Preview: Heineken Cup, Round One
Thu, 09 Oct 2008 16:58
All the captains for Heineken Cup 2009
Heineken Cup week one is finally upon us and we are straight into the the action with some massively exciting matchups.
The Champions kick-off the tournament Thomond Park on Friday night while Saturday sees French giants Stade Francais try and start their campaign off the right way with a win over the Ulsterman.
Sunday’s action then caps off the weekend with growing rivals Leicester taking on the Ospreys, Bath travelling to Toulouse and struggling London Wasps looking to bounce back with a victory over Castres.
The question on everyone’s mind of course is a;ready, who is going to win the big one? Will it be one of the usual suspects? Can the likes of Stade, Leinster, Gloucester and Ospreys finally win the big one?
Munster should really have little problem in their opener against Heineken Cup newcomers Montauban. The Red Army are undefeated so far this season, including an 18-0 win over Leinster, and look determined to retaining the trophy they won at the Millenium Stadium last year.
In Friday nights second clash, quarterfinalists from last year, Perpignan face northern Italian side Treviso is what they will consider a must win at home. In a group with both the Leicester Tigers and the Ospreys Coach Jacques Brunel has admitted they will face a battle to even repeat last year’s success.
"This year, the primary objective is to qualify for the quarter-finals because our pool is a lot harder than last year," the coach explained.
"Given our calendar, we will know very quickly if we have a chance because we host Treviso before going to Ospreys and Leicester. After two or three matches, we'll know were we stand in the pool."
SEVEN-STAR SATURDAY:
With a coach who is clearly not a happy camper at the moment the Cardiff Blues head to Calvisano in search of a much need moral boost. The Welsh side will have a fantastic chance of progressing from the group stages if they can get off to the right start in Italy. The Italian Champions have a horrid record in Heineken Cup rugby but of course will be hopeful that they can record a famous win at the Centro Sportivo San Michele on Saturday afternoon.
The second game in Pool A of the weekend see’s Juan Fernandez Lobbe Sale Sharks head to Clermont Auvergne in search of an invaluable away win. With Montauban expected to offer little opposition these two seem set to battle it out for the second qualifying spot. Awesome fire power against resolute defence - Vern Cotter and Jean-Pierre Laparra up against Philippe Saint-Andre and Kingsley Jones, it is a match that could form the entire structure of the group.
Ireland and Scotland clash in the Heineken cup as well on Saturday when Leinster travel to Edinburgh. The two Magners League teams have already met this season, almost exactly a month prior to the 11 October clash. On that day in Donnybrooke Edinburgh were comprehensively beaten, 52-6. The only question then is what has changed in the last few weeks that might be able to give the Gunners fans some hope?
The late kickoff on Saturday sees Gloucester and Biarritz lock horns with both sides hoping to make something of their latest adventures into Europe.
The English side are going tired of their title as the GP chokers and captain Mike Tindall says they are determined to show their true value at the highest level this time around.
“We can't get away from the labels people put on us, but it's up to us to do something about it, "said Tindall.
2006 Heineken Champions Biarritz should never be underestimated but Dean Ryan and his men would be incredibly disappointed if they failed to start the new European season off with a win at Kingsholm.
Sitting sixth and seventh in the Magners League at the moment, Glasgow and the Newport-Gwent Dragons were separated by just six points on the opening day of the domestic season with the Warriors just having the edge. Both teams will be desperate for the win as they will face uphill battles with Toulouse and Bath in order to progress from the group.
The two 15:30 kickoffs on Saturday both come from Pool Five with Quins taking on Scarlets and, the ever fashionable, Stade Francais heading to Ravenhill. The French side will no doubt remain the favourites to top the groups but all four will believe they will have at least some say in the matter before it is all said and done.
New Stade boss Ewen McKenzie admits he is a little nervous heading into the tournament for the first time but is confident his star studded side will get the job done.
"The team is used to the competition, but I'm a little bit nervous at the moment,”said the Australian.
The high profile French club’s player’s are clearly determined to finally crack the big one but will need to be at their best if they want to record their first ever win over the White knights at their home ground.
Argentine star Juan Martin Hernandez, “"We lost the 2005 final against Toulouse and it still hurt three months later. It took a long time to get over it."
The Scarlets always seem to lift their game for European competition but Harlequins have made a fantastic start to the new season and will be hoping to carry their fine form into Europe.
SPECTACULAR SUNDAY:
Both sides of the Leicester Ospreys clash have been building up to this fixture during the week. With recent history between the two only fueling the flames it looks set to be a fantastic clash.
Under new coach Heyneke Meyer the Tigers do seem to have their all-conquering attitude back at Welford Road. The Ospreys though also head into the Cup competition full of confidence and with their Welsh superstars keen to find historic success this time around.
"We were bitterly disappointed last year when we didn't go through to the semi-finals in what was otherwise a successful season for us," said Ospreys and Wales skipper Ryan Jones.
Leicester captain Martin Corry: "We are proud of our record in Europe at Welford Road but history and tradition doesn't win matches.
"We have a huge amount of respect for them. They keep on improving,although we like to think we are doing so as well.”
The two favourites for group four, Toulouse and Bath, clash on Sunday with everything to play for. With this fixture, and the return leg at the Recreation Ground in the final round of group fixtures, possibly what will decide who progresses as the league winners and runners-up there is no time to waste.
The other afternoon clash on Sunday sees two times Champions of Europe Wasps take on Top 14 side Castres in a game that they will be hoping gets their season back on track.
With all their ‘off the field’ issues with star Flyhalf Danny Cipriani and his bust-up with fullback Josh Lewsey, rarely has a team needed a good performance as much. Castres should not trouble the English side.
Friday, October 10:
Munster v Montauban
Thomond Park , Munster, 20:00 Local time (21:00 SA time)
rugby365 Prediction: The French side will not lie down bit Munster have not won two of the last three Heineken Cup's by taken teams for granted. They will want to make a mark and a win by 15 or more will do just that.
Teams:
Munster: 15 Keith Earls, 14 Doug Howlett, 13 Rua Tipoki, 12 Lifeimi Mafi, 11 Ian Dowling, 10 Ronan O'Gara, 9 Peter Stringer, 8 Justin Melck, 7 David Wallace, 6 Alan Quinlan, 5 Paul O'Connell (c), 4 Donncha O'Callaghan, 3 John Hayes, 2 Jerry Flannery, 1 Marcus Horan.
Replacements: 16 Denis Fogarty, 17 Frederico Pucciariello, 18 Donnacha Ryan, 19 John O'Sullivan, 20 Mike
Prendergast, 21 Paul Warwick, 22 Barry Murphy.
Montauban: 15 Johan Dalla Riva, 14 Sylvain Jonnet, 13 Jean-Philippe Viard, 12 Rida Jahouer, 11 Jean Emmanuel Cassin, 10 Régis Lespinas, 9 Petre Mitu, 8 Matthew Clarkin, 7 Marc Raynaud (c) 6 Yannick Caballero, 5 Rowan Frost, 4 Scott Murray, 3 Nick Adams, 2 Brice Mach, 1 Bogdan Balan.
Replacements: 16 Camille Traversa, 17 Laurent del Boulbes, 18 Silviu Florea, 19 Karim Ghezal, 20 Antoine Battut, 21 Fabien Fortassin, 22 Julien Laharrague.
Referee: Wayne Barnes (England)
Touch Judges: Chris White (England) , Robin Goodliffe (England)
TMO: Graham Hughes (England)
Perpignan v Treviso
Stade Aime Giral ,Perpignan, 20:00 Local time (21:00 SA time)
rugby365 Prediction: Even without Daniel Carter in the mix the Catalan side should expect to be too powerful at home for Treviso. If they are going to qualify from this group they need a full set of points from the opening day. Home side by ten.
Teams:
Perpignan: 15 Jérôme Porical, 14 Adrien Plante, 13 David Marty, 12 Jean-Philippe Grandclaude, 11 Farid Sid, 10 David Mele, 9 Chris Cusiter, 8 Damien Chouly, 7 Jean-Pierre Perez, 6 Gerrie Britz, 5 Rimas Alvarez Kairelis, 4 Olivier Olibeau, 3 Nicolas Mas, 2 Marius Tincu, 1 Perry Freshwater (captain).
Replacements: 16 tbc, 17 Sebastien Chobet, 18 Kisi Pulu, 19 Guillaume Vilaceca, 20 Guilhem Guirado, 21 Nicolas Durand, 22 Philip Burger.
Benetton: 15 Brendan Williams, 14 Emiliano Mulieri, 13 Benjamin De Jager, 12 Fraser Waters, 11 Andrew Vilk, 10 Andrea Marcato, 9 Simon Picone, 8 Dion Kingi, 7 Hottie Louw, 6 Silvio Orlando, 5 Cornelius Van Zyl, 3 Salvatore Costanzo, 2 Augusto Allori, 1 Marco Riva.
Replacements: 16 Diego
Vidal, 17 Enrico Ceccato, 18 Marco Filippucci, 19 Enrico Pavanello, 20 Tobias Botes, 21 Marius Goosen, 22 Alberto Sgarbi.
Referee: James Jones (Wales)
Saturday, October 11:
Calvisano v Cardiff Blues
Centro Sportivo San Michele, Calvisano, 13:35 local time
rugby365 Prediction: Dai Young will be expecting a response from his side in Italy and I would not like to see what happens if they do not deliver. Calvisano will ask questions of the Welsh side but will probably not like the answers. Blues by eight or more.
Teams:
Calvisano: TBC
Cardiff Blues: 15 Ben Blair, 14 Lee Halfpenny, 13 Jamie Robinson, 12 Tom Shanklin, 11 Gareth Thomas, 10 Nicky Robinson, 9 Jason Spice, 8 Andy Powell, 7 Martyn Williams, 6 Maama Molitika, 5 Paul Tito (captain), 4 Deiniol Jones, 3 Gary Powell, 2 Rhys Thomas, 1 Gethin
Jenkins.
Replacements: 16 Faao Filise, 17 Gareth Williams, 18 Scott Morgan, 19 Robin Sowden-Taylor, 20 Richie Rees, 21 Ceri Sweeney, 22 Jamie Roberts.
Referee: Rob Debney (England)
Touch judges: Tim Wigglesworth (England), Alan Biggs (England)
TMO: Dave Matthews (England)
Clermont Auvergne v Sale Sharks
Parc des Sports Marcel Michelin, Clermont-Ferrand 13:35
rugby365 Prediction: An exciting contest for the neutral. Clemont have such attacking power while Sale back their defence to compete with any attacking line. Sale though have not looked an attacking force yet this season? Will they finally get going? Maybe... but the home side should just edge it. Clemont by three.
Teams:
Clermont: 15 Anthony Floch, 14 Napolioni Nalaga, 13 Benoit Baby, 12 Seremaïa Baï, 11 Julien
Malzieu, 10 Brock James, 9 Pierre Mignoni, 8 Elvis Vermeulen (captain), 7 Alexandre Audebert, 6 Julien Bonnaire, 5 Thibaut Privat, 4 Julien Pierre, 3 Davit Zirakashvili, 2 Mario Ledesma, 1 Laurent Emmanuelli.
Replacements: 16 Mirko Lozupone, 17 Thomas Domingo, 18 Christophe Samson, 19 Emmanuel Etien; 20 John Senio, 21 Pierre-Manuel Garcia, 22 Arnaud Mignardi.
Sale Sharks: 15 Rory Lamont, 14 Mark Cueto, 13 Luke McAlister, 12 Lee Thomas, 11 David Doherty, 10 Richard Wigglesworth, 9 Dwayne Peel, 8 Sebastien Chabal, 7 Luke Abraham, 6 Juan Fernandez Lobbe (captain), 5 Kristian Ormsby, 4 Chris Jones, 3 Eifion Roberts, 2 Neil Briggs, 1 Lionel Faure.
Replacements: 16 Marc Jones, 17 Stuart Turner, 18 Dean Schofield, 19 Jason White, 20 Charlie Hodgson, 21 Chris Bell, 22 Rudi Keil.
Referee: Alan Lewis (Ireland)
Touch judges: Eanna O'Dowd (Ireland), Brian MacNeice
(Ireland)
TMO: John Sheehan (Ireland)
Edinburgh v Leinster
Murrayfield Stadium, Edinburgh, 13:35
rugby365 Prediction: Leinster destroyed the Gunners last time out and, while they will no doubt put on a braver face in front of their home fans, the Lions should get a comfortable win to start their European challenge. Visitors by two scores or more.
Teams:
Edinburgh: 15 Chris Paterson, 14 Mark Robertson, 13 Hugo Southwell, 12 Nick De Luca, 11 Simon Webster, 10 Phil Godman, 9 Mike Blair (captain), 8 Allister Hogg, 7 Alan MacDonald, 6 Scott Newlands, 5 Jim Hamilton, 4 Matt Mustchin, 3 Geoff Cross, 2 Ross Ford, 1 Allan Jacobsen.
Replacements: 16 Andrew Kelly, 17 Gavin Kerr, 18 Ben Gissing, 19 Craig Hamilton, 20 Greig Laidlaw, 21 David Blair, 22 John Houston.
Leinster: 15 Girvan Dempsey, 14 Shane Horgan, 13 Luke
Fitzgerald, 12 Brian O'Driscoll, 11 Rob Kearney, 10 Felipe Contepomi, 9 Chris Whitaker, 8 Jamie Heaslip, 7 Shane Jennings, 6 Rocky Elsom, 5 Devin Toner, 4 Leo Cullen (captain), 3 CJ Van Der Linde, 2 Bernard Jackman, 1 Stan Wright.
Replacements: 16 John Fogarty, 17 Cian Healy, 18 Trevor Hogan, 19 Stephen Keogh, 20 Chris Keane, 21 Johnny Sexton, 22 Gary Brown.
Referee: David Pearson (England)
Touch judges: Roy Maybank, Stuart Terheege (England)
TMO: Geoff Warren (England)
Gloucester v Biarritz
Kingsholm, Gloucester, 17:30 local time (18:30 SA time)
rugby365 Prediction: Gloucester really haven't impressed yet this season. Despite talking a very good game so far Mike Tindall and his team really do need a good performance against BO to prove critics wrong. Once again I don't expect a flourish but I do think the home side will have enough in the end. Enough being a win by five.
Teams:
Gloucester: 15 Olly Morgan, 14 Iain Balshaw, 13 Mike Tindall (captain), 12 Olly Barkley, 11 James Simpson-Daniel, 10 Ryan Lamb, 9 Gareth Cooper, 8 Luke Narraway, 7 Alasdair Strokosch, 6 Peter Buxton, 5 Alex Brown, 4 Marco Bortolami, 3 Carlos Nieto, 2 Olivier Azam, 1 Alasdair Dickinson.
Replacements: 16 Scott Lawson, 17 Jack Forster, 18 Adam Eustace, 19 Andy Hazell, 20 Rory Lawson, 21 Willie Walker, 22 Lesley Vainikolo.
Biarritz: 15 Benjamin Thiery, 14 Takudzwa Ngwenya, 13 Romain Cabannes, 12 Damien Traille, 11 Jean-Baptiste Gobelet, 10 Julien Peyrelongue, 9 Fabien Cibray, 8 Jacques Cronjé, 7 Samiu Vahafolau, 6 Magnus Lund, 5 David Couzinet, 4 Jéróme Thion (captain), 3 Mosese Moala, 2 Benoit August, 1 Fabien Barcella.
Replacements: 16 Benoit Bourrust, 17 Eduard Coetzee, 18 Manuel Carizza,
19 Petto Som, 20 Laurent Tranier, 21 Andrea Masi, 22 Philippe Bidabé.
Referee: Peter Allan (Scotland)
Touch judges: Rob Dickson (Scotland), Ron Dumma (Scotland)
TMO: Andy Ireland (Scotland)
Newport-Gwent Dragons v Glasgow
Rodney Park, Newport, 14:30 local time (15:30 SA time)
rugby365 Prediction: Very closely matched earlier this season and I expect they should be once again. Warriors got the win in the Maglers League and still look good to repeat the opening day result from Rodney Park. Warriors by six... again?
Teams:
Dragons: 15 Phil Dollman, 14 Gareth Wyatt, 13 Rory Sidey, 12 Marc Stcherbina, 11 Richard Fussell, 10 James Arlidge, 9 Wayne Evans, 8 Lewis Evans, 7 Colin Charvis, 6 Joe Bearman, 5 Luke Charteris, 4 Adam Jones, 3 Rhys Thomas, 2 Tom Willis (captain), 1 Adam Black.
Replacements: 16 Steve Jones, 17 Aaron Coundley, 18 Grant Webb, 19 Andrew Hall, 20 Rob Lewis, 21 Shaun Connor, 22 Ashley Smith.
Glasgow: 15 Bernardo Stortoni, 14 Lome Fa'atau, 13 Max Evans, 12 Graeme Morrison, 11 Hefin O'Hare, 10 Colin Gregor, 9 Mark McMillan, 8 Johnnie Beattie, 7 John Barclay, 6 Kelly Brown, 5 Alastair Kellock (captain), 4 Opeta Palepoi, 3 Moray Low, 2 Dougie Hall, 1 Justin Va'a.
Replacements: 16 Ed Kalman, 17 Kevin Tkachuk, 18 Tim Barker, 19 Stevie Swindall, 20 Andrew Henderson, 21 Ruaridh Jackson, 22 Richie Vernon.
Referee: Romain Poite (France)
Touch judges: Cédric Marchat (France), Eric Soulan (France)
Scarlets v Harlequins
Stanley Park. Llanelli, 15:30 local time (16:30 SA time)
rugby365 Prediction: Another good contest on paper. Scarlets would be the obviously favourites at home but Quins have looked an exciting force in the early season so far. Give the Welsh side the edge, but not by much. Nigel Davies men by less that seven.
Teams:
Scarlets: 15 Morgan Stoddart, 14 Darren Daniel, 13 Regan King, 12 Gavin Evans, 11 Mark Jones, 10 Stephen Jones, 9 Sililo Martens, 8 David Lyons, 7 Gavin Thomas, 6 Simon Easterby (captain), 5 Simon Maling, 4 Vernon Cooper, 3 Kees Meeuws, 2 Matthew Rees, 1 Iestyn Thomas.
Replacements: 16 Ken Owens, 17 Phil John, 18 Scott MacLeod, 19 Nathan Thomas, 20 Martin Roberts, 21 Ceiron Thomas, 22 Rob Higgitt.
Harlequins: 15 Mike Brown, 14 Charlie Amesbury, 13 Gonzalo Tiesi, 12 Jordan Turner-Hall, 11 Ugo Monye, 10 Chris Malone, 9 Danny Care, 8 Tom Guest, 7 Will Skinner (captain), 6 Chris Robshaw, 5 Jim Evans, 4 Ollie Kohn, 3 Mike Ross, 2 Gary Botha, 1 Ceri Jones.
Replacements: 16 Tani Fuga, 17 Mark Lambert, 18 George
Robson, 19 Nick Easter, 20 Andy Gomarsall, 21 Epi Taione, 22 Waisea Luveniyali.
Referee: Christophe Berdos (France)
Touch judges:
TMO:
Ulster v Stade Francais
Ravenhill, Ulster, 15:30 local time (16:30 SA tme)
rugby365 Prediction: Is this the season Max Guazzini ridiculously clad Paris side finally get that win at Ravenhill? It should be. Matt Williams and his men will push them all the way but Ewen McKenzie is an experienced man and should guide his new troops over the line. Stade by four.
Teams:
Ulster: 15 Bryn Cunningham, 14 Clinton Schifcofske, 13 Darren Cave, 12 Paddy Wallace, 11 Andrew Trimble, 10 Niall O'Connor, 9 Isaac Boss, 8 Robbie Diack, 7 Keiron Dawson, 6 Stephen Ferris, 5 Ryan Caldwell, 4 Ed O'Donoghue, 3 BJ Botha, 2 Rory Best (captain), 1 Tom Court.
Replacements: 16 Nigel Brady, 17 Justin Fitzpatrick, 18 Carlo Del Fava, 19 Matt McCullough, 20 Cillian Willis, 21 Ian Humphreys, 22 Paul Steinmetz
Stade Français: 15 Lionel Beauxis, 14 Julien Arias, 13 Guillaume Bousses, 12 Brian Liebenberg, 11 Julien Saubade, 10 Juan Martin Hernandez, 9 Noel Oelschig, 8 Sergio Parisse, 7 Pierre Rabadan, 6 Mauro Bergamasco, 5 Simon Taylor, 4 Arnaud Marchois, 3 David Attoub, 2 Dimitri Szarzewski, 1 Rodrigo Roncero.
Replacements: 16 Mathieu Blin, 17 Sylvain Marconnet, 18 Pierre Vigouroux, 19 Juan Leguizamon, 20 Terry Bouhraoua, 21 Mathieu Bastareaud, 22 Djibril Camara.
Referee: Nigel Owens (Wales)
Touch judges:
TMO:
Sunday, October 12:
Leicester v Ospreys
Welford Road, Leicester, 13:00 local time (14:00 SA Time)
rugby365 Prediction: Whoever wins this, it is going to be a titanic battle. Rarely have we seen so much prematch talk from both sides - clearly there is something to this rivalry. Ospreys look the part but at Welford Road, in a must win situation, with Heyneke Meyer at the helm - the safe bet is the home bet. Leicester by three.
Teams:
Leicester: 15 Geordan Murphy, 14 Johne Murphy, 13 Dan Hipkiss, 12 Aaron Mauger, 11 Matt Smith, 10 Toby Flood, 9 Harry Ellis, 8 Jordan Crane, 7 Ben Woods, 6 Tom Croft, 5 Ben Kay, 4 Martin Corry (captain), 3 Julian White, 2 Benjamin Kayser, 1 Marcos Ayerza.
Replacements: 16 George Chuter, 17 Dan Cole, 18 Richard Blaze, 19 Marco Wentzel, 20 Julien Dupuy, 21 Derick Hougaard, 22 Alesana Tuilagi.
Ospreys: 15 Lee Byrne, 14 Nikki Walker, 13 Tommy Bowe, 12 Andrew Bishop, 11 Shane Williams, 10 James Hook, 9 Rhodri Wells, 8 Ryan Jones (captain), 7 Marty Holah, 6 Jonathan Thomas, 5
Ian Evans, 4 Alun-wyn Jones, 3 Adam Jones, 2 Richard Hibbard, 1 Paul James.
Replacements: 16 Huw Bennett, 17 Duncan Jones, 18 Ian Gough, 19 Filo Tiatia, 20 Tom Smith, 21 Rhys Webb, 22 Daniel Biggar.
Referee: Alain Rolland (Ireland)
Touch judges: David Wilkinson (Ireland), S Flannery (Ireland)
TMO: B Fitzgerald (Ireland)
Toulouse v Bath
Stade Ernest-Wallon, Toulouse, 15:00 local time
rugby365 Prediction:
Teams: So many good games this weekend! this will be no exception. Home ground advantage should be enough to see the French side home but expect Butch and his boys to push them all the way. Toulouse to wil it by five.
Toulouse: 15 Maxime Medard, 14 Yves Donguy, 13 Maleli Kunavore, 12 Yannick Jauzion, 11 Cédric Heymans, 10 David Skrela, 9 Byron Kelleher, 8 Shaun Sowerby, 7
Thierry Dusautoir, 6 Jean Bouilhou (c), 5 Patricio Albacete, 4 Fabien Pelous, 3 Benoit Lecouls, 2 William Servat, 1 Jean-Baptiste Poux.
Replacements: 16 Virgile Lacombe, 17 Daan Human, 18 Romain Millo-Chluski, 19 Yannick Nyanga, 20 Mathieu Belie, 21 Florian Fritz, 22 Manu Ahotaeiloa.
Bath: 15 Nick Abendanon, 14 Joe Maddock, 13 Alex Crockett, 12 Shaun Berne, 11 Matt Banahan, 10 Butch James, 9 Michael Claassens, 8 Jonny Faamatuainu, 7 Michael Lipman (c), 6 Stuart Hooper, 5 Peter Short, 4 Justin Harrison, 3 Matt Stevens, 2 Lee Mears, 1 David Flatman.
Replacement: 16 Pieter Dixon,17 Duncan Bell, 18 David Barnes, 19 James Scaysbrook, 20 Scott Bemand, 21 Eliota Fuimaono-Sapolu, 22 Michael Stephens.
Referee: George Clancy (Ireland)
Touch judges: David Keane (Ireland), Jonathan Peake (Ireland)
TMO: Marshall Kilgore
(Ireland)
Wasps v Castres
Adams Park, High Wycombe, 15:00 local time (SA time)
rugby365 Prediction: With all their troubles hopefully behind them Shaun Edwards and his men will expect to get their season back on track. Cipriani set to start and star. Wasps by fifteen with Josh Lewsey and his flyhalf hugging for the camera's.
Teams:
London Wasps: 15 Lachlan Mitchell, 14 Paul Sackey, 13 Josh Lewsey, 12 Riki Flutey, 11 Tom Voyce, 10 Danny Cipriani, 9 Eoin Reddan, 8 Joe Worsley, 7 Tom Rees, 6 James Haskell, 5 Tom Palmer, 4 Simon Shaw, 3 Phil Vickery, 2 Raphael Ibanez (captain), 1 Tim Payne.
Replacements: 16 Rob Webber, 17 Pat Barnard, 18 Richard Birkett, 19 Serge Betsen, 20 Mark Robinson, 21 Dan Leo, 22 Jeremy Staunton.
Castres Olympique: 15 Thomas Bouquié, 14 Lionel Mazars, 13 Philip Christophers, 12 Thomas Sanchou, 11
Rafael Carballo, 10 Cameron McIntyre, 9 Sébastien Tillous-Borde, 8 Florian Faure, 7 Darron Nell, 6 Steve Malonga, 5 Lionel Nallet, 4 Rodrigo Capo Ortega, 3 Luc Ducalcon, 2 Romain Terrain, 1 Gideon Lensing.
Replacements: 16 Akvsenti Giorgadze, 17 Yannick Forestier, 18 Colin Gaston, 19 Leiataua Tomiki, 20 Paul Bonnefond, 21 Kevin Senio, 22 Anthony Lagardere.
Referee: Carlo Damasco (Italy)
Touch judges:
TMO: John Burtenshaw
