RACING’S

3 men to make a difference

Leon Nakarawa

Age: Position: Lock Test career: Fiji (47 caps) DONNACHA RYAN will lead the Racing pack, but Nakarawa will provide an enormous threat to Leinster alongside him. The former Glasgow second row is probably the most skilful lock in the world: in three seasons in Scotland, his off-loading was frequently sensational.

This earned him a move to Racing after the last World Cup, but it took time for the club to properly use his talents. Initially he was used as another Top 14 battering ram, but now his ability to pass out of the tackle and provide a running threat in the loose is being harnessed.

Teddy Thomas

Age: Position: Winger Test career: France (10 caps, 8 tries) AN Irish audience got its first big introduction to Thomas in the Six Nations last February. A game in which Ireland looked in complete control was almost lost, due in no small part to a wonderful score by Thomas after gathering a loose kick on the right wing. And any Irish rugby supporter still unconvinced then saw him rip Munster apart in 15 minutes two weeks ago.

He can be inconsistent, but he has wonderful footwork and

deadly speed.

Dan Carter

Age: Position: Out half Test career: New Zealand (112 caps, 1598 points) CARTER is well past his best, and this has been illustrated by just one start in the tournament this year. He is increasingly prone to injury, too, while Pat Lambie was excellent against Munster at No10.

However, in the absence of Maxime Machenaud, Racing will need a reliable kicker – and Carter is the best there has ever been.

There has never been a greater out half, either, and while it would be a risk to start him, it must be a major consideration for Racing. They will need every point they can get, and Carter practically guarantees that.