Unpopular Opinion - The format is not the main issue with the Champions Cup.

A few months ago I intended writing a post defending the new champions cup post covid format , but to be honest after the first two rounds,I couldn’t. It really has declined has a completion and I think that is clear for all to see.

However I still believe the pool stage format with groups of 6 and 4 games, two at home and two away, genuinely isn’t that bad.

I get in theory why 4 teams qualifying from a group of 6 is stupid, where’s the jeopardy? But a huge huge factor is the importance of home advantage in rugby, therefore coming top two in your group and getting a home last 16 game is huge! As is coming first and guaranteeing a home quarter final. For some reason the media, many fans and even teams don’t seem to buy into this. But realistically any team that has ambitions to win the tournament or even make a semi final needs to be topping their group or at a minimum coming in the top 2. Even apart from winning the financial benefits of home matches  should be a huge incentive.6

Other issues with the new form at include 

Not playing one of the teams in your group - really don’t think this is that bad, avoids too many domestic repeats and frees up a weekend. 100% better than the pools of 12 where you didn’t play 9 of the other sides.

Unfairness of home/away draw - no problem with this at all, as long it is really done randomly and not to suit tv ect. I think this is a normal part of sport and look of the draw with regards who you get at home and who you get away.

No back to back Christmas matches - def a pity, and would be the one solid reason I see for 6 group games again.

To go back to the 4 from 6 qualifying and why in my mind it’s not as bad as it seems

And don’t get me wrong other sports I follow have brought in similar things with 60- 80% of group stage participants qualifying for the next round and I think it’s stupid

1st - two home games(huge competitive advantage and also financial bonus with two home gates) 

2nd- one more home game

3/4th not as important but theoretically 3rd gets an easier last 16 games

5th - challenge cup.

6th - elimination

In many ways it’s a great format as what you look for when designing a tournament is for every game to be significant to every team. In theory this should be that, but in reality the teams don’t seem to care about winning or topping their pool or really qualifying.

Why is this? Maybe the lack of prize money? The punishing domestic schedule? The dominance of few teams meaning the others are beaten on paper before they ever start? Whatever it is I hope to see it being rectified before the competition dies.

So to sum up, yes the champions cup isn’t as good anymore, but unlike the majority I don’t think this is just down to the format which is solid enough and going back to the old comp wouldn’t fix things