Exciting Champions Cup Debutants

Exciting Champions Cup Debutants

Round one of the 2018/19 Champions Cup kicks off this weekend with a number of encounters that should provide some thrilling entertainment.

With the new season kicking off there are a number of new signings and youngsters that will make their debut in the competition. 

We take a look at some of the players making their debut in the opening round of the Champions Cup:

Lima Sopoaga - Wasps

The All Black will have no time to settle into the competition as he faces off against the defending champions and arguably the best flyhalf in the world in Jonathan Sexton.


Sopoaga has enjoyed a fine start to his career with Wasps and will look to carry that form into Europe and potentially help his side end Leinster's 9 game winning streak in the competition.



Brad Shields - Wasps

The former Hurricanes captain is in the same boat as Sopoaga as he makes his first appearance in the competition against the defending champions.

The skilfull loose forward will surely settle in quickly, despite making his return from injury, and will relish the challenge of facing off against a full Irish international pack.

Santiago Cordero - Exeter Chiefs

The pocket rocket Los Puma has been a hit at Exeter Chiefs since joining the club earlier this year.

The pacey winger is set to make his European debut against Munster in round one and will look to make a similar impact in Europe as he has in the Premiership.

Cordero tops the running metres and has beaten more defenders than any other back after 6 rounds of the Gallagher Premiership.

Dan Goggin - Munster

Goggin has been brilliant in the opening rounds of the PRO14 for Munster. He scored a brace in Munster's historic win over Ulster.

The former Irish u20 looks comfortable playing at 12 and 13 since he cemented his place in the senior squad. 

Blade Thomson - Scarlets

The hard-working former Hurricane loose forward gets his first taste of Champions Cup rugby against last season's finalist - Racing 92.

Thomson has made his mark early on the side making 42 carries and 62 tackles in his opening 6 games for the side and has racked up 162 running metres.

Dominic Bird - Racing 92

The lanky All Black is set to make his Champions Cup debut from the bench for Racing 92.

Bird's final season at the Chiefs was marred by injury but he has made a strong start to his career in Paris.

Bird, like most New Zealand locks, is a great lineout option and hits rucks and tackles with a lot of intensity and will provide Racing with good front foot ball when given the opportunity.

Marcell Coetzee - Ulster Rugby

An injury-ridden start to his time at Ulster means that the imposing Springbok will make his European debut in his third season with the club.

Coetzee is a real threat on attack with his ability to offload in contact and is usually all over the park making tackle after tackle.

Jerome Kaino - Toulouse

Arguably one of the best blindside flankers to wear an All Black jersey, Jerome makes his Champions Cup debut at no.8 for Toulouse this weekend.

The All Black has averaged about 10 tackles and carries a game for his new side in the Top14 and will look to guide Toulouse to their first win of the competition against Bath.

Felix Lambey - Lyon

A number of Lyon players will be making their debut in the competition as the French club make their debut in the competition.

However, the red-headed lock is one the players to keep an eye on throughout the competition. 

The French Internation is extremely physical on attack and defence. He has made 48 tackles and 33 carries in the opening 5 Top14 games of the season.

Romain N'tamack - Toulouse

One of the most promising talents on this list, Romain N'tamack is set to make his Champions Cup debut from the bench against Bath.

The playmaker was a driving force in the France u20 side that won the 6 Nations and World Rugby U20 Championship earlier this year and has looked extremely comfortable making the step up to the Top14.

 

Charlie Ngatai - Lyon

Another All Black joins the list of players making their debut in the competition.

Ngatai will lineup in the no.15 jersey for his new side this weekend, a position he is more than capable of playing in due to his wide range of skills.

The former Chief is extremely unlucky to have earned just one test cap for the All Blacks.

Jake Polledri - Gloucester Rugby

Gloucester's Italian flanker has been nothing short of exceptional this season making 74 carries, 58 tackles and a Premiership high of 34 defenders beaten.

The attacking flanker suits Johan Ackermann's approach to the game perfectly and will look to further his impressive form in his debut season in the Champions Cup.

Wilfrid Houkpatin - Castres 

The 132kg tighthead prop makes his debut in the Champions Cup having signed a three-year deal with Castres following some eye-catching performances in France's Federale 1.

Houkpatin is a mountain of a man and will certainly cause a number of issues for some loosehead props in the competition.

Julien Savea - RC Toulon

The All Black winger will be looking to turn things around for his new side following a troubling start to the season in the Top14.


Savea needs little introduction and is more than capable of tearing some of the best defences apart.

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