The opening round of the European Cup was notable for far fewer complaints by Prem clubs that they are always on the back foot against French or Irish opposition because of the salary cap squeeze.

This time it did not seem much of an impediment with five of the eight English clubs victorious over the first weekend, compared to only three of the eight French Top 14 clubs winning – although their success stories included heavyweight favourites Toulouse trouncing the Sharks (SA), and reigning champions Bordeaux-Begles winning on the high veld against the Bulls.
While the margins of victory indic...