All about the Top 14: Novès
Toulouse head coach Guy Novès has turned his attention solely back to the Top 14 after his side crashed out of the Heineken Cup over the weekend.
Smarting from their shock exit, Toulouse return to domestic action looking for a third straight title rather than pursue the Amlin Challenge Cup.
Toulouse, four-time European Cup winners were knocked out by Leicester, just the fourth time in 18 editions they have failed to make the knockouts.
Novès admitted that a third straight Top 14 title was such an overriding priority that playing in the Challenge Cup had not figured in his plans.
"I didn't even know we were in it," said Novès. "We have to think of the championship, nothing more than that."
Toulouse go into Friday's game at home to Biarritz with a season record of eleven wins and four losses to be seven points behind leaders Toulon. Toulon, who comfortably reached the quarter-finals, tackle rock-bottom Mont de Marsan.
Comments
jamesliveinhope says...
@armchairgeneral - you only need to look at the QF line-up to realise that the ACC has got serious now
Posted 14:17 24th January 2013
ArmchairGeneral says...
Wouldn't want to be playing Toulouse next. And regardless of the comments I think they will be up for the ACC when its time to play and will add to the competition.
Posted 13:52 24th January 2013
pierredelot1 says...
Amlin OK for developing clubs, but after failing in the Heinekin the top 14 is always the priority for French clubs. Not sour grapes at all, simply common sense. The guy is just being honest. If Leinster are that interested I would be suprised. Lawynd better get shouting for Biarritz tomorrow, they'll need all the help they can get. Toulouse don't lay down the rules for qualification.
Posted 13:52 24th January 2013
lawynd says...
I won't deny it froggy73, but that's twice in recent years now that Toulouse haven't reached the knock-out stages, and I'd argue that the team's continued success is as much to do with their reputation as it is their talent. Toulouse have produced three of the most boring HEC Finals ever, each one against French opposition who were clearly intimidated by the home reputation. The two finals against other nations resulted in a loss, a fairly interesting statistic.
In any case, nobody is questioning the team's pedigree, just their arrogance.
Posted 13:35 24th January 2013
jamesliveinhope says...
not sure whether or not this is kidology - we'll find out soon enough I guess (lets not forget that the Toulouse second string is pretty strong too). But if not, its a shockingly disrespectful attitude to broadcast in public.
I'm pretty sure that rules exist regarding best efforts in most professional competitions, obviously they are regularly ignored in the name of "squad rotation" but to openly state that he's not going to bother may get him in hot water if an academy side gets heavily beaten in Perpignan.
Posted 12:56 24th January 2013
froggy73 says...
Toulouse and Noves have nothing to prove to anyone. 4 HEC trophees (yup that is one more than Leinster) and have been lasting as a power house since 1997. Anyone to deny this ?
Posted 11:33 24th January 2013
lawynd says...
And this is why HEC also-rans shouldn't drop down into the Amlin - they don't deserve it. In the meantime, I'll be cheering on whatever team are playing against Toulouse for the rest of the season.
Posted 09:37 24th January 2013
leinster_goy says...
just making it easier for Leinster to add yet another trophy to a very crowded cabinet
Posted 09:35 24th January 2013
HG_Paris says...
More hubris from Guy Novès! Toulouse are just too good for Amlin CC. Sour grapes?
Posted 08:15 24th January 2013