CASTRES’ COACHING DUO Serge Milhas and David Darricarrère have named their first-choice XV for tomorrow afternoon’s Pool 1 Heineken Cup clash against Leinster at the RDS.
There had been some doubts as to whether or not Castres would do so, with an important Top 14 clash against Biarritz coming a week after this European tie. The reigning French champions are 11th in the domestic league and will be focused on working their way back into the top six.
However, the Tarn-based outfit are clearly hoping to cause an upset in Dublin this weekend, having selected a starting XV that is in stark contrast to Gloucester’s team to take on Munster. Key man Rory Kockott is at scrum-half, with the powerful Antonie Claassen lining out at No. 8.
Scottish international Richie Gray will be looking to cause havoc on Sean Cronin’s throw, while there is another familiar face in the back row, with ex-Ulster man Pedrie Wannenburg chosen on the openside flank. Electric fullback Brice Dulin returns to the team having missed last weekend’s victory over Northampton.
Castres’ efforts in the Heineken Cup in recent times has been questionable, with their main focus historically having been the Top 14. This team selection shows they are deadly serious about securing an away win and Leinster will need to be at their best to make it two wins from two in Pool 1.
Castres (v Leinster): Brice Dulin; Romain Martial, Romain Cabannes, Rémi Lamerat, Max Evans; Rémi Tales (c), Rory Kockott; Mihaiti Lazar, Brice Mach, Anton Peikrishvili; Richie Gray, Rodrigo Capo Ortega; Jannie Bornman, Pedrie Wannenburg, Antonie Claassen.Replacements: Marc Antoine Rallier, Karena Wihongi, Saimone Taumoepeau, Christophe Samson, Ibrahim Diarra, Julien Thomas, Geoffrey Palis, Dan Kirkpatrick.
