Charles Ollivon, before facing Treviso in the semi-finals of the Challenge: “It’s going to hit hard! »

There are two ways to look at this semi-final for RC Toulon. “With no disrespect to Benetton Treviso, I think Toulon is much stronger, told us the former all black opener Lima Sopoaga (32), who lost in the quarter-finals of the Challenge Cup against the RCT last April 8 (48-23) with the LOU. The RCT has a great package of forwards well taken with Charles Ollivon, a nasty three-quarter line. And, with Baptiste Serin, a player capable of changing a match on his own. »

“They play their season on this game”

The third-line center Var, Sergio Parisse, was more sibylline, so as not to offend his training club with which he played 47 matches. “It’s the first Italian team to reach a European Cup semi-final… They play their season on this match. » Clearly: his compatriots do not come to Toulon to take selfies on Mount Faron.

The Benetton Treviso has in all its lines, players who form the backbone of the Italian national team in full revival. “This selection is the revelation of the last Six Nations”, told us Ian Foster, the all black coach, recently. From now on, the Italians are able to develop the game.

On Friday, Charles Ollivon took care to list some formidable names: « Giacomo Nicotera (7 selections), Nicolo Cannone (25 selections), Federico Ruzza (5), Michele Lamaro (21), Sebastian Negri (36)… They have strong collective benchmarks. Their preparation during the week is more fluid. They are beefy in front, solid, with a lot of character. They move the ball, have hands… This team is impressive. They gained confidence. It’s going to be hard. We are warned that it will hit hard! Faced with big teams like that, we don’t have our minds elsewhere. There is a positive stress that comes to mind, it’s good to be able to participate in these matches. »