tournament – six consecutive years and counting – that it grows ever harder, given the existing structure and regulations, to see anyone upsetting the increasingly lopsided odds. Bookmakers are quoting the Top 14 powerhouses at 13-5 each for the title, with Leinster, Bath, Northampton and Montpellier just about visible in the distance behind them. There might be an argument for adding the Stormers and Glasgow to the chasing peloton but that’s about it.
A 24-team competition reduced to a handful of serious contenders before a ball is kicked? It is not the greatest of portents. This is an extract from our weekly rugby union email, the Breakdown. To subscribe just visit this page and follow the instructions.
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