OK, so it looks bad. Seven European defeats for England’s seven Champions Cup representatives was their worst return in European history. Given four of the games were at home, it bodes ill for the reverse fixtures this weekend. Fair play to their Pro14 and Top 14 rivals but hang on; are we saying Bath have no chance at home to Toulon, that Leicester are doomed when they entertain Munster at Welford Road and that La Rochelle are guaranteed to win at Wasps? All are potentially competitive fixtures, all could still go either way. Even if three away wins materialise, there are two more rounds of pool games to come. Admittedly an away draw in the last eight is less than ideal but European fates are not solely determined in round three.
Related: European Champions Cup: pool-by-pool guide to the weekend games
Related: Six-try Ulster crush Harlequins to keep up European Champions Cup hopes
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