Thompson ready for Toulouse clash

By Mark Orlovac
BBC Sport

Thompson has scored two tries in this year's Heineken Cup campaign

Northampton skipper Steve Thompson admits his side face a tough job to end Toulouse's Heineken Cup dream.

The Saints are massive underdogs to win Friday's quarter-final against the star-studded French giants after a disappointing domestic season.

And Thompson told BBC Sport: "It is a tough place to go and we know that it is a tall order to go there and win.

"They have power and pace all through the side and there is an incredible aura about them."

Northampton are aiming to become the first English side to win a Heineken Cup quarter-final away from home.

However Toulouse's record in the competition is against them.

Toulouse, who have stars such as Frederic Michalak, Fabien Pelous and Clement Poitrenaud in their side, have only lost four of their 36 home fixtures in the Heineken Cup while victory on Friday would see them become the first side to win 50 matches in the tournament.

They are also aiming to become the first team to win the competition three times and, after their comprehensive 71-3 Top 16 victory over Brive last weekend, confidence will be high.

We have gone to Agen and ended their unbeaten run so it can be done Saints skipper Steve Thompson

The two sides have already played each other twice in the pool stages this season with each side claiming a home victory.

They also met at the same stage of the 2003 Heineken Cup with Toulouse winning 32-16 at home.

However Thompson believes that last year's beaten finalists can be defeated on their home patch.

"It is a one-off game," said Thompson. "That's the beauty of rugby, one bad bounce of the ball and we are in there.

"If you can keep the game to a tight score they can panic. In the final against Wasps last year I thought Toulouse outplayed them.

PREVIOUS MEETINGS 11 December 2004 Toulouse 25-12 Northampton Match report 4 December 2004 Northampton 23-21 Toulouse Match report 12 April 2003 Toulouse 32-16 Northampton Match report

"They have the flair players that want to go for it all the time. That's the type of team they are.

"But the Wasps defence made them struggle and with one error they won the game."

Northampton's success in Europe this season has been in stark contrast to their Premiership campaign, which has seen them battle against relegation.

However things have started to improve recently and they go into the game after three straight wins against Leicester, Gloucester and Harlequins.

And Saints will also gain confidence from their impressive victory at Agen in January 2004, which ended the French team's lengthy unbeaten home record.

Agen 6-19 Northampton

"We have gone to Agen and ended their run so it can be done," said Thompson.

"We have to enjoy it. We have won three in a row and we are on a bit of a winning streak.

"Hopefully we can come out of the game with a bit of respectability but to go to Toulouse and win would be awesome for the club."

And Thompson is looking forward to experiencing the intense atmosphere in France as they strive to repeat their Heineken Cup success of 2000.

"The Heineken Cup is right up there with Test rugby, the pressure is enormous," he said.

"There is nothing better than playing away from home and hearing the crowd go quiet.

"The atmosphere will be fantastic, with the crowd and the air raid sirens, that's why you play rugby."