In an edition that ended in a duel between Toulouse and Rochelace, it’s one less than last season. But the fact is that in three weeks the tricolor will represent the best: its team will have two English clubs (Sail, Leicester) and two Irish provinces (Munster and Leinster). This is definitely not a guarantee of success …

In an edition that ended in a duel between Toulouse and Rochelace, it’s one less than last season. But the fact is that in three weeks the tricolor will represent the best: its team will have two English clubs (Sail, Leicester) and two Irish provinces (Munster and Leinster). Of course, this is not a guarantee of success in any way …

1 “Top 14 Side” La Rochelle

Inevitably, the majority of French clubs are part of the list. The winner of the Marcel-Deflandre duel between Schotted Rochelle and Montpellier will face the Steded Franchise Il-de-France this Sunday (33-22), beating Racing 92 in the semi-finals (33-22) at the English Premier League. Gregory Aldrit said on Saturday he would have picked a British team in the quarter-finals. If Stade Rochelais manages to extend its European spring, it must have the very well-marked Top 14 flavors.

Ronan Ogara’s team has not yet arrived. Before that, she would have to drop the current leader in the top 14. She is a two-time losing opponent this season (21-11 at the Herald and 23-29 at the Deflandre). “We have already played and lost twice against Montpellier, and this is a big challenge for us,” said Donacha Ryan, co-coach in charge of the Maritime Forward. But the European course of the Heralds proves it, and they are not infallible: following the qualifying stage by Kovid Scramble, they found that they had won only two of the five matches they had played.

“We have to raise our rugby standards to win a quarter in Ireland”

2 Toulouse with large Irish and English weapons

The reigning champions, Toulouse, performed well last week (20-26) with a win at Ulster’s ground (23-30) due to a defeat at home. The pride of the champion may be behind this result. But to expect their adventure to extend beyond the quarter-finals, Antoine DuPont’s teammates will have to redeploy him.

Because they have to go back to Ireland to face Monster. The old and tough opponent they won in the 16th round last season. “If we want to win a quarter in Ireland, we have to raise the standard of rugby,” manager Ugo Mole said after his team wondered with a broad smile, “If not fools.” She was wrong in her strategy. .

The longevity of Stade Toulouse in this competition will depend on this ability. They actually find themselves in the middle of the list grouping the main favorites. The inevitable Irish first from Leinster, but also the Englishmen from Leicester, and the leaders of their championship. Two opponents who will make home gains in the semis if they qualify for the French …