Excitement brewing in Racing camp
Racing Metro skipper Dimitri Szarzewski may be out of action for a month, but he is still getting excited about his side's European Cup home clash with English champions Northampton Saints.
"Northampton Saints are among the favourites to win the competition. They are champions of England and we are expecting a very big game against them. They have been at the top for the last three or four years and they have some exceptional players who can make a difference at any time in a game.
"The best way to come into a competition is to play them first. We know we will really have to play our best rugby – there will be no chance to adapt in the game. Last year we started well against Clermont with a win at home, but we drew at Llanelli and then collapsed. This year the fact we are doing pretty well in the Top 14 might free us up to do well in Europe.
"I saw Northampton play against Bath, Gloucester and Sale and when they start to get their game going it is nearly impossible to stop them. We need to find a way to upset them and impose ourselves on them," he said.
Racing Metro coach Christian Labit, is another who is excited by the new European tournament and can't wait to see how his side fares against one of the top seeds and favourites in the competition.
"We used the European Cup to prepare for the Top 14 last season, but this time around it is a real target for us to do well in Europe. We have a group of players that are better in quality and experience which allows us to have a go at both competitions.
"The Welshman we have recruited and Jonny Sexton know how important this competition is and have experienced what it's like in the latter stages. A quarter-final would be a great achievement.
"We have never been out of our Pool before. That is a real ambition for us this season.
"I don't know if we are able to win this competition, but the first step for us must be to get out of the Pool. The game against Northampton is almost like a last 16 game. We know we can't afford to lose a game at home and when you see the form they are in right now we know it is going to be very hard for us," he said.
Source: EPC Rugby
