Toulouse eye Euro opener

Toulouse coach Guy Novesse has commenced preparations for his side's opening European Cup game against Montpellier on Sunday.

Novesse was smiling like a cheshire cat after seeing his side pick up their second consecutive win in the Top 14, after five successive defeats.

"Montpellier is the most important game of the season as it is the next one. We know that in the European Cup the first game is crucial for the rest of the competition – even more so this year since the level of the tournament is higher and every mistake will be even harder to eradicate.

"We know Montpellier pretty well – we lost twice to them last season including a game at home. They are a team to be feared and they are above us in the Top 14 rankings.

"I read somewhere that they are the favourites in our Pool, although I'm not sure about that. We will go into the game with a lot of motivation and humility.

"With consecutive victories over Stade Francais and Toulon, we are getting back to our normal level and I am happy I've got a few players back from injury. I'm really looking forward to the next two games when a few more players will join the team.

"I'm not sure if the win over Toulon is a turning point, but it was very good for us. What we can't afford to do is let it go to our heads and think we are back to where we need to be. It is a very tense pool, like all the Pools this season.

"Reaching the quarter-finals this season would be a good performance. Even though we are four times champions and been to the final six times, reaching the last eight would be great, but the first objective is to win against Montpellier on Sunday," he said.

Source: EPC Rugby