Albi with a point to prove
Albi keen for revenge over Worcester
Languishing at the bottom of Pool Four with not a point to their name you would be forgiven for thinking French side Albi had given up the ghost as far as the European Challenge Cup is concerned.
However, despite not being able to qualify, Albi still have a lot to play for, and will be looking for a big performance when they host Worcester Warriors at Le Stadium d'Albi on Saturday. Qualification may be gone but they will be keen to return to their early season Top 14 form having fallen away during the November international period.
Having lost to the Warriors last weekend Cerith Rees, Albi's Welsh born fly half, believes they have a lot more to show that they did last time out.
“Although we were underdogs for the game against Worcester, we were bitterly disappointed with our performance and the result,” he said.
“We didn't know what to expect going over to Worcester but we didn't play the game we are capable of and that is something we are planning to redress this week in front of our own supporters in Albi.
With a draw against the French giants Toulouse, as well as notable victories over Perpignan, Castres, and Bourgoin Albi are certainly able to perform with the best of them. They will be looking for a return to this early season form for the visit of Worcester.
“Nobody expected us to be playing top flight rugby this season and we have a heavy schedule for such a small club. Having said that, there are no excuses, we sent out a strong team for the Worcester game at the weekend and we should have performed better," said Rees.
“It means a lot for the guys here – many of whom have never played outside France – so this was the first game against an English team for a lot of the squad.
“It’s true that our coach Eric Bechu wouldn't have left any of us behind as it was such a big opportunity for so many of the guys and hopefully, we'll take the lessons we learned and put them into a convincing performance on Saturday.
Rees gives credit to the way Worcester played last week, but at the same time is only too aware had Albi taken more of their chances it could have been a different story.
“Worcester are a very strong team. They have a very powerful line-out, they recycle the ball very quickly and they are very clinical in their finishing.
“We know that every time they get an opportunity they are capable of putting it away without making mistakes and we suffered from our lack of finishing. We created a lot of scoring opportunities but were not able to convert them into points.
