Mola sets sights on giant-killing act

BRIVE coach Ugo Mola believes his side can ambush Munster’s Amlin Challenge Cup hopes at Stade Amédée on Saturday following their pressure-relieving victory over Top 14 minnows La Rochelle last weekend.

The French side beat fellow strugglers La Rochelle 26-9 on Saturday, a result that all but guarantees their place in the French Championship next season.

“We’re going to be playing one of the best teams on the continent for the last 10 years,” said Mola. “After this match we can live again a little, be a little frivolous and have some ambition. Why not attempt a little hold-up (against Munster)?”

It’s been a difficult 18 months or so for Les Corrèziens after the sale of the club by benefactor Daniel Derichebourg. Last summer saw a number of big names leave the club including England internationals Steve Thompson and Andy Goode. The club have also been summoned to appear at the Top 14’s financial watchdog, the DNACG on April 30th, in light of problems with the budget they estimated at the beginning of the season.

However the 1997 European Cup champions have finally found some form in recent times, beating Toulouse, Bourgoin and La Rochelle in quick succession and copper-fastening that all-important spot in France’s Top 14.

Meanwhile Sam Tuitupou looks set to leave Munster at the end of the season to join Sale Sharks.

The Aviva Premiership side are expected to tie up the signing of the 29-year-old centre on a two-year contract shortly.

A spokesman for Sale Sharks said: “Sam is a player we are interested in but, as is the case with all rumours and speculation surrounding players, we don’t make any official comment until a signing is confirmed.”

Tuitupou, capped 10 times by the All Blacks, joined Munster from Worcester Warriors on a one-year deal and has featured regularly for Tony McGahan’s side this season, contributing two tries in 18 appearances.