Skrela senior hoping the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree

FORMER Toulouse and France legend Jean-Claude Skrela will have different reasons for an attack of nerves before this afternoon’s Heineken Cup semi final against Leinster at Le Stadium.

Proud father of David, the Toulouse flyhalf, Jean-Claude knows the white-hot intensity that characterises matches at this level. He was part of a legendary France back row alongside Jean-Pierre Rives in the late 1970’s and had a successful coaching career thereafter, bringing Toulouse to glory in the 80s and France in the 90s, along with Pierre Villepreux.

With the chance of a trip to Paris in the offing for the winners of today’s game, Skrela admitted he felt Toulouse would edge the European champions – but only if they raised their game.

“For me if Toulouse manages to get quick, clean ball they will win,” said Skrela. “Both teams have excellent attackers so it’s a question of getting the ball to them. If Toulouse can play at their best, they will win. But the question is whether Leinster will allow them to do that.”

It’s been a long hard season for the French side, with 33 matches played already this season, but he reckons Toulouse coach Guy Noves has done well to keep the side as fresh as possible without a loss in performance.

“They’ve played really well in the European Cup this season but it’s been a bit harder in the Top 14 due to the length of the season and the number of injuries they’ve had. It’s difficult in France to always perform because you’ve got the European Cup, the Top 14 and then the French national team. And they all take a huge amount of resources from Toulouse.”

There’s been a special affinity with the Heineken Cup at Toulouse compared to many other French clubs, who view the competition as secondary to the Top 14. Skrela believes that is due to a winning mentality.

“The Heineken Cup is a priority because the club wants to win every competition it enters. The fact that the final is in Paris has given added motivation. But Irish rugby is on a high and it’s going to be really tough.”

With his son lining out at fly half in place of Jean-Baptiste Elissalde, he admits there’s always a few nerves before the game but is confident that David will step up to the task.

“He had a great game in the quarter final against Paris. Defensively, he’s better than Jean-Baptiste but Jean-Baptiste is a better kicker. There are plenty of options for Toulouse but I’m sure David will do well.”