TIME FOR A NEW CHALLENGE
Stephen Jones runs the rule over the European Challenge Cup runners and riders
HE CHALLENGE Cup has some excellent clubs in the line-up for 2018-19, but the overwhelming problem in forecasting a winner lies in their attitude to the tournament. Will they be flat out to win? Or will they use the tournament as a development vehicle for some back-up players? French clubs, in particular, can be notoriously feeble in the Challenge Cup. Shame. Here’s a look at the pools…
TPool One
Clermont Auvergne, Dragons, Northampton Saints, Timişoara Saracens Clermont, now charging after a poor and injury-wrecked season in 2017-18, could just be the best team this season in either tournament – if they want to be. Saints are likely to give it a crack but neither Dragons nor Timişoara have the power in depth to compete. Pool winners: Clermont
Also to qualify: Northampton
Pool Two
Ospreys, Pau, Stade Français, Worcester Warriors
On paper, a strong pool. Who will want it most? Stade Français made a strong start in the Top 14 and have form in this event. Ospreys and Worcester will have to really commit to make any impact, but there are some attractive fixtures here and it would be a shame to waste them. Pool winners: Stade Français
Also to qualify: Worcester BordeauxBègles, Connacht, Perpignan, Sale Sharks Connacht could target the event as they will find it a massive task to qualify for the main European competition through the Pro14. Sale can sift their fringe players to good effect, but the two French teams will surely throw all their resources at the Top 14.
Pool winners: Connacht
Pool Four
Pool Three
Bristol Bears, Enisei-STM, La Rochelle, Zebre
The loyal fans of Bristol will no doubt fancy the trip to the west coast of France in particular, though coach
Pat Lam will be desperate to run up