Champions Cup talking points: can Irish reclaim good old days with new format? 

The European showpiece competition kicks off on Friday night.

Toulouse's players celebrate with the European Rugby Champions Cup trophy and the "Bouclier de Brennus" trophy. Pic: VALENTINE CHAPUIS/AFP via Getty Images

The Facelift? The Tuck? The Filler? 

Has the cosmetic overhaul worked? Well, as with any surgery of that kind it would be rude to be too critical. And yet. For all the fanfare at this time of year as the Investec Champions Cup prepares to kick-off with what looks to be a rib-tickling, bone-crunching showpiece fixture, Bath against La Rochelle under the Friday night lights at the Rec, there is a sense among many rugby followers that things ain’t as good as they used to be. It’s a sure sign of a sport that is on shaky ground when it is constantly meddling with formats.