Toulouse need a win as they host Hull KR, who could go top. Here’s everything you need to know…
SQUAD NEWS
Toulouse Olympique
Toulouse were defeated by a Gareth O’Brien drop-goal in the 13-12 loss to Toronto last time out. The result leaves them on the verge on missing out on the Million Pound Game which is only a fortnight away.
The Blue and Whites must maintain their undefeated home record in the final stages of this season’s Qualifiers to keep their fate in their own hands.
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To compensate for the absence of Sam Rapira, Sylvain Houles and his staff call on Paul Séguir, while Mourad Kriouache replaces Tony Maurel.
Toulouse 19-man squad: Bastien Ader, William Barthau, Clément Boyer, Joe Bretherton, Chris Centrone, Rhys Curran, Johnathon Ford, Tyla Hepi, Mark Kheirallah, Mourad Kriouache, Paul Marcon, Gavin Marguerite, Anthony Marion, Constantine Mika, Sébastien Planas, Maxime Puech, Stanislas Robin, Justin Sangaré, Paul Séguier.
Hull Kingston Rovers
An incredible 38-36 win over Leeds Rhinos at Headingley, followed by comfortable home triumphs over Halifax and London Broncos, mean that a win could see KR go top of The Qualifiers.
Rovers recall prop Mose Masoe into the team after missing last week’s win with concussion. Furthermore, veteran Danny McGuire is set to feature having missing the victory over London with a groin issue.
Danny McGuire, Hull KR. Photo credit: Getty Images.Craig Hall has scored seven tries in his last three matches and the winger will hope to cross the whitewash once more to inspire his side to yet another victory.
Centre Ben Crooks is named in the 19-man squad but he must pass concussion protocols to play at the Stade Ernest Argeles. However, one man who won’t play on the continent is Maurice Blair, who remains out with an injury to his calf and may not make the squad again this year.
Hull KR 19-man squad: Junior Vaivai, Danny McGuire, Nick Scruton, Shaun Lunt, Mose Masoe, James Greenwood, Ben Kavanagh, James Donaldson, Chris Clarkson, Tommy Lee, Robbie Mulhern, Liam Salter, Chris Atkin, Will Oakes, Danny Tickle, Joel Tomkins, Todd Carney, Craig Hall, Ben Crooks.
HEAD-TO-HEAD
The two sides faced off twice in the Championship last season and, each time, the men of Sylvain Houles came out on top: 14-6 in Blagnac and then 30-31 across the pond in England. This must give ‘The Olympians’ the belief that they are able to beat the Yorkshire side again this Saturday.
KEY BATTLE – Stan Robin (Toulouse) vs Craig Hall (Hull KR)
Robin is in sensational form, crossing the whitewash in his last four games and, although not always on the winning side in that time, he has become an integral part of his team’s bid for promotion to the Betfred Super League. You can bet on him putting in another big performance on Saturday, and he will be a huge influence from scrum-half.
Craig Hall, Hull KR. Photo credit: Hull KR official twitter.Like his opponent, Hall is in tremendous form having scored seven tries in the last three games. Despite not touching down against London Broncos last week. The Englishman will be primed and ready to fire his club towards the top of The Qualifiers table. If Toulouse are to win, he needs to be stopped.
THE IMPORTANT DETAILS
Date: Saturday 22nd September
Venue: Stade Ernest Argelés
Kick-off: 5:00pm (UK time)
Referee: Ben Thaler
