In the European Rugby Champions Cup, last season’s finalists Bordeaux and Northampton Saints met at a sell-out Stade Chaban-Delmas Stadium last Sunday (Jan 11). Over 34,000 fans crammed in expecting a re-run of Bordeaux’s epic win in 2025. Many were there to vent their anger at Northampton back-row forward Henry Pollock, who was involved in the scuffle that followed the final whistle in 2025. Pollock is a young talent, a “McEnroe of rugby”. At 20 years of age, he is already rugby’s most hated man.
The contest itself was not a classic as Bordeaux controlled the game through a mixture of power and instinctive attack to ultimately triumph 50-28. Pollock scored two tries and was booed at every opportunity. He remains a box office attraction and puts bums on seats. These two sides may yet contest the final.
Elsewhere, Vodacom Bulls and Bristol Bears fought out a 110-point thriller, with the latter winning 49-61. At times, it looked like a 15-a-side sevens game, played with reckless abandon.
Glasgow had a controlled away win at Clermont, while Scarlets suffered more Welsh misery, surrendering a healthy lead before going down to Pau 38-47.
Leinster and La Rochelle fought out another 1-point thriller. This time, Leinster got home 25-24, with a Harry Byrne injury-time penalty securing the win.
More doubt surrounds South Africa’s club performances, with the Sharks going down to Sale. Maybe the wet, cold and windy North of England was not to their liking as Sale eased home 26-10.
Castres lost at home to a Bath side that has the depth to win this competition. A 20–43-point win at a stronghold of French rugby will send out a worrying message to all the remaining teams.
Scotland’s other remaining side, Edinburgh, piled on more agony for Gloucester coach George Skivington with a 26-24 win. Winning is becoming a thing of the past for Gloucester, as they also languish at the bottom of the Gallagher Premiership.
A club close to my heart, Leicester Tigers, easily disposed of Bayonne 57-14 and will rue earlier losses as they languish near the bottom of their pool, with only have a faint chance of progressing to the last 16.
Harlequins piled more misery on South Africa’s best, the Stormers, winning 61-10, while Toulon edged out Munster 27-25 and Saracens beat potential Champions Toulouse 20-14.
The last 16 after the group games will provide some pulsating encounters and gives all fans of the game esomthing to truly look forward to.
Wherever you live, enjoy your rugby.
The Global Rugby Coach, Mike Penistone, is a globally renowned professional rugby coach based in Phuket who is also an ambassador for the Asia Center Foundation, a charity for disadvantaged children. For more information visit: www.rugbycoachingconsultancy.com.