By bonso
January 22 2015

Northampton Saints welcome French side Racing Metro to Franklin's Gardens this Saturday afternoon in a "winner takes all" match to determine who gets a home quarter-final tie in the 2014/15 European Rugby Champion Cup. Regular COYSDC contributor, bonso (Dave to his mates), takes a look ahead to the game...

NORTHAMPTON SAINTS vs RACING METRO

Saturday, 24th January 2015 - 3.15pm (BT Sport)

FRANKLIN'S GARDENS, NORTHAMPTON

MATCH PREVIEW

Well, here we are at the end of the group stages of the inaugural European Champions Cup much as predicted with a winner takes all tie at the gardens. With the exception of a weird combination of results both Saints and Racing are essentially through, however, there is a big big carrot dancing in front of Saturday’s victor, namely home advantage in the quarter finals.

So how will this shape up?

First though a bit of information about our Gallic opponents. Racing were founded in the late 1800’s as a general sports club with many teams and not a little aristocratic interest. The rugby team were one of the early movers and shakers in French competitive rugby both before and after provincial teams were allowed to compete. It was though in the 1980’s that Racing’s character was enhanced for many as they embraced a style and flamboyance sadly sometimes lacking in the modern game. With players like Franck Mesnel and Jean-Baptiste Lafond they were nightlife loving mavericks who could play a bit as well, but it was there habits of couture more than the liking of a reviving half-time champers that caught the eye. The playing gear that was donned was rich and varied from striped trousers to commemorate the sans culottes storming the Bastille, to berets against Bayonne, the famous pink bowtie (now the symbol of the spin off Eden Park brand) against Toulon. They even wore black make up on their faces in a match against Toulouse, that one does seem odd though. Oh and for those that were wondering the 92 in their modern name is representative of the district they are based in.

Well, suppose we had better get to the rugby.

Racing’s form this season has been typically French solid at home fragile away. I wouldn’t read anything into that. This is really the first cup-final of the season and I think all bets are off. One thing to Saints advantage is that Racing have no Sexton who played so admirably in the first match. However looking at the names in the squad announced it is still pretty scary, I mean I have heard that Jamie Roberts bloke might be a bit useful, and they must have some injuries as they are playing that Welsh back-row fellow Mike Phillips at scrum-half or at least put him in the backs. In all seriousness, this is a squad that on paper is a match for anyone. Yet donning the other chapeau looking at our backs can be a bit awesome as well and it may be that we have a slight advantage here as I think our lads may be a bit more settled as a unit and in their patterns. We may also be the better team of the two without the ball, our systems in defence combined with our speed, sense, and commitment have not really been cracked all season.

The impressive thing though about the Saints this season has been our ability to use the rapier, as well as the bludgeon. The Leicester match is the case in point. One question that will not be answered until Saturday is how Racing will approach this tactically will they try and play or will they try and use their monster pack and good set piece to try to frustrate and strangle Saints. I think whichever way it will be close with the caveat that if Saints are able to impose their own template to the game it might prove too much for Racing especially with Mr Owens love of a flowing game.

Biggest cheer of the day I reckon might be the odd Moo or two for the Mooj and maybe the odd golf clap for Kruger after his pantomime act in the last match.

The Saints I think will line up as expected sans Foden and Lawes with Wilson resuming at full-back, which might be a boon for Saints if the weather turns foul in being able to utilise his siege gun boot. Also I think nothing should be read into the last league performance against an improving Sale, the forwards will be stronger and I doubt as poor as they were then as they have already shown with the improvement against the Ospreys. Of course, certain personnel back helps. Ok, prediction time. I can’t really see Saints losing this if they keep sensible, quick, and precise. Yet Racing if the mood takes them have the ability to win also as well.

This really might be down to actually who plays the best on the day and on grass...

George North Says:

Dorian West Says:

News: CC: Northampton Saints vs Racing Metro - Match Preview

Discussion started by ComeOnYouSaints.com , 22/01/2015 23:33

ComeOnYouSaints.com
22/01/2015 23:33

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Phil.
22/01/2015 23:35

Many thanks, David - a smashing read!

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Howlin
22/01/2015 23:51

good stuff Bonz. It is indeed our first cup final of the season.

Saint 'til I die

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St Dormouse
23/01/2015 08:24

Lovely insight into the racing character. Cracking game ahead methinks

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Chris G
23/01/2015 09:57

Good stuff Mr Wilton

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riverlodge
23/01/2015 11:12

very good - i like, and agree with, the rapier / bludgeon analogy

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Sarge
23/01/2015 12:36

"Oh and for those that were wondering the 92 in their modern name is representative of the district they are based in."

And the Metro in the name dates from 2001 when the Rugby sections of Racing Club de France and Union Sportive Métropolitaine des Transports merged; the latter being the sports society of the Paris Metro.

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Howlin
23/01/2015 12:36

wise words from Myler on Saints TV too.

Saint 'til I die

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