How Things Stand In The Champions Cup Pools Heading Into The Last Three Rounds

Halfway point.

Following this past weekend’s round of fixtures in the Champions Cup, we’re now officially at the halfway point of the pool stages as teams battle to secure a quarter final spot next year.

Round 4 commences next weekend, then it’s onto the Christmas break before the final two crucial rounds in January. But with the way things have gone so far, we can get a fair idea of who’s likely to qualify and reach the last eight.

Toulouse’s away win at Wasps over the weekend all but ended the Premiership side’s chance of progressing, with the French side looking like potential dark horses to win the competition outright.

Leinster’s win away to Bath means we will likely have two teams going through in this group, with the round 5 clash between the current holder and Toulouse potentially set to decide who tops the group.

Munster will be disappointed they couldn’t secure a bonus-point against Castres in Thomond Park yesterday, in a result that could come back to haunt them. They’re still in control of their group, but have to travel to France next week. And with Gloucester still to come away from home too in Round 5, they’ve still got a lot to do.

Exeter’s European season is all but over, so it will be interesting to see how Rob Baxter approaches the final rounds in terms of team selection, particularly the Round 6 clash with Munster at Thomond Park. Still think Munster will have enough to get through, but it’s far from certain.

Saracens’ thumping 51-25 win over Cardiff has pretty much secured them a quarter final spot with three games to spare. Can’t see them not going through from here with 14 points already secured.

Lyon are out, and Cardiff have it all to do. But Glasgow’s haul of 10 points in three games means they look likely to reach the last eight alongside Saracens in this group.

Last year’s finalist Racing 92 are in the same boat as Saracens with 14 points from a possible 15 in their first three games. They will likely top this group with Ulster’s huge bonus-point win away at Scarlets putting them in a hugely encouraging position.

A win at home against Scarlets this weekend and they will likely get what they need from their final two games to get themselves through.

What ends up happening in this group is anyone’s guess. Edinburgh are currently in the driving seat, but with just five points separating first from last – it’s all to play for. All four teams still have a chance, with Round 4 set to be huge.

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