French lessons handed out on the second Champions Cup weekend

It is Reconciliation Day here in South Africa, and I for one consistently think of the most transformational event that the world has ever seen involving sport. This was the way in which Nelson Mandela brought together a nation when the embraced the Springboks in their mission to win the Rugby World Cup 1995. Wearing the Green and Gold shirt with Francois Pienaar's number on the back has been an inspiration ever since for the Rainbow Nation. Having won 50% of all available World Cups must mean they have done plenty right.

I will come back to this later when looking at their current travails in the Investec Champions Cup.

The tournament itself has continued to emphasise that the highest possible standards are needed to ensure success. The French trio,Toulouse, Bordeaux-Bègles and La Rochelle look ominous already. What is more they have an intoxicating mix of power and skill which is irresistible and they are playing in a rugby style which gladdens the heart. Every week, they could and do put 30,000 crowds into their grounds. This is a result of longterm planning by the excellent management at Ligue Nationale de Rugby(LNR). French club rugby has hit a new level rather like Springbok rugby Internationally.

As Bristol Bears have found out, their teamship and quick hands simply do not cut it at the top level. Conversely, the International on-field class of Saracens and Northampton Saints have shone through and it is no coincidence that they are 2 from 2 so far. I also have a sneaking suspicion that Leicester Tigers are managing their squad well and could surprise.

On the Cote D'Azur, my dark horses Glasgow almost lowered the Toulon flag who themselves are showing a resilience we have not seen since the Galacticos of a decade ago.I am already looking forward to the Round of 16.

Meantime, back to the media coverage of some heavy defeats incurred by the South African provinces. Remember, their players are free to play around the world and they do. With their budgets and commitments to two competitions, not to mention the constant travel, they have some challenges. However, with their second team National Squad likely to beat most other countries, it's a very different scenario to say Bath or Leicester rotating their squad as they must. The big Springbok names are being dragged around the world with little or no regard for their welfare and the rugby administrators must sort this out - together, how many more times- until then the Boks stars must be looked after.

Lastly, for those on the look out for a no holds barred contest in front of a sell out crowd, Coventry play Ealing Trailfinders this weekend in a clash to see who will be top of the tree this Christmas. Both clubs would like a tilt at promotion to the Premiership and have been eyeing the mayhem at Exeter and Newcastle. They have both lost one match this season, to Doncaster and Cornish Pirates respectively, who are also proudly ambitious. This contest will not be for the faint-hearted and will showcase the Championship in the best possible light, although is anyone out there listening?

Christmas is coming, don't forget www.sportingwineclub.com for your festive gifts.......