As Racing 92 prepares to face Harlequins in Créteil, Stuart Lancaster deciphers the forces present before the start of the Champions Cup.
What did you think of your team’s last defeat against Toulouse (17-21)? What did you say to your players?
Obviously, we were disappointed with the first half. Our conquest was not good enough and this allowed Toulouse to widen the gap in the score. Despite our good reaction in the second half, it was too late. […] Today I want to remember the character, the good body language and the attitudes of my players, in the second act. We must continue on this.
What is the exact level of Harlequins, your future opponent in the Champions Cup this weekend?
The Quins recently lost at home against Bristol (24-48) but will reinstate Marcus Smith to their squad on Saturday. This can change a lot of things in their game. […] More generally, I find that the English teams are gaining strength in recent months. Reducing the Championship from 13 teams to 10 teams means there is more talent in each of the Premiership squads.
Farrell will be available after Christmas I think
What is your opinion on the Créteil field? It seems very heavy and not conducive to expansive play…
The fronts leave a lot of energy there, yes. It’s not the pitch of the Stade de France or Twickenham, but a rugby team must know how to adapt to all surfaces.
Is this a special match for you, who are English?
Yes. I know it’s also special for the English players in our squad. It’s a shame that Owen Farrell is not here because he played some epic matches against Harlequins, in the Saracens jersey. But the Champions Cup is so important for Racing that all our players are excited to start this competition: when you are not familiar with the international level, the Champions Cup gives you a clear idea of the intensity that this level requires…
Where is Owen Farrell, recently operated on his adductors?
The operation went well. Owen will be available after Christmas I think.
What is your ambition in the Champions Cup?
The Top 14 has been difficult this season. We played well in some games and were inconsistent in others. In this sense, changing competition for a few weeks is not a bad thing. But we want to do well in both tournaments. We don’t prioritize one or the other.
Senegal
