While the quarter-finals of the Investec Champions Cup were extremely prolific with numerous tries scored, the semi-final between Toulouse and Harlequins could follow the same path. The players of both teams promise in any case not to deny their way of playing.
Sunday, the weather forecast does not predict any precipitation in the Toulouse region. However, a rain of tests could fall in the lair of the Stadium, venue chosen to host the semi-final of the Investec Champions Cup between Stade Toulouse and Harlequins. Despite the stakes of a European semi-final so important for both teams, the game could take the upper hand with two teams recognized for their ability to keep the ball alive in the middle of attacking rugby. “Against Toulouse, we are not going to change our rugby, promises the captain of the English, Stephan Lewis. It’s impossible to change your style of play from one week to the next. In fact, we will have to impose our game and not just contain that of Toulouse. We have to keep our playing identity.”
Carefree Englishmen
After the disorienting success against UBB in the quarter-final (41-42), the London club will experience the first Investec Champions Cup semi-final in its history. A detail which, far from scaring the Quins, could motivate them to show their unbridled game for all to see. “We have very experienced players like Danny Care and Joe Marler, argues Lewis. But the rest are really young and I think that’s a good thing. Thanks to that, there’s a lot of carefreeness.” This desire to constantly look for space was already felt during the first match between the two teams, in the group stage.
Stade Toulouse can count on several comebacks to prepare for its Champions Cup semi-final against Harlequins on Sunday at the Stadium. Even if there is uncertainty over the presence of Joshua Brennan, injured in a calf.https://t.co/7smJn5r0QL
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However, the Londoners ended up exploding against the offensive strike force of the Toulouse residents (19-47). Nothing to scare the South African captain of the English team: “During the final stages it’s completely different. Everything is tighter. What we learned during this first clash is that Toulouse is a very dangerous team against whom all mistakes are paid for in cash. They have international level players This Sunday, we will have to be much better than in the first match. Not the same match then? Romain Ntamack – interviewed by Midi Olympique – nods: “Even if we won at home in the group match, it will be a completely different context on Sunday.”
Hand game…
The Toulouse fly-half, back in competition for a few weeks, also expects his opponents this weekend to move the ball a lot: “It’s a team that scores a lot of tries, that produces a very attractive game, that plays from everywhere. We shouldn’t look at it too much, otherwise we’ll take thirty, forty or fifty points, as they are capable of doing almost every weekend.” What solution then to counter this? Well maybe the recipe from the first match will remain the right one!
Émile’s son continues: “The solution is first of all to remain ourselves! So it’s not to deny ourselves, as we did all season in the Champions Cup, and also to be effective in defense.” For several seasons, the maxim “game of hands, game of Toulouse”, proved to be particularly representative. So without a doubt, this duel between two of the most playful teams in the world could offer a lot of spectacle. Right Roman? “It’s going to be a very good match. At least, we hope so…”
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