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'What’s not to like? I don’t get the critics': Lawrence Dallaglio
By Jon Newcombe
Former England captain and two-time Heineken Cup winner, Lawrence Dallaglio, has sprung to the defence of the Investec Champions Cup amid criticism it is a pale shadow of its former self.
Dallaglio, who led Wasps to Heineken Cup glory in 2007, having also won it in 2004, is now front and centre of Premier Sports’ coverage of the tournament, which has reached the final round of pool play.
South African involvement, the change of format and a lack of real jeopardy, given two-thirds of the teams make it to the knockout stages, have all diminished the appeal of the crown jewel of northern hemisphere club rugby in the eyes of some pundits and supporters, but not Dallaglio.
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“We go into Round 4 with the most competitive pool stages we’ve seen in years. There are some quite illustrious names that are yet to qualify. That makes this weekend a must-watch. It is very exciting,” he said.
“Seven former champions are yet to qualify and nine places are still up for grabs. What’s not to like? I don’t get the critics – I’m as hooked as I’ve ever been. It’s an incredible competition.
“It always throws up some stories doesn’t it. Leinster winning by the skin of their teeth last weekend, Glasgow beating Toulouse. It’s anything but predictable, I think some of the quality of rugby on show is magnificent.”
“I loved being a part of this competition as a player. It is so hard to win, you only have to look at the quality. There are very few teams able to go back-to-back. It is such a hard thing to do.”
A double Champions Cup winner himself, Dallaglio also reflected on the difficulty of lifting the famous trophy. “I was lucky enough to win it twice and both of the finals were two of the highlights of my career. It remains harder to win than ever.”
The final round of the pool phase starts with two games tonight. At The Rec, Bath and Edinburgh play-off for top spot in Pool 2, while Pau host Bulls with both teams still in the running for a qualification spot in Pool 4.
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