Even if it evolves under a roof, Racing 92 saw its horizon emerge before receiving Castres, on its lawn of Paris-La Défense Arena, this Saturday (5:15 p.m.). Returning to the Top 14 ranking among the first six (which will qualify for the final phase), the Ile-de-France club (5th) approaches this meeting reinvigorated by a series of five successes which have changed the turn of its season.
Laurent Travers’ players have not lost since January 2 in Lyon (37-35) and their victories in Toulouse (20-15) on January 29 and Bordeaux-Bègles (16-13) last week have proven that they could harbor ambitions. Still, the Ciel et Blancs have already lost twice, against Montpellier and UBB, on their synthetic turf, where there have been many scares and Castres (4th) remains a serious rival.
Thomas and Chavancy back from injury
“The surface is much more spectacular, explains manager Laurent Travers. That’s why people come and watch us on TV. There is more speed, play and that puts the defenses in difficulty. The opposing teams want to put a lot of volume. But what affects me is to be in the 6. If I have to lose three games at home, and win five away… The priority is that we can play for a title. »
We’re not there yet but Racing is gaining points, confidence, and can count on an almost complete team. Facing Castres, only Gaël Fickou and Finn Russell will be missing, who played against each other during Scotland-France two hours earlier in Edinburgh. Around the essentials Juan Imhoff and Camille Chat, Virimi Vakatawa, Bernard Le Roux, Yoan Tanga, Donovan Taofifenua, all four used to going back and forth between their club and the XV of France, will be on the lawn. Teddy Thomas and Henry Chavancy, long injured, will take their places on the substitutes’ bench.
