The Breakdown | Europe's elite must rouse themselves again for condensed Champions Cup

Exeter will face a stern test from French and Irish clubs, among others, in defending their European titleAnd so the Autumn Nations Cup was decided by a kick. It almost wrote itself after a month in which the skies were assailed and the only reason there were no Mexican waves in the stands was that grounds were empty – until the final day at Twickenham when some of the few present showed what they thought of no-risk rugby.In the one-off tournament’s place this weekend and next weekend comes the European Champions Cup, which English clubs are looking to claim for the third season in succession …