Rodrigo ready to take on Red Army
CASTRES captain Rodrigo Capo Ortega believes that success in Europe is the next big step after winning the French title twice in the last four years.
They have only managed to make the knockout stages once in the Champions Cup and then their run was brought to an end by Munster at the semi-final stage in Beziers in 2002.
But the former Uruguayan lock, who will be 38 tomorrow, believes they can push on and make an impact.
‘We had a good European campaign last season but we didn’t qualify. We went on from there though to win the French championship. This year we want to make a better impression than we did in Europe last season. ‘We have won two French championships in the past few years and the next step up for us is Europe. It is important for the club that we do this but we can only do it by taking it match after match. ‘You have to win your matches at home and if you can win one away and maybe pick up a few other points, then you are in with a very good chance,’ added Capo Ortega, who is doubtful for Sunday’s encounter with a leg injury picked up in the surprise loss at the weekend at home to Agen. Castres and Munster have met more often than any two teams in the Champions Cup — Sunday’s meeting will be their 15th — and while the Reds hold the edge with 10 wins and a draw, Capo Ortega says he always enjoys taking them on. ‘Munster are a big team, a traditional rugby team, good at lineouts, maul, scrum, a big pack of forwards. They are the sort of team I love playing against! But they are tough.
‘When you go to Munster you see all the people, the Red Army, behind them and it’s very good. I would love to win there.’