So what can we say we learned from the first round of group matches in this season’s European Champions Cup?
It looks like rugby union fans are increasingly taking this competition to their hearts as seven of the 10 matches on the opening weekend attracted five-figures attendances with total spectators up almost 5% on the corresponding weekend last year.
There are nine previous European champions taking past this season so the standard is unquestionably high. Twenty nations are represented among the players listed and every one of them will be straining every sinew to be involved in the final at the San Mames Stadium in Bilbao next May.
Saracens got the defence of their title off to the perfect start when they thrashed English rivals Northampton Saints 57-13 at Franklins Gardens. The first round of matches tells us that points gained on the road are going to be hugely significant, though Sarries’ Pool B rivals Clermont Auvergne also won on the road, at Ospreys . Auvergne have now won 18 of their 25 matches in the European Champions Cup but have lost both previous matches against the holders and tournament favourites so will need to put that right if they are to get a favourable draw in the knockout stages.
Saracens remain the general 2/1 favourites to win the European Champions Cup again with Clermont Auvergne at 10/1 with Unibet.
Unibet have a reputation for quality products, great odds and innovative approaches to online betting. They offer plenty of live streams and they can boast one of the coolest and most extensive live in-play betting portals around. Throw in a spattering of great promotions on a regular basis and you have such a solid overall product with Unibet. Founded in Sweden in 1997, they started their operation in the UK a year later and have now amassed more than 2.5 million customers in over 100 different countries worldwide. You can bet on a wide variety of sports at Unibet.
Three-times champions Leinster are a best 9/1 to win this season’s European Champions Cup with Toulon, who won the Heineken Cup three times between 2013 and 2015, priced up at a best 10/1. But La Rochelle, who are making their debut in the tournament this season, are a best 25/1 despite making an impressive winning start at Harlequins.
European Champions Cup Latest Odds
Saracens (2/1), Leinster (9/1), Toulon, Clermont Auvergne and Montpellier (10/1), Munster (18/1), Scarlets, La Rochelle, Racing 92 and Exeter (25/1), Leicester and Ulster (50/1), Wasps (66/1), Bath and Glasgow (80/1)
