The battle lines for the splendid new Champions Cup trophy – 13.5 kgs of sterling silver with five handles made of 18 ct gold – were drawn ahead of Wednesdays’ gathering of the Aviva Premiership clubs at Twickenham Stadium and the Top 14 teams in Paris next Monday.
Three of the seven teams in Dublin had been crowned champions of Europe in the past, Leinster Rugby (2009, 2011, 2012), Munster Rugby (2006, 2008) and Ulster Rugby (1999), and they are all getting ready to face an even tougher challenge in the slimmed down tournament this season.
Wales and British & Irish Lions lock Alun Wyn Jones is hoping his Ospreys side can maintain theri winning momentum this season and remain one of only two unbeaten teams in Europe to date this season by beating Cardiff Blues at the Liberty Stadium this weekend.
That game should be the perfect dress rehearsal for his young team before they head into their opening Pool 5 clash with Benetton Treviso.
“It would be very nice if we could translate out form into the PRO12 into European competitions, but we know it doesn’t work that way. We also know that some of our results to date have been flattering,” admitted Jones.
“We all understand that Europe is the ultimate proving ground for us and that regardless of how well we do in the PRO12 we will be judged on whether or not we reached the play-offs in the Champions Cup.
“Unfortunately, my experiences in Europe are largely limited to Pool matches and only one quarter-final against Biarritz Olympique. I’d love to change that and if we can get a few kinks ironed out in our game I think we can kick on.
“The tournament has been concentrated into five Pools and that has only made it harder all round. It also means the quality of teams in the European Rugby Challenge Cup has increased.”
Cardiff Blues and Newport Gwent Dragons will compete in the Challenge Cup this season, while the Scarlets will join the Ospreys in the top tier of European competition having qualified by right from the PRO12 last season.
“Europe is going to be tough but every group is tough in Europe. We have to relish playing against the best clubs and players in Europe,” said Scarlets skipper Ken Owens.
“The boys have got to try and enjoy it and put in performances they can be proud of. We have to be brave and not let the bigger teams get on top of us.
“We have to go out there and play our brand of rugby, we have scored some great tries recently and if we can tighten up a bit in defence we will be a very difficult proposition for anyone. If we get it right on the day we are more than capable of beating anyone.”
