Thanks to its superb victory over Harlequins this Sunday (38 to 26), Stade Toulousain will return to the Champions Cup final for the 8th time in its history. A gala poster awaits the Hauts-Garonnais in 3 weeks, in the magnificent setting of the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, in London.
VIDEO. Toulouse is scared against Harlequins, but flies into the Champions Cup finalThe fact remains that until then, Ugo Mola and his staff will obviously have some puzzles to resolve. In order to have at his disposal a fresh group, on May 25, against the diabolical Irish Leinster. While maintaining their 2nd place (4 points ahead of Racing, 3rd) synonymous with a direct semi-final in the Top 14.
After two days of interruption, Stade Toulousain must indeed already switch to the Top 14 and the two matches which await it before the final European deadline. On the menu, the reception of the leader Stade Français, for a Clasico in prime time on Canal Plus. Before a trip to Montpellier, who are struggling to get out of this cursed 13th place in the championship.
RUGBY. Top 14 and CUP Champions? A supremacy that takes hold over time!And while we could naturally think that the executives would all be rested at least for the match in Montpellier, Ugo Mola confirmed this between the lines, at a press conference, as Le Figaro relays: “We will try to play the game of freshness“, launches the manager with 3 titles with Toulouse. Before arguing that “Some of them (executives) will cut“.
Leinster greatly advantaged?
A context which allows him to once again point out the disparities in preparation between France and other European countries. And to send a dig to the Dubliners, who for some, have only played Champions Cup matches this season. “Recently, Leinster sent their B Cadets to South Africa to play the Lions and Stormers. (They also conceded 86 points in 2 matches) We were entitled to two matches that counted. This is our configuration, our rugby in France…”
RUGBY. An unfair advantage? Mola points out this major difference between the Top 14 and the English clubs
No more mockery, Toulouse must first win against Paris this weekend, in order to get a little head start in the standings and see it coming. For this, the Pink City club will therefore be able to count on its plethoric workforce and its triumphant youth, so successful during the doubles at the start of 2024.
To which you can already add Ange Capuozzo and Seta Bituniyata, back in training last week and who were already applying for the European semi-final. Here, abundance of night goods not…
