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'Everybody talks about the big return of the star... but he's a 37-year-old taking the place of a young Frenchman'

Dan Carter. (Photo by Atsushi Tomura/Getty Images)

Racing has strenuously rebuffed criticism within France about their re-signing of Dan Carter, who is expected to make his comeback debut for the club in their March 23 home Top 14 game against Bordeaux.

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The former All Black, due to check-in at the Racing training ground between March 8 and 15, generated many headlines when it was announced he would be returning to the Parisian club on a short-term deal as a medical joker replacement for the retired Pat Lambie.

However, the fanfare surrounding his return from Japan wasn’t universally acclaimed. Carcassonne coach Christian Labit led the chorus of disapproval, making some very tough remarks that have now been challenged by joint Racing boss Laurent Labit.

“Everybody talks about the big return of the star whereas it’s a guy of 37 years old who will take the place of a young Frenchman,” said the Carcassonne coach.

“I take offence to those who boast of singing these men and who advertise that it is the messiah who arrives. I would have preferred, if we are Racing, that we take the small number 10 and prepare it, but we prefer to be reassured by going looking for Carter. It annoys me.”

(Continue reading below…)

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Racing’s Labit hit back at his namesake’s criticism, telling Midi Olympique: “In French rugby, everyone gives advice to everyone but does not apply to himself.

“Frankly, when I see Carcassonne, who are 10th in Pro D2, I wonder… Karena Wihongi, whom I know well, is 40 years old and Josh Valentine, their Australian scrum-half, is 36 years old.

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“To play in 10th place of Pro D2, I think that Christian Labit would do just as well with French players.”

Carter’s arrival in Paris will be perfectly timed for his inclusion in Racing’s push for Champions Cup glory as their quarter-final at home to Toulouse is scheduled for March 31.

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Hellhound 9 minutes ago
What has happened to Aphelele Fassi?

Willie will always be the most missed player for me once he retires. He wasn't interested in scoring tries. The ultimate team player. Has the most assists in tries in the Bok team, and his kicks always spot on, at least 95% of the time. He reads the game like no other player can. He wasn't flashy, and people didn't notice him because of that. Great rugby head and knowledge. He should be catapulted into an assistant coach in the rugby system. He should really consider coaching.


Damian Willemse is an excellent fullback and he is the number 1 fullback. He can play the entire backline positions, except maybe 9, but I'm sure he would be able too if he wanted. No one is taking that away from him, only stand in while he is injured. He is world class and you don't swap that out. He also got wicked dancing feet, great eye for openings, and reads a game like few can, like Willie Le Roux. Also very strong on his feet, with absolute great hands and his kicking game is just as good.


As for Aphelele Fassi. What a great find and he has exceptional talent that Rassie will mould into a world class player. Yet.... He is nowhere even close to Damien Willemse. He has a long way to go to get there, but he is surrounded by great team mates from who he will gain lots of advice and support. He can play wing and fullback and Rassie may just try him out as a flyhalf or centre too. He has the abilities to expand his game. He is for sure a future star, but not yet at the stage to take away Damien Willemse's spot. However, DW start and AF on the bench, that is an awesome replacement. Between the 2 they cover all positions in the backline once AF gets that training. The Boks could go 6/2 permanently if they wanted. 6 forwards, a scrumhalf and AF. I may be wrong, but Rassie will spread AF around.

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R
RedWarrior 50 minutes ago
'They smelt it': Scott Robertson says Italy sensed All Blacks' vulnerability

I think Italy were always targetting this match and intended to win. They needed to exorcise the 2023 RWC. I think they could have done with a bit more help from other 6Ns particularly from Ireland to knock more holes in NZ and their confidence.

Mentioned before the Italy Argentina match was a virus that ripped through the Italy camp early that week. In general play Italy were competitive albeit with a high error count and crucial missed tackles.

Ive said it before the era of NZ turning up unprepared for all comers and triumphing is definitively over. If a Tier1 team target NZ and NZ do not prepare accordingly they are in with a major chance of losing. It used to occur the odd time in RWCs against France, now it can occur v any Tier1. The competition has improved. NZ can still be at the top but their talents must be deployed sufficiently into dismantling teams as with their attack then allowed to exploit.

They dismantled Ireland pretty well in Dublin which went largely unnoticed. That allowed them scoreboard advantage and attacking opportunities of which one was enough.

That Italian team beat Wales and significantly Scotland last year. They used the loss to NZ in the most positive way possible. No doubt NZ prepared but I would assume it was similar to versus Argentina: 3/4 arsed at best. These test matches are rare and this was another chance to practice dismantling a determined and prepared opponent which was lost. If Italy had scored a 7 pointer at 17-6....an Italian win was on.

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