It has been six years since an English team won the Investec Champions Cup, but former England captains Chris Robshaw and Lawrence Dallaglio believe Bath can end the drought. The West Country side, who won the Gallagher Premiership last season after a 29-year wait, currently lead the table again following a victory away at Saracens.
Despite a challenging pool that includes Munster and Toulon, Robshaw highlighted Bath's squad depth and the presence of Thomas du Toit, described as the world's best tighthead prop. 'If they can replace like-for-like, I'd be surprised. You think this is their year, the age of their squad,' said Robshaw, noting Du Toit will return to South Africa next season. He added that Bath's pack, which also features Will Stuart, gives them a luxury that will be absent next year.
Dallaglio, a two-time Champions Cup winner with Wasps, urged Bath to avoid repeating last season's mistakes. Bath lost their opening pool match at home to La Rochelle and a weakened side slipped up away to Benetton, ultimately failing to qualify for the knockout stages despite later winning the Challenge Cup. 'Hopefully Bath will have learned from their mistakes last season,' Dallaglio said. 'This is a competition where you have to say right from the off that we are going to win it.'
Both pundits are part of Premier Sports' coverage this season. Dallaglio believes Bath are the best English side to challenge the French heavyweights and Leinster, who have dominated in recent years. 'If there is to be a serious challenge from England, I think Bath are the ones to provide that,' he said, citing their squad quality and depth.
