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.”