The post-Covid era of Champions Cup rugby rarely whets the appetite. It’s good, but with it being harder to miss the playoffs than make it; it lacks a certain something.
Although new generations bring new rivalries and storylines, there is something refreshing about one of this season’s pools.
Pool 2 pits Munster, Toulon and Bath together in a true pool of death, and this throwback scenario is an epic tale waiting to be told.
As squads prepare to swap domestic attention to a continental focus, Toulon and Munster sit in third spot in the Top14 and URC respectively, while defending champions Bath lead the way in Gallagher PREM Rugby.
On paper, all three will have eyes for a ‘cup run’ in Europe, but first they must crawl their way out of Pool 2 by hook or by crook.
Contenders?
Even if you accept that Edinburgh, Gloucester and Castres will each have a major say in the direction of travel in this pool; it is hard to look away from the power trio who will lead the way.
After some lacklustre campaigns of late, this year provides an opportunity for Munster, Bath and Toulon to lay down a marker as genuine contenders.
Bath’s Challenge Cup exploits should be celebrated, but the best team in England should only accept dining at the top table of Europe. A squad littered with world class talent - Finn Russell, Sam Underhill, and Thomas du Toit among others - should are an elite team on paper, even if they need to back it up on the field now.
Munster’s costly loss to the Stormers is a concern, but that statement win over Leinster, and an improved European run last season gets the engine running. As for Toulon, they should have been semi-finalists last season, but were hoisted by their own petard against Toulouse.
Whoever emerges least scathed in this pool will have a home round of 16 and quarter final clash at least, so there is a major reward for a winter worked well.
Home Advantage Counts
Like any international tournament, the biggest intangible is the draw. Who is at home, and how will it affect the outcome of the fixtures?
The advantageous position here falls to Toulon, who face both Bath and Munster in the Stade Felix Mayol. On paper, this leaves them best positioned to top the pool, yet it’s hard to say with any real certainty. They become the hunted, not the hunter; and every step will be watched.
Munster are most likely to pick up maximum points at home - against Gloucester and Castres, but having to travel to the Rec alongside the Mayol makes it as daunting as ever.
But, as over 30 years of history will tell us; Munster are the best team in the continent, when their backs are against the wall.
Full Pool Predictions:
Round 1: Bath 28 - 21 Munster; Edinburgh 22 - 19 RC Toulon; Gloucester 34 - 17 Castres.
Round 2: Munster 38 - 14 Gloucester; Castres 19 - 18 Edinburgh; RC Toulon 29 - 27 Bath.
Round 3: Castres 20 - 24 Bath; Edinburgh 25 - 14 Gloucester; RC Toulon 26 - 29 Munster.
Round 4: Bath 39 - 24 Edinburgh; Munster 45 - 17 Castres; Gloucester 20 - 29 RC Toulon.
Final Table:
Bath - 16 points
Munster - 15 points
RC Toulon - 13 points
Edinburgh - 9 points
Gloucester - 5 points
Castres - 5 points
(Flawed) Rationale:
As you can see, this pool is impossible to call. Pencilling Castres in for just one home win feels as likely as Munster taking a scalp on the road; but neither are beyond the realms of possibility. I have the Irish province securing a home round of 16 tie for the first time since 2022, but as always, they will have to do it the hard way.
Through bias or hopium, I can foresee Toulon fumbling their draw and finishing third; after losses to their URC opposition. Their squad is star studded, but like all French sides; they are susceptible to getting caught on the hop, as they have done in years gone by.
That slip up paves the way for Bath to top the pool. Johan van Graan’s men will be under no illusions ahead of Saturday’s opener at home to his former team Munster, and will be buoyed by their milestone win over Saracens.
Edinburgh could once again play the role of disrupters in chief in this pool. Sunday evening’s home tie with Toulon could have major implications if they pull off another home shock, even if their form to start the season has been patchy at best.
Whether I am 100% accurate or the pool is actually flipped come January; this ‘Pool of Death’ is the one to watch, and will go a long way towards deciding how legitimate some sides are in European contention.