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European Professional Club Rugby

Heineken Champions Cup: In-Depth Quarterfinals Power Rankings

Heineken Champions Cup: In-Depth Quarterfinals Power Rankings

Heineken Champions Cup quarterfinals power rankings as club rugby's biggest competition gets one step closer to the final in Dublin on May 19th 2023.

Apr 5, 2023 by Philip Bendon
Heineken Champions Cup: In-Depth Quarterfinals Power Rankings

Now that the entrees are complete, it is time for the main course of the 2022/23 Heineken Champions Cup to get underway. 

Down to the final eight teams, every clash from here on out has the potential to be an all-time classic. In fact, as with every round this season, history beckons with South African Rugby looking to further make their mark as two of their teams look to complete a remarkable victory in their maiden seasons. 

So without further ado, here are the FloRugby power rankings ahead of the quarterfinals of the Heineken Champions Cup. 

8. Exeter Chiefs 

Background:

Promoted to the English Premiership in 2009, Devon-based side Exeter are one of rugbyโ€™s feel-good stories. Fighting their way through the lower leagues of English Rugby. The club built a rock-solid foundation which has not only delivered two Premiership and one Heineken Champions Cup titles but also seen several home-grown players become stars on the international stage. 

Strengths:

Focusing on a relentless pressure game, the Chiefs find their greatest success when they squeeze teams like a giant anaconda. Suffocating their opposition's set piece, ruck ball and shutting down outside runners in defence whilst holding onto the ball for multiple phases in attack. The Chiefs have proven time and again to be a tough nut to crack, irrespective of their form. Sprinkling in some of the gameโ€™s finest attacking backline talent in Jack Nowell, Henry Slade and Stuart Hogg, Rob Baxterโ€™s side wear opposition defences before letting their dangerous men do the damage. 

Weaknesses:

Currently lacking squad depth in comparison to where they were a few seasons ago. In a direct reflection of the English game as a whole, the Chiefs have lost more than they have gained in recent seasons. Losing the likes of powerhouse secondrow Jonny Hill, speedster Facundo Cordero and several others, the Chiefs look to be outmanned in comparison to the other quarterfinalists. 

Star Player:

There are a few contenders for this title. Picking from those who are fit, centre Henry Slade is perhaps the most influential of the Chief's backline. Offering a sprinkling of stardust, the England veteran is a true game-breaker who is in the prime of his career at 30 years old. Offering deft touches as a link player with plenty of pace to make a break of his own, Slade is a potent attacking weapon. In addition to his ball-in-hand skills, Slade has a strong kicking game and is a proficient defensive organiser. 

Point Of Reference:

The Last Dance โ€“ such are the challenges facing the professional game in England at the moment; the Chiefs are set to lose the spine of their team at seasonโ€™s end. Departing is a host of homegrown talent in the Simmonds brothers, Luke Cowan-Dickie, Jack Nowell and possibly Slade. Whilst their biggest marquee signing of the past decade in Scotland, star Stuart Hogg has announced his intention to retire at the conclusion of this yearโ€™s Rugby World Cup. Therefore, this is perhaps the last time we will see the Chiefs as title contenders for the next few seasons as they begin their rebuilding process. 


7. Leicester Tigers

Part of English Rugby royalty, the 142-year-old club has won nine Premiership titles and two Heineken Cups and produced more international stars than just about any club. Routinely held up as one of the beacons of rugby excellence both on and off the pitch, the Tigers and their fans are a force to be reckoned with. 

Strengths:

Physicality, doggedness, and passion are the hallmarks of all great Tigers teams. Their confrontational manner has often caught opponents by surprise and, as such, given them a leg up in the psychological stakes. This iteration of the Tigers is no different, with players such as Jasper Wiese, Handre Pollard and Dan Cole offering a nuggetty, uncompromising, and direct approach. 

Weaknesses:

Lacking a cutting edge in the backline, the Tigers rely on a heavy kicking game that forces opponents onto the backfoot. Unfortunately, this approach limits their options, and against quality, opposition can see them come up short. In addition to this, their front five at the present moment lacks that dynamic edge since former captain Ellis Genge transferred to the Bristol Bears at the conclusion of last season. 

Star Player:

Undoubtedly Springbok World Cup-winning flyhalf Handre Pollard is one of the finest number tens in the world. A physical specimen in the playmaking channel, Pollard is more of a kick-for-territory playmaker than a runner. For other teams, this could be an issue, but for the way the Tigers play, he is the perfect option. Getting great hang time on his high kicks allows fullback Freddie Steward time to do what he does best and contest kicks. Whilst when kicking for territory, Pollard gets his pack into great field position. Defensively there are no better flyhalves in the world as he physically dominates opposition ball carriers. 

Point Of Reference:

Rocky Balboa is the most relevant figure as a comparison for the Tigers as a whole. Slightly past their prime in terms of the heights the club scaled during the 2000s yet still capable of landing that killer blow, as their Premiership title last season proved.   


6. Cell C Sharks 

The Cell Sharks represent the Kwazulu-Natal region of South Africa and have a long and storied history. Founded in 1890, the Natal Rugby Union have frequently been the bridesmaids when it comes to international silverware. Runners-up in four Super Rugby seasons and quarterfinalists in last season's United Rugby Championship, this seasonโ€™s stacked squad look capable of finally getting over the hump in what will be Siya Kolisiโ€™s final season in Durban. 

Strengths:

Brutal power combined with pace out wide, the Sharks are a well-rounded side who, when they click, can cause chaos for the opposition. Making an utter shambles of the Munster ruck game in the last sixteen, the Shark's powerhouse forwards have the ability to win turnovers without committing too many bodies. This approach, therefore, caters for a well-populated defensive line that quickly morphs into a strong attacking shape on a turnover ball. 

Weaknesses: 

Consistency is this sideโ€™s Achilles heel, eight wins and eight losses in the United Rugby Championship so far this season is a direct reflection of the issues plaguing this squad. An early season coaching change as Neil Powell assumed control in the wake of Sean Everittโ€™s exit certainly contributed. The past three weeks are a prime example of this, two losses in the URC were overshadowed by a dominant 50 โ€“ 35 win over Munster in the last sixteen. 

Star Player:

As with any squad packed with international players choosing just one is bordering on unfair. In saying this, given his standing in the game and in South African society as a whole, Siya Kolisi is the biggest star in this squad. It is not just off the pitch where the World Cup-winning backrow is coming on strong. At 31 years old, Kolisi still has a few more years in his prime and seems to have found another level of maturity in not only his captaincy but his tactical approach to the game. 

Point Of Referenceโ€œ

โ€œNo more half measuresโ€ - Mike Ehrmantraut (Breaking Bad) thrown by the dramatic news that their head coach was leaving. The Sharks, instead of capitulating, have thrown caution to the wind and look capable of tearing apart opponents through sheer force of will. 


5. Saracens

Background:

North London-based Saracens have been the most prominent English of the past decade. Five Premiership titles and three Heineken Champions Cup titles since 2010 says all you need to know about Sarries success. Yes, the club were relegated for breaching the salary cap but upon their first season back in the top flight, they were back in the final. Currently topping the Premiership table by a sizeable margin, Mark McCallโ€™s side are back with a vengeance. 

Strengths:

Renowned for their wolfpack mentality, Sarries biggest strength is their relentless work ethic. Not always the most glamorous of sides from an attacking perspective, they rely on unwavering precision and persistence to get the job done. Defeating their opponents with a hundred jabs before landing the knockout blow, they are more inclined to keep the action close than rip open a defence. Sarries Utilise their big ball carriers, such as the Vunipola brothers, Nick Isiekwe, Maro Itoje and Jamie George, before launching power plays with Owen Farrell and the rest of the backline. In their pomp, Sarries wore teams down by going directly at their defence. In summation, no frills and no spills would be the mantra. 

Weaknesses:

A distinct lack of cutting edge may come back to bite them against sides who can match them on the gain line. Owen Farrell is a masterful kicker with one of the best tactical minds in the game but is not a renowned gain-line threat. Outside him is an ageing backline that is still capable of creating moments of magic but is not the same threat as years gone by. 

Star Player:

Captain Owen Farrell appears to have come out of the funk that plagued the early portions of his Guinness Six Nations campaign. Coming into the Championship, he had been in red hot form, yet he was not impervious to lack of direction from the new coach staff who chopped and changed both their tactics and selections. This instability was reflected in Farrellโ€™s performances, most notably from the kicking tee, where he was far from his world-class best. Now back in an environment that he is comfortable with, the England captain will need to grab games by the scruff of the neck if Saracens are to fulfil their ambitions. 

Point Of Reference:

โ€œYโ€™all know me, still the same O.โ€.โ€โ€“ Dr Dre: Out of sight, out of mind for two years due to their relegation. Saracens are fuelled by the hypocrisy of the only side falling foul of the salary cap, given the subsequent evidence that would prove their competitors were joining them in bending the rules. 


4. La Rochelle

Background:

The French equivalent of Exeter in many ways, having enjoyed a rather meteoric rise from forgotten club to Heineken Cup champions. Founded in 1898, the Atlantic coast club has long been a focal point of the town. Yet, with the arrival of current head coach Ronan Oโ€™Gara, they have risen to such a degree that they are rightly regarded as one of the very best clubs in the world. 

Strengths:

Unrelenting physicality unlike any other side in the competition. More specifically, sheer bulk, given they currently possess some of the biggest players in the world, such as Will Skelton6โ€™8โ€8โ€, 310lbs), Joel Scalvi6โ€™3โ€3โ€, 320lbs), Uini Antonio6โ€™4โ€4โ€, 330lbs) to list just three of their monster pack. In the backline, their centres run hard, direct and bruising lines, whilst their back three are lightning-quick. In the halfbacks, Tawera Kerr-Barlow and Antoine Hastoy probe defensive lines as they suck in defences opening further space out wide. Flyhalf Hastoy has been one of the finds of the season and has clearly benefitted from Oโ€™Garaโ€™s mentorship. Finally, their never-say-die attitude has seen them squeak out famous late victories, including last seasonโ€™s final against Leinster and last weekโ€™s round of 16 clash with Gloucester. 

Weaknesses:

Slow starts have at times, plagued La Rochelle as they have slumped to large deficits early in contests. Yes, they have shown a propensity to come back, but as the competition gets better, this could prove to be their undoing. Outside of this, it is hard to find faults with the current champions. 

Point Of Referenceโ€œ

"My power is discombobulatingly devastating. I could feel his muscle tissues collapse under my force. Itโ€™s ludicrous these mortals even attempt to enter my realmโ€.โ€- Mike Tyson is the first figure who comes to mind when thinking about La Rochelle. Capable of landing heavy blow after heavy blow, the blue and yellow of western France wear down their opponents before ultimately coming out on top. 


3. DHL Stormers

Reigning URC Champions the DHL Stormers represent the Western Province Rugby Union in South Africa. Playing their home games at the DHL Stadium, the Stormers won their first piece of major silverware last season as they saw off arch-rivals the Vodacom Bulls for URC honours. Having come up short countless times during their Super Rugby days, the Cape Town franchise are now firmly the top dogs in South African rugby. 

Strengths:

Pace, creativity and fundamentals are the three hallmarks of John Dobsonโ€™s team. Arguably the quickest team across the board in the competition, the Stormers have the ability to win a game in a matter of minutes. No position on the pitch is out of bounds when it comes to launching an attack, with star playmakers Manie Libbok and Damian Willemse capable of creating magic out of nothing. Yet, for all of their bluster, the Stormers remain one of the most fundamentally sound teams in the game. Dominant at set-piece time, strong in the kicking game and strong in the defensive they are the complete package. 

Weaknesses:

Overexuberance is perhaps the most glaring potential issue facing this squad. As much as they are lauded for their daring attitude against physical European teams on heavy, slow pitches, they have at times been found out. Sometimes reverting to their natural instinct to have a crack when the safer options would have been preferable. 

Star Player:

Springbok utility back Damian Willemse is, without a doubt, one of the finest rugby players in the game today. Equally adept at flyhalf, centre or fullback, Willemseโ€™s physicality, pace, and creativity is a marvel. The challenge, as ever for any utility back, is nailing down a position, but in this case, there is no chance it will work against him, given that his coaches know that they simply cannot leave him out. 

Point Of Reference

โ€œWeโ€™re here trendsetting, innovating and representing the game we love so muchโ€ โ€“ Ant Atkinson. More so than any other team in the game today, this Stormers side are the closest comparison to the Harlem Globetrotters. Playing with a smile on their face, unafraid to try the daring option, they are a blast to watch. 


2. Toulouse

Background:

European Rugbyโ€™s most successful club, with five Heineken Champions Cup titles to their name to go along with their 21 French titles, no team can match their success. In their current iteration, they completed a famous double by winning both the French Top 14 and Heineken Champions Cup in 2021. 

Strengths:

Where to start, everything? Whether it is dominating teams up front, ripping them to shreds in attack or pinning them back with kicks, Toulouse can do it all. The only team who can match La Rochelle physically, keep up with the Stormers for pace and tactically battle Leinster. Their ranking as one of the favourites for both the Champions Cup and the Top 14 is completely justified. 

Weaknesses:

On the flip side of their strengths, none? Well, not entirely, but close to it. The one area they have shown to be venerable is in their mentality. All six of their losses have been either against opposition they shouldโ€™ve beaten or complete no-shows against (La Rochelle & Toulon). As head-scratching as it is, they have been prone to these slip-ups, but in truth, it is unlikely, with so much on the line this will happen at any point in the knockout stages. 

Star Player:

There is only one choice here. Star scrumhalf Antoine Dupont is quite possibly the best player we have seen since Dan Carter. Simply unplayable at times. No other player takes over a game like Dupont. Such is his dominance; it often feels as though there are three of him on the pitch. Brutal in defence as he bullies players far bigger than him, mesmeric in attack as he runs circles around defenders and calculated in his tactical approach. Dupont is the complete rugby player and is no doubt the Michael Jordan of rugby. 

Point Of Reference

โ€œThere will be a time to reflect back and count them up, but Iโ€™m still chasing it now Itโ€™s a new season, and I am still chasing itโ€.โ€ Bill Belichick. The England Patriots during the Belichick/Brady era are the only sports dynasty (excluding the New Zealand All Blacks) that can truly compare to what Toulouse have achieved. Sustained excellence over an exceptionally long period sets them apart from any other French rugby team. 


1 . Leinster

Irish giants Leinster are based in the country's capital Dublin and play their games between the Royal Dublin Society Stadium and the Aviva Stadium. Winning four titles, they are breathing down Toulouseโ€™s neck as the most successful team in the competitionโ€™s history. Having long underachieved despite being stacked with talent, Leinster got over the hump in 2009 through a miraculous comeback led by current club captain Jonathan Sexton. Since then, they have gone on develop the best academy in world rugby that has become a factory line of talent for the national side. With the final set to take place in Dublin later this season, all challengers will need to come to fortress Aviva. 

Strengths:

Clinical precision, creativity and discipline are the hallmarks of the Leinster games. Simply put, few teams in the world can match their pace of play, breakdown efficiency and well-organised defence. Throw in the individual brilliance of players such as James Lowe, Garry Ringrose, Hugo Keenan and world player of the Year Josh van der Flier, and you can see why they are so formidable. 

Weakness:

There are two potential areas where Leinster could come up short based on their history. The first is dealing with the physicality of sides such as La Rochelle, who have defeated them in the 2021 semi-final and 2022 final. Prior to this, Saracens had done a number on them at the same stages in previous competitions. Yet, this appears to have, by and large, been rectified with the emergence of new physical specimens such as Caelen Doris, Jason Jenkins and Michael Alaโ€™alatoa to their squad. The second point is that talisman Jonathan Sexton is out for the remainder of the season due to injury. His replacement Ross Byrne has proven to be more than capable a replacement, yet Sextonsโ€™ experience, temperament and aura cannot be underestimated. 

Star Player:

Leinster are more of a sum of their parts squad than just individuals. Given they can pick a full international team on any given day, their squad depth is unmatched by even the big French sides. On current form, their best player must surely be Caelen Doris, who could miss the quarterfinals as he rehabs an injury he sustained whilst playing for Ireland. Simply put, Doris is a phenomenon and is possibly the best backrow player in the world at the moment. Having said that, his teammate van der Flier is the reigning player of the year, so again, you can see the conundrum when trying to select just one player. In the backline, Garry Ringrose is certainly, at the very least, joint with South Africansโ€™ Lukhanyo Am as the best centre in the world. Again, therein lies the issue with this process. 

Point Of Reference:

Alex Ferguson-era Manchester United are the closest comparison for this side. Having a conveyer belt of talent and success both domestically and in Europe, all the while being spearheaded by a driven and uncompromising Irish captain (Roy Keane and Sexton). As the great Ferguson said, โ€œOnce you bid farewell to discipline, you say goodbye to successโ€. Leinster are like a finely tuned army regiment, driven to succeed and unflinching in the face of adversity. They are greatness personified and are heavy favourites to win this seasonโ€™s championship.


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