Whatever happens, there will be a French club in the final of the European Rugby Cup. Three French teams play the semi-finals of the competition on Saturday and Sunday.
Starting on Saturday (4 p.m.) with Toulouse returning once again to Ireland to face Leinster, a formidable opponent, after getting rid of Ulster and Munster. Face them in turn, “it’s almost like chaining three alpine stages (of the Tour de France cyclist) in the same day“, Nicely summed up in the columns of the specialized bi-weekly Midi Olympique the coach of the attack of the XV of France Laurent Labit.
The defending champion first attacked the Ulster Pass from both sides (26-20 defeat on the way out, 30-23 victory on the return trip to Belfast) as a warm-up, before switching from extreme accuracy at the head of Mont Munster (24-24 ap, 4-2 pens) and to continue its rise in power by a rugby Alpe d’Huez, Leinster, quadruple European champion.
100% tricolor duel
In the event of victory against Leinster, Toulouse will have to wait until the end of the other semi-final on Sunday (4 p.m.) to know their opponent in the final. Two cadors of the Top 14 compete: Racing 92 against La Rochelle. The match, relocated to Lens due to a concert in the Paris-La Défense Arena, will have to decide between two serious contenders for the title.
La Rochelle could go on to a second final in a row, while Racing 92 could qualify for its fourth final and dream of a first European title. A nice surprise awaits the supporters of Stade Bollaert since it is the superstar Dan Carter, legend of the All Blacks, who worked for Racing 92, who will kick off the match.
The semi-finals of the European Rugby Cup
Saturday May 14
- Leinster- Toulouse stadium (4 p.m.)
Sunday May 15
- Racing 92 – La Rochelle (4 p.m.)
The Challenge Cup program
In the small European Cup, two French clubs are competing in the semi-finals.
Saturday May 14
- Lyons – Wasps (1:30 p.m.)
- Toulon – Saracens (9 p.m.)