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Leinster made a flying start in Clermont, Connacht stunned Saracens and Toulouse survived an extraordinary test against Exeter. Meanwhile Montpellier bullied Bath at the Rec, the Stormers and Bulls piled on the points, and the defending champions Bordeaux-Bègles were held at Kingsholm.
The Champions Cup didn't exactly ease itself back into the calendar. A draw between the reigning European champions and Gloucester, a thirteen-try contest in Toulouse, a seven-try Leinster performance in France and a very uncomfortable weekend for most English clubs made for a fascinating opening round. There were exceptional individual performances, some very questionable defending and several reminders that arriving in Europe with impressive domestic form guarantees absolutely nothing. But this was also a weekend played against a more important backdrop: the death of Lions lock Hyron Andrews, whose teammates chose to take the field in La Rochelle in his honour. That deserves far more perspective than any league table can provide.
A. Clark (8'), M. Llewellyn (13'), G. Barton (33'), W. Trenholm (56', 60')
Tries
M. Page-Relo (3'), S. Falatea (19'), P. Uberti (46'), L. Bielle-Biarrey (50', 62')
G. Barton (9', 14', 34', 61')
Conversions
M. Lucu (4', 20', 51', 63')
G. Barton (40')
Penalties
M. Lucu (25')
Bordeaux arrived at Kingsholm as back-to-back European champions looking for a seventeenth consecutive victory in the competition. Gloucester, apparently, hadn't read the script. George Skivington's side met the visitors head-on up front, with their scrum causing serious problems and Jac Morgan bringing the sort of breakdown presence that can make even Europe's most talented backlines look uncomfortable. Bordeaux still had more than enough quality to threaten, despite Maxime Lucu starting at fly-half in the absence of Matthieu Jalibert. Martin Page-Relo struck early, but Gloucester took a 24–17 half-time lead through Arthur Clark, Max Llewellyn and George Barton. The visitors responded through Pablo Uberti and Louis Bielle-Biarrey before replacement Will Trenholm scored twice to put Gloucester ahead again. Bielle-Biarrey's second try drew Bordeaux level, and neither side could land the final blow. Gloucester will be disappointed not to have won having matched the champions physically for long spells; Bordeaux can be grateful they escaped with a draw. It was not a perfect start to the title defence, but it was a terrific reminder that the European hierarchy isn't decided before kick-off.
B. Curry (2'), A. Reed (8', 66'), R. Ma'asi-White (57')
Tries
Penalty Try (15'), K. Steyn (20'), J. Dobie (30'), A. Craig (46'), R. Darge (64'), O. Smith (71'), T. Tuipulotu (75')
G. Ford (3', 58')
Conversions
G. Horne (21', 31', 64', 72'), D. Lancaster (76')
G. Ford (27')
Penalties
Sale were 14 points up inside the opening exchanges, and for a while this looked like an uncomfortable afternoon for Glasgow. Ben Curry and Arron Reed capitalised on a fast start, but Franco Smith's side steadily wrestled the game away through the quality of their support running and their willingness to attack when Sale's defensive line became disorganised. A penalty try and Kyle Steyn's finish brought Glasgow back into the match, Jamie Dobie helped put them ahead, and the visitors led 21–15 at the interval. Sale kept themselves alive and reduced the gap to four during the second half, only for Glasgow to finish far stronger. Rory Darge, Ollie Smith and debutant Tavi Tuipulotu were among the key contributors as the Scots eventually ran in seven tries and secured a proper away win. The final margin flatters Glasgow slightly given how hard Sale pushed them, but it also exposes the difference in execution during the decisive final quarter. Sale have shown in the PREM that they can beat good sides; in Europe, stopping the opposition for 60 minutes isn't much use if you fall apart over the final 20.
C. Jooste (0', 73', 75'), C. Wiese (16'), C. Hanekom (36'), van Staden (46'), J. Rudolph (61'), J. Wessels (67')
Tries
J. Botha (43'), P. Mailulu (55')
H. Pollard (1', 16', 36', 47', 62', 68', 74', 76')
Conversions
L. Foursans-Bourdette (44', 56')
Penalties
I. West (9'), L. Foursans-Bourdette (32')
The Bulls didn't so much open their Champions Cup campaign as announce it with eight tries at Loftus. Cheswill Jooste got them moving almost immediately and completed a hat-trick, with Cobus Wiese and Cameron Hanekom helping establish a 21–6 half-time lead. Stade Français did briefly threaten to make a contest of it after the break, with Jacques Botha and Petero Mailulu both crossing, but every time the visitors found a foothold the Bulls came back with something heavier. Marco van Staden, Jeandré Rudolph and Jan-Hendrik Wessels added to the damage before Jooste finished the evening in style, while Handré Pollard converted all eight tries. The strength of the Bulls' carrying and their ability to turn possession into points were hugely encouraging, particularly after some inconsistent European campaigns. Stade Français, on the other hand, won't enjoy reviewing their defending in the final quarter. There are harder examinations ahead for the Pretoria side, especially away from home, but winning this comprehensively gives them a valuable early platform.
J. Jurand (32'), M. Belaubre (64')
Tries
T. Furlong (9'), D. Sheehan (27', 60'), S. Prendergast (41'), Penalty Try (56'), J. Conan (65'), T. O'Brien (76')
H. Plummer (33', 64')
Conversions
S. Prendergast (10', 42', 61', 65')
H. Plummer (13', 15', 39')
Penalties
S. Prendergast (35')
Clermont's supporters have seen plenty of famous European nights at Marcel-Michelin, but this was emphatically not one of them. The hosts led 16–15 at half-time, and Leinster had been untidy enough to leave the door open, but the second half was an entirely different contest. Leo Cullen's pack took control of the set piece, Sam Prendergast began finding space with increasing confidence and the visitors spent long spells camped in Clermont territory. Tadhg Furlong, Dan Sheehan and Jack Conan had already demonstrated the quality of Leinster's forwards; after the break Prendergast scored a superb individual try, Sheehan added a second and the visitors pulled clear, with a penalty try and Tommy O'Brien also contributing to the seven-try total. For Clermont, the failure to match Leinster's physicality after the interval will be particularly disappointing. Leinster's one concern was Conan's arm/shoulder injury, which requires assessment rather than speculation. For a province trying to finally convert European promise into another trophy, this was an excellent opening response.
S. Senatla (7'), L. Zas (15', 77'), J. Roche (28', 52'), W. Gelant (71'), A. Venter (73')
Tries
J. Owen (22'), S. Moody (50')
S. Feinberg-Mngomezulu (7', 16', 29', 53', 72', 74', 78')
Conversions
S. Worsley (23')
Bristol arrived in Cape Town with a youthful side and plenty of attacking ambition, but the Stormers' combination of pace, power and established international quality made this a difficult lesson. Seabelo Senatla's early break immediately put the visitors under pressure and Leolin Zas added to the hosts' early momentum. Bristol did produce moments of resistance and their youngsters were willing to play, but the Stormers were too quick to punish errors and too strong through the collision areas for long periods. Seven tries and 49 points tell the story of an evening in which the home side rarely allowed Bristol to settle. There are legitimate questions about the Bears' selection and whether such a demanding away fixture warranted a stronger travelling group, although the players selected cannot be criticised for the effort they put in. The Stormers will be pleased with the ruthless way they converted opportunities; Bristol, beaten heavily by Saracens in the PREM last weekend, have now endured two difficult results in succession. European away trips are unforgiving when you're chasing the match almost from the first whistle.
C. Prendergast (17', 46'), C. Forde (23'), S. Hurley-Langton (29'), C. Frawley (51', 63'), C. Blade (60')
Tries
S. Va'enuku (5', 57'), N. Caluori (11'), N. Tompkins (40+1'), R. Segun (49'), E. Daly (79')
S. Gilbert (18', 30', 47', 52', 64')
Conversions
O. Farrell (6', 40+2', 57')
Saracens led 12–0 early in Galway. A couple of hours later they were heading home having conceded seven tries, which rather neatly captures how spectacularly this contest changed. Sione Va'enuku and Noah Caluori provided the visitors with their early advantage, but Connacht refused to panic, found space across the width of the pitch and steadily turned the pressure around. Cian Prendergast was outstanding and crossed twice, while Ciarán Frawley marked his first home Champions Cup appearance for the province with two tries and a Player of the Match performance. Cathal Forde, Shamus Hurley-Langton and Caolin Blade also got on the scoresheet as Stuart Lancaster's side attacked with a confidence that had been missing during their URC defeat in Glasgow. Saracens still scored plenty, but their defensive spacing and inability to slow Connacht's ball left them chasing a game they had initially controlled. For Connacht, this was the sort of European night that can change the mood around a squad. For Saracens, scoring 36 points away from home and still losing by nine should be ringing a few alarm bells.
T. Ofa (17'), O. Jegou (30'), D. Niniashvili (39'), T. Latu (61'), A. Niusalelekitoga (76')
Tries
H. Wyk (4'), M. Brandon (34')
A. Hastoy (18', 31', 77')
Conversions
C. Smith (4', 35')
The scoreboard was always going to be secondary at Marcel-Deflandre. Lions lock Hyron Andrews died on Friday while the squad were in France, and his teammates made the deeply personal decision to play this match in his memory. They deserve enormous respect simply for taking the field. Henco van Wyk gave the visitors an early lead, and Morné Brandon later crossed as the Lions stayed in touch at 19–14 by half-time. La Rochelle, understandably trying to balance the occasion with their own professional responsibilities, gradually made their forward strength count. Tevita Ofa, Oscar Jégou and Davit Niniashvili had scored before the break, with Tolu Latu and Avakuki Niusalelekitoga adding the second-half tries that earned the hosts a bonus-point victory. The Lions fought throughout and were applauded off the pitch by their opponents in an emotional finish. Ronan O'Gara's side have the rugby points and an encouraging start after some uneven domestic performances. But the lasting image from this fixture should be the solidarity shown to Andrews' family and teammates, rather than the final margin.
B. Gleeson (6'), S. McCarthy (12'), T. Beirne (42'), F. Wycherley (59'), C. Casey (78')
Tries
W. Hulleu (47'), M. Machenaud (52'), J. Manu (66')
C. O'Shea (7', 13', 43'), J. Hanrahan (60')
Conversions
A. Gibert (53', 67')
Penalties
A. Gibert (2', 25')
Ten years to the day after Anthony Foley's death, Munster's meeting with Racing 92 was always going to carry a different weight. Played in Cork rather than Thomond Park, the occasion began with moving tributes and ended with Clayton McMillan's side finding a way to win a contest that had threatened to escape them. Brian Gleeson, wearing number 24 in Foley's honour, scored early, and young fly-half Charlie O'Shea handled a major European assignment with confidence. Shay McCarthy and Tadhg Beirne added tries before Racing's second-half response brought them right back into it, the French visitors closing to within three points at 28–25. Munster needed more than emotion at that stage: Fineen Wycherley's score and Craig Casey's late finish finally settled matters, while the province's pack did the important work in the close exchanges. It wasn't a flawless performance, and Racing exploited enough gaps to create concern, but Munster showed far more composure than during their recent URC collapse against Ulster. A five-try victory without an attacking bonus under the new rules, and a meaningful win on an emotional night.
O. Lawrence (18'), A. Green (24')
Tries
S. Hogg (11'), D. Taofifénua (47', 62'), A. Bécognée (74')
F. Russell (19', 25')
Conversions
A. Hastings (12', 63', 75')
Penalties
A. Hastings (34', 55')
Bath led 14–10 at half-time and looked well placed to make a positive start in Europe. Then Montpellier reminded them that clever, hard rugby can be just as effective as the free-scoring style dominating recent PREM weekends. Ollie Lawrence and Arthur Green had crossed for the hosts, but Montpellier's back row began controlling the contact area and the visitors produced 22 unanswered second-half points. Donovan Taofifenua took both of his chances superbly, including an interception that punished Bath's increasing desperation, while Alexandre Bécognée and Yacouba Camara were influential around the breakdown. Adam Hastings steered the visitors calmly, and Stuart Hogg had supplied their early try. Bath's mistakes and failure to win the physical contest in the final half-hour were as important as Montpellier's finishing, particularly after the English side's extraordinary 71–48 loss at Northampton the previous weekend. Montpellier, returning to the Champions Cup as Challenge Cup holders, have made a very persuasive opening argument. Bath have plenty of talent, but Europe exposes teams that cannot match their opponents' discipline and intensity when the easy space disappears.
R. Marta (24', 44'), J. Zabala (30'), A. Grandidier-Nkanang (71'), F. Brau-Boirie (76')
Tries
O. Chessum (8'), van der Flier (54')
A. Desperes (25', 31', 45', 72', 77')
Conversions
B. Searle (9', 55')
A. Desperes (3', 57')
Penalties
B. Searle (17')
Leicester's evening began well enough when Ollie Chessum scored early and the visitors built a 10–3 advantage. Unfortunately, Pau had Théo Attissogbe. The French international repeatedly turned seemingly ordinary possession into opportunities, helped unlock Leicester's defence and was instrumental as the hosts recovered to lead 17–10 at the interval. Rodrigo Marta scored twice, Jon Zabala made his mark and Pau finished with five tries and an attacking bonus despite rotating several established names. That is the detail which will encourage their supporters most: this was a strong performance without leaning entirely on the first-choice side that has started the Top 14 season so impressively. Leicester have been building momentum domestically with their forward-led approach, but they struggled to contain Pau whenever the match opened up and failed to turn their own good spells into sufficient points. One European defeat does not end a campaign, but a 24-point margin against a rotated opponent is uncomfortable. Pau, meanwhile, look increasingly capable of bringing their domestic confidence onto this stage.
A. Capuozzo (5'), Penalty Try (8'), J. Brennan (23'), T. Thomas (32'), M. Remue (52', 67'), R. Ntamack (54')
Tries
Z. Wimbush (1', 17', 61'), J. Yeandle (37'), S. Varney (39'), W. Butt (47')
R. Ntamack (24', 53', 55')
Conversions
H. Slade (2', 17', 40', 48', 62')
Toulouse played around 65 minutes with 14 men and still found a way to beat Exeter. That tells you something about the champions' depth, although it also says rather a lot about Exeter's inability to take the opportunity they were given. Zack Wimbush scored inside the opening minute and completed a hat-trick, while Rodrigue Neti's red card for a dangerous tackle on Ross Vintcent left the hosts a man short from the first quarter. Exeter led 26–24 at half-time and repeatedly troubled Toulouse, but the French side kept finding answers through their handling, support lines and remarkable ability to make something from broken play. Ange Capuozzo, Teddy Thomas, Joshua Brennan and Matias Remue were among the try-scorers, with Remue crossing twice. It remained a three-point contest right to the finish, when Henry Slade missed a penalty that would have secured Exeter a draw. The Chiefs deserve credit for going toe-to-toe with one of Europe's great teams away from home; they will also know that a win was available. Toulouse got through a spectacularly difficult opener, but discipline and defence need serious attention.
J. Pater (11'), T. Thame (20'), G. Hendy (63'), F. Dingwall (78')
Tries
H. Millard (46'), M. Grady (60')
A. Belleau (12', 21', 79'), J. Pater (64')
Conversions
J. Evans (47')
Northampton were the only English side to win in the opening Champions Cup round, though Cardiff made them work considerably harder than the 28–12 scoreline might suggest. A week after putting 71 points past Bath, Saints encountered torrential rain and a Welsh side that had changed nine players but was determined to compete. James Pater and Toby Thame gave the home side a 14–0 interval lead, yet Cardiff responded with much more purpose after the break. Harri Millard and Mason Grady both crossed as the visitors closed to within two points, while Anthony Belleau's yellow card increased the pressure on Northampton. The difference was the hosts' ability to punish the key moments: George Hendy finished after Cardiff conceded field position following a restart and Fraser Dingwall added the late try that settled the contest. Cardiff will be frustrated by missed chances and an error count that undermined some promising attacking work. Saints will be pleased with four points from a difficult afternoon, though four tries to two were not enough for the new attacking bonus. Not every successful European outing needs to be pretty.
Round 1 Verdict
Ireland's four provinces would eventually complete a clean sweep across the two competitions, while three of their Champions Cup representatives won impressively. For the English clubs, the European reality check was brutal: just Northampton won in the top competition, although Gloucester's draw with Bordeaux and Exeter's narrow defeat in Toulouse provided genuine encouragement. France showed its depth through Montpellier, Pau, Toulouse and La Rochelle, with Bordeaux still unbeaten, while the Bulls and Stormers looked formidable at home. Glasgow's excellent result at Sale ensured the Scottish challenge was noticed too. The new bonus-point rule, rewarding a margin of at least three tries, makes the finer details of these results more important than a simple four-try count. There is far too much rugby left to hand anyone a trophy, but the opening weekend has already given us some strong evidence about who's equipped for the tournament's tougher nights.
