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This weekend we saw the knockout rounds of Europe’s two competitions, the Champions and Challenge Cup commence. Here are all the key questions answered for this weekend’s action.
Who- Mathieu Jalibert is just a glorious rugby player. Bordeaux were clearly the better side over Leicester. The fly-half played with complete freedom; he acted like there was never any pressure on him whatsoever. He ran and attacked the line every chance he got, evident in his 23 carries, which for a ten seems mad, but when it results in five line breaks, you cannot complain. He was also a big fan of a chip-and-chase in the Bordeaux sunshine, and it was remarkable how often it paid off. He really is establishing himself as one of the best rugby players in the world with outstanding performances week in week out.
What- Another moment of magic coming from Sunday in Bordeaux as Louis Bielle Barrey adds to his ever-expanding highlight reel. Around five minutes before half-time the winger got the ball next to the touchline just outside his twenty-two, with two defenders descending upon him. No trouble for the French flyer as he stepped inside Liebenberg and Radwan before breaking the line, handing off Blamire, skinning another Tigers defender before then stepping back the other way, easily rounding Steward to score. Running nearly 80 metres and leaving five Leicester Tigers in his wake.
Where- Franklins Garden on Friday night was rocking as they supported their side as they once again look to carry on their success from recent seasons in Europe. Even with two early Catsres scores within the first 11 minutes, the home side rallied behind their side. In a game that was pure chaos but brilliant chaos that included running rugby from both sides and cards and scraps involving Henry Pollock of course, which is always entertaining against any French side. George Furbank reminded every what quality he has, scoring a stunner and setting up a try to secure the Saints’ win. But Castres didn’t lie down with a late fight back that meant Saints won by eight in a 90-point thriller.
When- Now to shine some light in the challenge cup, which also saw some great ties this weekend and some shocks, one being the Dragons beating third place in the top 14 Stade Francais. Then there was nearly another Welsh side joining them in the Quarter finals as with two minutes on the clock, they had seemingly scored to put themselves in the lead through scrum half Kieran Hardy. However, it was cruelly brought back and disallowed due to a forward pass that set Hardy on his way to the try line. Always one of the cruellest moments in sport these days, as these are the moments you wish for in sport as a fan. And for around 30 seconds, Ospreys fans thought they would have easily had the moment that would have answered the question of when would have been the best moment to be a rugby fan this weekend.
Why- does something still not feel right in the Champions Cup in the first stage of the knockout phase? Seeing blowout scores in certain fixtures and some low-quality rugby in other games, mainly the Harlequins vs Sale game. It was also played in a half-empty stadium despite being the only thing left to play for in both sides’ seasons. The premium competition knockout phase should be the best of the best in packed-out stadiums. Not one team letting the other team walk all over them, and only half manage to take advantage and still let them back in the game despite underperforming hugely. At least in the big wins for Toulouse and Bordeaux, you can say they are the two best sides in the competition and operate at a level of their own most of the time. Even if Leicester and Bristol made it too easy at times. This competition needs to establish itself as the focus competition for all clubs.