Bordeaux-Bègles/La Rochelle, Toulouse/Ulster, Stade Français/Racing 92… At what times and on what channels can you watch the first leg of the Champions Cup?
The European Rugby Cup is back this weekend with the round of 16. Holder of the title, Toulouse receives the Irish province of Ulster. Among the posters on the program, two confrontations between French teams: Bordeaux-Bègles/La Rochelle and Stade Français/Racing 92.
No rest for the wicked ! The Six Nations tournament ended a few weeks ago, with the great victory and the Grand Slam conquered by the French team of Fabien Galthié in front of the public at the Stade de France. The players have just found their way back to their club and the daily life of the French Top 14 championship which they must already pass in European Cup mode. Disturbed by the Covid-19 health crisis, the first phase of the competition delivered very few lessons. Defending champions, Romain Ntamack and his partners from Stade Toulousain, for example, qualified for these round of 16 having only played two of their four matches initially.
Toulouse/Ulster: Ulster has character
If Toulouse did not contest half of its group stage matches, the Irish province of Ulster managed to keep its European schedule. Winners at Marcel-Michelin against Clermont (23-29) on the first day, Dan McFarland’s men then won against Northampton (27-22). Two first victories before two others acquired in the return matches: in England (20-24) and at home against the Auvergnats (34-31). Each time, the difference turns out to be quite small. Proof that Irish players know how to fight and defend until the end, until the siren. The Reds and Blacks are warned. It’s up to them to deal with the setback recorded in Castres last week, despite the presence of the internationals on the lawn, was just a simple accident.
Two Franco-French clashes
The luck of the calendar and the draw doing things perfectly, rugby supporters are entitled to two posters between formations of the French championship. After clashing on the 22nd day of Top 14, Bordeaux-Bègles and La Rochelle met in Chaban-Delmas. Last week, the Maritimes snatched the victory at the last second thanks to a weakness of Ihia West (15-16). A slight psychological advantage, but also proof for Jonathan Danty and the Rochelais that they are capable of doing better than what they have shown since the start of the exercise. A few hours later, the two Parisian clubs also meet after a disputed first meeting a week ago which clearly turned to the advantage of Racing 92 (53-20). On the lawn of Jean-Bouin, will the Pink Soldiers of the Stade Français manage to take their revenge?
The TV program for the round of 16 first leg of the European Cup
friday april 8
9 p.m.: Connacht/Leinster live on BeIn Sports Max 6
saturday april 9
2 p.m.: Sale/Bristol live on BeIn Sports Max 6
2 p.m.: Bordeaux-Bègles/La Rochelle live on BeIn Sports 1
4:15 p.m.: Toulouse/Ulster live on BeIn Sports 1 and France 2
6:30 p.m.: Exeter/Munster live on BeIn Sports Max 7
6:30 p.m.: Stade Français/Racing 92 live on BeIn Sports 1
sunday april 10
2 p.m.: Montpellier/Harlequins live on BeIn Sports 1
4:15 p.m.: Clermont/Leicester live on BeIn Sports 1 and France 2