Haskell and Paris hungers for victories

Par Rugbyrama
  • James Haskell Stade français
    James Haskell Stade français
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After his winning over Edimburg, Paris started its Cut of Europe very well. Sunday clash with Bath appears more difficult but Stade Français, which made H Cup one their main objectives, are sure of being able to make a blow. Flanker James Haskell confirms it.

After his winning over Edimburg, Paris started its Cut of Europe very well.

Sunday clash with Bath appears more difficult but Stade Français, which made H Cup one their main objectives, are sure of being able to make a blow. Flanker James Haskell confirms it.

You’re one of the players most used in Stade Français, don't you need to have a break ?

James HASKELL: Not at all, I am always ready to play. First , I am the only flanker available. I will have to play at the same time 6,7 and 8. So I will train myself hard this week. It is natural to want to play, because . I want to show my capacities to my team-mates and my coaches. I came to Stade Français and play, play well and to fight against the Fifteen of the Rose.

Martin Johnson went to Paris a few weeks ago. Did you see him ?

J.H : Yes I did. He told me that he gave full credit to my way of playing and congratulated me for my level. But before he makes his selection there’s still this match with Bath and the clash with Perpignan at the Stade de France. I must keep on playing without worrying about having another cap, it’s too early yet.

What can you tell us about Bath where Stade Français are moving this weekend?

J.H. : I can say that I never liked to play against them. Bath is a hard team with players of very high level. Players who particularly prepared the arrival of Stade Français . It has been an outstanding challenge, perhaps the most important one since the beginning of the season.

Do you remember a match against Bath when you were playing with Wasps?

J.H. : matches between Wasps and Bath were always very tough. I remember a meeting where we were led 20 to 8 at half-time. And we finally carried the day . I don’t remember any more the final score, but it was really a fantastic match.

Does it prove that it is possible to win in the Recreation Ground, their stadium ?

J.H. : Yes, but not without up and downs . It will be necessary to be concentrated in defense if we want to be likely to defeat Bath.

What are the strengths of this team?

J.H. : It is first an extremely strong team physically. In the style of Toulouse, they like to hold the ball. They don’t hesitate to play anywhere over the pitch. And they’ve got players for that: Nick Abenandon in the back for instance or their wingers.

Therefore defence will be crucial on Saturday.

Has Stade Français got the means to win in Bath?

J.H. : We really haven’t got the choice.

H Cup is very harsh but I think we can win. Our team accumulated a great confidence and that is very positive. We can beat Bath, provided that we can play during the whole 80 minutes of the match.

H-Cup is bound to be a major goal for your club. Do you feel it?

J.H. : Not really. What I know, it is that Jacques Delmas and Didier Faugeron hate defeat.

I noticed that in France, some teams did not move and merely won their home matches.

On the contrary, We want to win every match, Bath included.

Can you tell us something about Jacques Delmas, a coach with very Latin methods, which is quite different from what you were taught up to now?

J.H. : He is a very good coach and his methods don’t matter much. Thanks to him I give of my best. Didier and him help me to improve. I hope it will last long.

Four months after your move to Paris, don’t you regret having left England?

J.H. : Not at all. I’m making the best beginning of the season of my career at the moment. I’m learning with the very leading flankers. I like Paris, I love the French. Everything is marvellous, I’m really happy here.

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