Champions Cup: Finn Russell and Bath ready to play tricks on Racing 92

Finding your ex a few months later. Remembering the good, the very good and the worst moments... This is surely what will happen for Racing 92 this Sunday in Bath (2 p.m.) where Finn Russell is playing. The international fly-half will face his former club, for whom he played through good times and bad for five seasons.

But the Scottish magician has turned the page and will not hesitate to play a bad trick on his former teammates, who are getting off to a bad start in the competition. Only penultimate in their group in the Champions Cup (5th), Stuart Lancaster's squad no longer has the right to make mistakes after the two defeats suffered against Harlequins (28-31) and Ulster (31-15). ).

“I really enjoyed my time in France. It's something that some people do without giving their all. I really wanted to learn the language and embrace the culture. I had a blast, I didn't become French but I tried to integrate as much as possible. I feel like I did pretty well. In any case, I loved my stay in France,” Russell told AFP before the World Cup. The Scottish conductor also suggested that he would like the end of his career in France.

Before adding for the Telegraph: “I came to Bath to win trophies.” It must be said that the club from the southwest of England has been breathing since this season. After finishing last in the standings two years ago while benefiting from the administrative descents of Wasps and Worcester, before experiencing a sad season last year (8th), the men of Stuart Hooper, the head coach, will better. 3rd in the Premiership (English top division), Bath have had a very good start to the season with, in particular, convincing victories against Exeter, Gloucester and Saracens. Better yet, Russell's teammates have two improved victories in the Champions Cup, against Ulster and Cardiff. And are fully in the running for qualification.

If these results are so good, Finn Russell has nothing to do with it. 4th best scorer in the Angalis championship (69 points), the Scottish fly-half has played nine matches in the Premiership this season. He was also part of the two victories on the European stage. But Bath has other arguments. And can count on the very solid pillar Beno Obano but also on the powerful Alfie Barbeary in the third row. Tacklers Miles Reid and Sam Underhill are still there, as is England international Ollie Lawrence in the center of the field. We will also have to be wary of the metronome Ben Spencer in the scrum, the young De Glanville or the speedy Cokanasiga on the wing.

The Sky and White also have weapons. And not the least. Woki, Kolisi, Le Garrec, Gibert, Saili, Naituvi, Habosi, Arundell… The Racingmen can compete on the European scene, but find themselves with their backs against the wall before the trip to England. Another defeat could destroy the Champions Cup qualification objectives. “It’s not because we lost two matches that we can’t qualify,” Stuart Lancaster, the club’s manager, confided to Le Figaro a few weeks ago.

Because this Racing, armed as it is, cannot be content with appearing well in the Top 14. First in the championship with four points ahead of their runner-up, the UBB, Gaël Fickou's teammates still have the possibility of playing both sides. It's up to them not to spoil it.