HC Pool 2 - Team Analysis and fixtures

The massive shadow of Toulon looms over pool two. After winning the tournament last season they're odds on to top the pool but will be challenged all the way by Chiefs, Cardiff and Glasgow.

Cardiff Blues

FORM: Many have said that they're only living on past glories but Cardiff will be looking to prove a few people wrong this season. They come into the tournament off the back of a good win over Edinburgh, but will be troubled by losses to Glasgow and Leinster and a shock defeat at home to Zebre. They've struggled to score tries in their games so far this season, only managing 5 in 5 games,  where most of their points have come from is the metronomic boot of Halfpenny and when he can slot them from anywhere in their half you have to think that he's still their best chance of victory. To do that though they'll need to focus for the full 80 rather then the patches that they currently do and work on their defence and try scoring to stand a chance. With their squad size they'll probably be more interested in dropping into the Amlin and progressing in that or just focussing on the Rabo.

SQUAD:

Cardiff:

PLAYER TO WATCH: It's easy to be drawn to players like Warburton, Halfpenny or Bradley Davies in that team. But for me the real chance for points will come in the massive form of Alex Cuthbert. For me a better winger then his International partner North, Cuthbert already has 3 this season and so has scored over half of the sides tries. He's big and powerful but it's his impressive turn of pace and smart lines that really rattle opposition sides. Look out for him returning kicks with interest.

Exeter Chiefs

FORM: Last seasons every bodies second team have struggled with results this season. In the Premiership they've won 3 lost 2 but it has been their disjointed style and poor defence that's been more of a concern then the actual results. They've shipped a lot of points and while they've scored a fair few too they've conceded 13 tries in 5 games so far. Countering this they've got an excellent kicker in Steenson and have found a far more potent attack once their forwards get on top of teams. The breakdown work is still good as well and they're more then capable of frustrating teams into silly mistakes. Another team with a small squad they'll put up a tough fight at home but will probably have to concentrate on securing Euro rugby next season over trying to do well this year.

SQUAD:

Exeter:

PLAYER TO WATCH: As always Exeter come into this comp with a team of relative unknowns compared to the star studded line ups that others can showcase. It's not so much about the names as the work ethic with the Chiefs and one player sweats work ethic every time he pulls on the shirt. Perhaps only really well known to people he's played against I have it on good authority (first hand experience for the poor sod) that James Scaysbrook is the hardest hitting, niggliest, toughest, nastiest little Sh*te and most dedicated player on the pitch every time he runs on. Without this glowing character reference it's still easy to see how he inspires the rest of the pack around him and drives their work ethic, especially in defence. If he can can help keep the score low then the Chiefs have the kicker in Steenson and the threat in the backs in Yeandle, Nowell, wrecking ball Naqelevuki and one of Englands ones to watch Henry Slade to cause a lot of trouble.

Glasgow

FORM: Perhaps the surprise of the season so far, Glasgow currently top their league and are 5 from 5 coming in to Europe. A massively impressive defence is the hallmark of their game so far having conceded only two tries in the Rabo at this point! With a gameplan that works around scoring a try and then defending like machines while the kicker for the day nails his kicks they could do well in Europe, as long as their pack and defence can stand up to the bigger teams that they'll meet here and as long as they curb their penalty count that's earnt them 5 yellows in their opening 5 games. If their smaller squad can cope with battling on two fronts then expect them to win their home games and then look to get the points against the weaker teams in this pool to try to squeeze past Toulon.

SQUAD:

Glasgow:

PLAYER TO WATCH: Glasgow are a side with a core of internationals that they base their team around. With the electric Lions Hogg and Maitland in the backs and exciting Scotland youngster Pyrgos at 9 they do have a lot of potential to score tries. But against the sides they'll be facing in this pool a lot of pressure will come through the scrum, and Ryan Grant will be the man to help keep that pressure at bay and turn it on the opposition. Touted as a potential Lion Test Player Grant never got his chance over the summer but will love the opportunity to show what he can do on this biggest club stage.

Toulon

FORM: Last seasons HC champions have started the new season with a little bit of a hangover from the exuberance of last May. They'll be annoyed to have lost 3 of their opening games especially away at Grenoble, but will be pleased that as the T14 has gone on they've destroyed Brive (62-12) and managed 22 tries while only conceding 7 (the only T14 team to have conceded less then 10). Of course they have the personel to warrant playing well in both tournaments and the depth to manage injuries and suspensions easily. They have a tough pack, good half backs and quality backs, experience in every position with Internationals filling nearly all roles. To be honest they have to be the team to beat this season and if they bring their A game they should go all the way.

SQUAD:

Toulon:

PLAYER TO WATCH: Look at that squad. If you ever wanted to see a dream team of NH and SH talent then this is pretty much it. Two names that stand out to me after the Rugby Championship are Brian Habana, as long as his injury doesn't rule him out for too long then just ask the All Blacks just how deadly the man is. He looks to have recaptured his A* form and I can't wait to see him tear it up for Toulon. One other man pretty much is the heart and soul of Toulon; Juan Fernandez Lobbe gives everything he has for the cause every time he pulls on the shirt. His passion is tangible and you can see his drive pushing the rest of the monstrous Toulon pack onwards. He backs that up with brilliant hands and a surprising turn of pace for an older veteran.

Fixtures:
Exeter Chiefs v Cardiff Blues, Sandy Park
Toulon v Glasgow, Stade Félix-Mayol, Toulon

That Toulon squad is just ludicrous, it's insane

wales606 wrote:That Toulon squad is just ludicrous, it's insane

Nah, looks weak  

There is literally no weak point in that team.

Still they lost to Grenoble and Oneyax so it is possible...

Kudos for mentionning Lobbe. Probably the player they missed the most so far this season.

ASBO,

no mention of Jonny Gray or  ?

Ach well, better under the radar! Shhhhh...