European and South African teams in Champions' Cup 2023/24

[Robespierre]

Round 1 is this weekend and these are the fixtures:

Friday 8th
Connacht v Union Bordeaux/Bègles
Glasgow v Northampton

Saturday 9th
Bulls v Saracens
Bristol v Lyon
Bath v Ulster
Toulouse v Cardiff
Toulon v Exeter
Munster v Bayonne

Sunday 10th
Racing v Harlequins
Sale v Stade Français
La Rochelle v Leinster
Leicester v Stormers

Apart from the usual suspects like Leinster, Saracens and La Rochelle, who do you all think could do well?

Of the French, I think Toulon will be a side to be reckoned with, after a few years in the European backwaters.
Toulouse, however, might struggle to qualify. They start with Cardiff at home and then have tough away games at Ulster and Harlequins and Bath at home.
On the British side of the Channel I've a feeling that Bath could do well.
I don't usually cheer for Saracens, but if they can beat Bulls in Pretoria, then that'll put a big dent in the South Africans' chances of qualifying!

[Rugbygramps]

Saracens will depend on Farrell fitness.
After that I like Racing and Munster and possibly Bordeaux who seem to be playing some decent stuff with Penaud on the wing

[LE18]

I dont follow SA rugby, what are Stormers like?
Think I might see what the bookies say, they dont get it wrong very often.

[Rugbygramps]

I dont follow SA rugby, what are Stormers like?
Think I might see what the bookies say, they dont get it wrong very often.

They have a number of the current SA squad, Willemse and Fourie , to name a couple, but the indication is that they may send a weaker squad over, due to the travelling and then having a number of games at home on the bounce.
That being said I’m sure they have plenty of strength in depth and will give us a stern test

[Scott1]

Glasgow 5 Saints 22 HT

[RagingBull]

Slightly worried Hurd and Henderson must be looking really good options for these Scottish teams soon.

[Rugbygramps]

With Hastings injured has Finn Smith played himself into the Scottish 6 nations squad

[ay2oh]

Saints handling in horrendous conditions has been amazing.

[Soggypitch]

Saints handling in horrendous conditions has been amazing.

Yes a very good away win for Saints. I think Freeman is a good long term option for England at centre (13), possibly with Lawrence at 12 (although I would love to see Kelly back to top form and challenging).

[Rugbygramps]

Don’t think anyone saw that coming

[Darc Tiger]

Brilliant smash and grab from the young Chiefs

[Ashurstwoodtiger]

And so the TV Finn Russell love in contiues

[Robespierre]

Toulouse leading Cardiff 31-7 with a bp before halftime.

[Scott1]

Bulls 20 Sarries 6 HT

[LE18]

Bulls 20 Sarries 6 HT

Billy red card.