French teams dominate predictions

Three days before the Champions Cup begins, journalist Robert Kitson of The Guardian forecasts that the European champion will be either Toulouse or Bordeaux-Bègles. Both teams are listed at the same odds of 13 to 5 by British bookmakers, placing them ahead of teams like Leinster, Bath, and Northampton.

French dominance in recent years

Since Exeter's victory in 2020, the Champions Cup has been won by French clubs every year. French teams from the Top 14 league have claimed six consecutive titles, with Bordeaux-Bègles defeating Leinster 41 to 19 in the most recent final.

French rugby strengths highlighted

Kitson emphasizes the rugby skills of French teams, particularly their ability to create space and exploit defensive mistakes. Players like Antoine Dupont of Toulouse and Louis Bielle-Biarrey of Bordeaux are highlighted as key contributors. Their offensive style is compared to that of the best New Zealand teams.

Tournament format challenges opponents

The Champions Cup now includes 24 teams divided into four groups of six. Concerns have been raised about the format, which requires teams to play four matches before the quarterfinals. The top three from each group qualify directly, while the remaining teams compete for the last four spots. New rules, such as requiring three more tries than the opponent for an offensive bonus, are seen as making the competition even harder for teams with less depth.

Opening matches set for first weekend

The first weekend of the tournament features Bordeaux-Bègles defending its title against Gloucester. The Guardian notes that Gloucester previously beat Bordeaux 26 to 17. Toulouse will host Exeter, with Kitson suggesting that challenging the favorites will require quick advantage-taking, discipline, and success in aerial duels.

Predicted final and future concerns

Kitson predicts a Toulouse-Bordeaux final on May 22, 2027, in Lyon, which would mark the seventh consecutive French victory. However, this prediction raises questions about the unpredictability of European rugby and whether such dominance is sustainable.