Toulouse is getting better

Thanks to their stunning win over Sale, Toulouse is getting better and become almost favourite to head towards London on Saturday facing shallow Harlequins in the beginning of this season. However the English side showed itself in a better light last weekend . Their pack remains an example for all.

The performances of Toulouse are not at their highest level, as well against Montpellier at the beginning of October as over Sale on Sunday in Toulouse. Montpellier didn't really come up against Toulouse, furthermore the English staff of Sale did'nt display their best players who were at rest, entertaining Cardiff five days later.

Stade Toulousain will undoubtedly begin their H Cup this week-end in London against Harlequins, Headcoach Guy Noves himself asserted it by the way.

The English are in dire need of wins in this beginning of the season. Second last of Premiership, defeated for five times running in six matches and remained on a defeat in Cardiff last weekend (6-20), they are already condemned to the victory not to be knocked out of the European quarterfinals.

On the other hand Toulouse is on the upgrade these last weeks .

Forwards on the highlights

Nevertheless Guy Noves makes a plea for wisdom : "We musn't forget that Harlequins were only lead 13 – 6 by Cardiff at the 78th minute and remain the side which defeated Paris last year" Number eight Yannick Nyanga goes along with his coach : "Even if we don't seem at the very best of our form in this championship, we're a top level team with a great pack of very aggressive forwards in the phases of rucks and there’s a good many players who can tip the balance" President Rene Bouscatel speaks about a crucial test "for his team, which seems to have recovered its form after an average beginning of season. "We will play away and Harlequins will absolutely need to win… We aren't in a position of strength but this match will enable us to see where we are and to keep on improving." Nyanga added.

As ever the clash will be played mainly by the forwards. But this time it will be even truer. Toulouse forwards will meet one of the greatest packs of Europe. "The number eight is powerful in all the positions with a very good first row, second row two meters high and very tall third row who offer many solutions in line-out", Yannick Nyanga said. There too, it will be a real test. Flanker Louis Picamoles acknowledges it: "we saw on the video they have an enormous pack which succeeded in damaging the skilled Cardiff forwards".