the essential
If they are already qualified for the round of 16 of the Champions Cup, the Tarnais remain no less ambitious: in the event of success this Sunday, January 19 (4th and last day of the first round), the Castres can ensure a smoother journey in the final phase.
Finally ! Castres Olympique rugby players and their supporters have been waiting for this for almost 23 years: qualification for the final phase of the Champions Cup. It’s official since yesterday, on the CO side, after the defeat at Stade Français in South Africa, on the pitch of the Pretoria Bulls.
Thus, the Tarnais present themselves without pressure, this Sunday January 19, on the London pitch of Saracens (4:15 p.m.), for the 4th and last match of the first round of the competition. But…
- Once the goal has been achieved, the CO would consider why not a little further: there is also, in the event of a victory, a place in the first two of the group up for grabs, synonymous with a round of 16 at home,
- Indeed, if they were to win at Stone X Stadium, the Castres would overtake Munster, defeated in Northampton on Saturday 18 (32-34).
- The CO, even more so with its large staff review, is more than an outsider in the London suburbs. But he has already proven, with reshuffled teams, that he is able to annoy strong teams at home – Munster and Harlequins in 2021-2022 in particular.
Saracens-Castres, kick-off 4:15 p.m.
