Noves talks up Irish foes

AS the most decorated club coach in world rugby, Guy Noves has become an old hand at the verbal exchanges in the lead-up to a big must-win game.

The Toulouse coach has always believed in the mantra that “you never give the opposition something they can use against you” but his reverential, almost hushed tones when talking about today’s opponents, Leinster, reveal a different side to the man.

“I’d love to think that my team resemble Leinster,” he told reporters at Ernest Wallon this week. “They’re a really dynamic team. For me, the resemblance lies in that dynamism they bring to every game against some big packs. There is also the desire we have to play full rugby. But you can’t do that without a solid base. That’s the case of Leinster and Stade Toulousain.”

To be mentioned in the same breath as Toulouse is a compliment few teams get. But Noves knows a good team when he sees one, having spent over 20 years coaching Europe’s most successful club side.

In that time, he’s won seven French Championship titles, those four European triumphs, and remains on course for yet more silverware this season, with Toulouse in the semi-finals of the Top 14. He’s not counting his chickens about today’s game however, stressing just how much Leinster have come on since the 26-16 semi-final defeat last year.

“I feel they’ve really progressed and have perfected their strong points better than last year,” he says. “The results they’ve obtained demonstrate really well just how difficult they are to beat. They’ve also had some fabulous results away from home.

“We really admire their clinical rugby with its flow and movement, while having at the same time really combative players. We know what we’re stepping into.”

Toulouse have yet to really click this season, but they remain a team forged in the fires of great victories. Heineken Cup semi-finals are notoriously difficult to win, especially away from home but Toulouse have been there before, winning 18-27 at Leicester in 2005 before beating Stade Francais in Edinburgh.

“We know it will be an electric atmosphere with a huge Irish crowd to support them. But happily there are only 15 guys on the pitch. We won’t be going there to support [Leinster].”

With semi-final berths booked in both competitions, supporters are getting giddy about the prospect of a potential double, something that Noves has hitherto described as “impossible”.

Then again, the veteran coach believes that Toulouse ceased to be champions of Europe just a few weeks after claiming the title, that there is no such thing as “reigning champions”. Toulouse, in case you didn’t know, don’t approach big games like other teams.

“It’s nice to be in both semi-finals. We’re the only French club to be spoken about in terms of the double so for me the goal has already been reached. We’ll see how the result goes whether we’ll be able to make a choice.”

Picture: Sportsfile