Champions Cup 2024 / 25 - Round 4

[Leonormous Boozer]

The funniest thing that could possibly happen this weekend is Ulster or Exeter winning with a BP and qualifying on PD ahead of the Sharks. Pool 1 really showing up the competition format this year.

Half expecting Bath to send a 2nd string team? Consecutive tough games with the 1st XV and essentially have nothing to gain or lose as they can't finish lower than 4th or higher than 3rd unless LAR really **** up. (Again, what a stupid system where a 3rd and 4th place finish are more or less the same value)

 

[TRF_Olyy]

Half expecting Bath to send a 2nd string team? Consecutive tough games with the 1st XV and essentially have nothing to gain or lose as they can't finish lower than 4th or higher than 3rd unless LAR really **** up. (Again, what a stupid system where a 3rd and 4th place finish are more or less the same value)

England players unavailable next week so imagine most Prem sides will go strong in Europe as they'll need their reserves to not be broken during the international period

 

[Leonormous Boozer]

England players unavailable next week so imagine most Prem sides will go strong in Europe as they'll need their reserves to not be broken during the international period

That makes sense. Should be a better spectacle anyway. Top v Top with us chasing 4 tries and a big scoreline hard mixed with Bath's attacking ability could result in a bit of a mental game.

Although Leinster's defence smothering the game and our attack following it's high percentage approach could lead to the exact opposite.

 

[Which Tyler]

England players unavailable next week so imagine most Prem sides will go strong in Europe as they'll need their reserves to not be broken during the international period

No Prem clashes with 6N this year; so it shouldn't really make much difference.
I certainly hope that Bath don't go strong this week, this is a competition to rest the stars and give some game time to the backups; then we've an important match against Sale next up.
Then it's a 2 month break for the academy kids and 3rd choice players, whilst the starters either sit on a beach somewhere, or play for their countries.