Champions Cup – Stuart Lancaster (Racing 92): “It was Nolann Le Garrec’s best match this season”

How do you analyze this victory against the Stormers?

The Champions Cup preliminary phase was a good experience, I think. The game against Harlequins was a good start then our two away games against Sale and Glasgow were difficult. This evening, we are happy to have won against a very good Stormers team and to have shown our supporters the type of rugby that we are capable of producing.

Were you scared when the Stormers came back to 24-22 in the second period?

Yes. That’s something we need to improve on, the consistency over the 80 minutes. I think we can be more rigorous on the details and more killer in the brand areas. I nevertheless note that we were very effective on the touchline where our alignment leaders, Maxime Baudonne and Cameron Woki, deciphered the Stormers’ announcements well. […] This is what we are trying to do at Racing today: develop the leadership of several players and as such, Hassane Kolingar, Ibou Diallo, Cameron Woki, Jordan Joseph and Max Baudonne will be our leaders of tomorrow.

What did you think of Oxwen Farrell’s match, who was returning from a long injury?

I’m happy. I had a little chat with him in the locker room. I think he feels good. But for his return, the plan was only to play him for 50 or 55 minutes. I think he had fun. He was good in the animation and offered a good try at the start of the match.

Do you have any news about Romain Taofifenua’s right knee?

Oui, I think he’s fine. He will leave tomorrow with Nolann Le Garrec for Marcoussis, to join the France group. Will Rowlands will join the Welsh.

You are talking about Nolann Le Garrec. What opinion did you have of his match?

He had his best game of the season against the Stormers. He was voted man of the match and completely deserved it. France is lucky to have, with him and Antoine Dupont, such wealth in the number 9 position…