Mannix: Much more to come from Metro

As an influential former backs coach at Racing Metro, Munster’s Simon Mannix believes the Parisians can become European greats but may have to become national champions first.

Munster travel to the French capital on Saturday for a compelling showdown that opens the Heineken Cup campaign at the 80,000 capacity Stade de France and could provide a vivid backdrop for the province’s new head coach Rob Penney to experience his first taste of the continent’s premier club competition.

On the other hand Mannix, who left Racing last winter before joining the two-time champions this summer, knows exactly what to expect from a club fighting to lift the revered Bouclier de Brennus for the first time since 1990. Backed by real estate tycoon Jacky Lorenzetti, whose bankroll helped them regain Top 14 status with promotion from Pro D2, the French second division in 2009, Racing qualified for the Heineken Cup the following season.