“What did you think of the Toulouse match against Munster (24-24, 4-2 pens)?
It was really a big challenge for Toulouse. Munster did a great job, made it very difficult for Toulouse. Toulouse showed how dangerous they could be. They will raise the bar again this weekend, so will we. It was really a super tough game and getting to the penalty shootout at the end, something we had never seen, was really quite a dramatic way to end a game. I know very well that Toulouse will have learned lessons well and will be even better against us on Saturday.
What do you fear the most against this Toulouse team?
(Laughs) I could make you a big list. They have the ability to score from anywhere on the pitch. They have like a sixth sense, an instinct to read each other. Even if it doesn’t seem to be planned. Players can continue after contact, everyone adjusts, they are very well synchronized with each other and very difficult to stop. This is a big danger of this team. On match control they have one of the best hinges in the world (Dupont-Ntamack). They can win in many ways, they have a big maturity in the management of the game. Whether it’s the hinge or players like (Julian) Trader. They know how to manage a meeting well. Danger can come from anywhere.
Could the atmosphere at the Aviva Stadium with all the Leinster supporters be a key to this semi-final?
Completely. Toulouse have proven that they can win away from home. It’s a real strength at home, in their workforce, the players, the staff. It doesn’t scare them to come outside like that. It is one of their qualities. On our side, we like to play at home, and we cherish all the opportunities we have to be able to play in front of our supporters, our families, our friends. It makes the game even more special for all of us. It’s going to be a great day at the Aviva Stadium, but that doesn’t guarantee anything in terms of the result.
“Rugby in France is on the right track”
With so many internationals on the pitch, is this Toulouse-Leinster a revenge for France-Ireland in the Six Nations Tournament?
I never really thought of this match as a rematch. It is true that in each team, there is the backbone of the selection, we are used to playing against each other. We will play at the same level as an international match. Everyone is at the highest level of preparation possible. We were happy with our victory in Leicester, it was something important for us, for our development. But we know very well that there are always aspects of the game where we can always improve. You have to be even better if you want to try to reach the next stage. Toulouse will say the same after their performance against Munster. We take each competition as it comes, whatever the jersey.
What do you think of the presence of three French clubs in the semi-finals of the European Cup?
It really shows the strength of French rugby after their victory in the Six Nations Tournament. If we look at the Top 14 and the ranking, seven points separate the first from the seventh. So it shows the degree of competitiveness of the Top 14 and the standard of rugby that is practiced in France every week. The clubs benefit of course, we see it during European competitions. Each team is very dangerous to play, in different ways. Last year, we were eliminated by La Rochelle. We will see how it will be with Toulouse. Rugby in France is on the right track. »
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