An early party? Fireworks under a concrete sky? In any case, we expect to see all the colors on the synthetic turf of Paris La Défense Arena between Racing 92 and Harlequins this Sunday early evening (6:30 p.m.).
Firstly because the English are inveterate players whose great strength is to move the game and give it a frenzied rhythm. Then because this kind of team suits Ciel et Blanc perfectly, much more solid on their front legs, skilled in counter-attacks, and often allows them to find spaces.
The Ile-de-France residents, who will travel to the Irish of Ulster on December 16, then to the English of Bath on January 14, before completing their group stage at home against the Welsh of Cardiff on January 20, have a route to hope to approach the final phase, which will begin with the eighth on April 6, in the shoes of possible successors of the Rochelais, crowned these last two seasons.
This is also the stated objective. “Racing 92 went to the final of this competition three times (2016, 2018, 2020) without winning it, so it is a priority for us,” insisted manager Stuart Lancaster. The club’s goal is to add a star to the jersey. »
The Ciel et Blanc, leaders of the Top 14 who rested most of their internationals last week in the championship (23-18 defeat in Clermont), field their typical team and arrive with full confidence on the European scene.
In the three-quarters, around captain Gaël Fickou and the experienced Juan Imhoff, the young English prodigy Henry Arundell was established at the back. Within the pack, we note the presence of Cameron Woki and the South African world champions Siya Kolisi and Trevor Nyakane, as well as the start of hooker Camille Chat.
Harlequins, third in the Premiership, also have arguments to make. “They have a very good attacking game with their fly-half Marcus Smith and their scrum-half Danny Care,” says Stuart Lancaster. They can score tries and playing at the Arena also fits their DNA. So we will have to be at our best level defensively. »
The teams
Racing 92. Arundell – Habosi, Fickou (cap.), Saili, Imhoff – (o) Gibert, (m) Le Garrec – Kolisi, Lauret, Diallo – Palu, Woki – Nyakane, Chat, Gogichashvili. Entr. : Lancaster.
Harlequins. Green – David, Joseph, Esterhuizen, Murley – (o) Smith, (m) Care – Evans, Dombrandt (cap.), Cunningham-South – Lamb, Launchbury – Lewis, Riley, Marler. Entr. : Matson.
