French rugby title

Toulouse won the last of their 17 French rugby titles in 2008 beating Clermont and on Friday they must beat the same opponents and defending champions in Marseille if they are to progress to this season's final. Saturday's semi-final gives Racing Metro's French rugby icon Sebastien Chabal a chance of ending a desperate season on a high note should he help his side end Fabien Galthie's Montpellier dream run which had them marked out by most people as relegation favourites rather than title contenders. Toulouse may have all those league crowns but they have only won the title twice this century so far and their fiery head coach Guy Noves is keen to secure another especially as their defence of the European Cup crown, their fourth under Noves, ended with defeat by Leinster in the last eight. The 57-year-old - who as a classy wing at Toulouse also won two titles - is a hard taskmaster and has warned his players that he does not wish to have to 'return home early'. His captain Thierry Dusautoir denies, though, that he and his team-mates feel any extra pressure given that they have not won the league crown since 2008 and him especially as an error by him in the 2009 semi-final all but handed Clermont victory. "It is true that this was our major goal this season, more so than retaining the European Cup," said the 29-year-old France skipper. "Every player at every club wishes to win trophies in their careers and some don't succeed in doing so but while I have been here I have won a French title and a European Cup. "I don't think there are many clubs who have managed to do that. However, while we remain focused on winning the trophy I would say that we are not feeling the pressure more like we are intent on going out there and enjoying ourselves," added the Ivory Coast-born flanker known as the 'Dark Destroyer' for his crunching tackles. Noves in his trademark style of playing mindgames ahead of crucial matches has said that Clermont are a better side than recently-crowned European champions Leinster, but the French champions' veteran Argentinian hooker Mario Ledesma did not fall for it. "In terms of communication, he is the best," said Ledesma, who retires from the sport at the end of the season. "One never knows if he is lying or not. But regarding us and Leinster, he is lying! You've seen how Leinster play? If we were a stronger side than them, we would be certain of winning this semi-final by 20 points!" Chabal's annus horribilis which has seen him first lose his place in the national side then miss out on a spot on this year's World Cup squad and finally slapped with a 60 days ban for derogatory remarks about referees took a slight turn for the better when earlier in the week his suspension was reduced allowing him to play on Saturday. "Today, I feel as if I have got back my job," said the 33-year-old after the announcement of his suspension being reduced. "Now I can get back to doing what I do best playing rugby and helping Racing reach the final." However, Racing's highly-paid squad will face a young and vibrant Montpellier side that reflects the character of former France captain Galthie, who has added to his reputation as the best young French coach and made many regret he is not in charge of the national side. The club's first ever appearance in the semi-finals has also encouraged new investment in the shape of construction magnate Mohed Altrad, who has pledged an immediate investment of 2.4million euros. Montpellier's star backrow forward Fulgence Ouedraogo said that they were going to make the most of their opportunity. "It is a bonus this for us really," he said. "But we are determined to go one stage further. We are keen to be competitive to win this semi-final and to play the final. You have to be greedy to succeed."