The Breakdown | Champions Cup: opening weekend preview and pool-by-pool guide

As Saracens battle for Premiership survival, English and French rivals able to absorb the demands of a World Cup may capitaliseFine is probably not the word to describe the current state of Saracens. The holders go into the opening round of the Champions Cup this weekend set to appeal against a sanction of £5m, and a 35-point deduction, for breaching the Premiership’s salary cap. They are likely to be relieved of £50,000 for failing to turn up for last week’s European Cup launch in Cardiff and as they have been considering fielding a weakened side in group matches, which could earn them a disr…