Mourad Boudjellal predicts that RCT will lift the Brennus Shield this year

If he had to bet a small amount, Mourad Boudjellal would place it on Toulon. For this semi-final, but also for the possible final. "They can go all the way. There's a real chance to play," says the former club president (2006-2020), who has since returned to his first love, comics .

"I'd be happy for (Pierre) Mignoni, because he really did a good job. The only thing he didn't mow was the Mayol lawn, but otherwise, he did everything else!"

"They just have to give the ball to Wainiqolo."

He cites several factors to support his argument. First, he thinks that RCT "is playing really well." "There's something about the team... Mignoni's idea of ​​bringing back Ma'a Nonu is brilliant: he's a guy who will unite and who can create a common goal. And Jiuta Wainiqolo, he's a phenomenon... Really impressive. I don't even know why they're bothering, they just have to give him the ball, and it's done. Like France 98 with Zidane."

Mourad Boudjellal also notes an alignment of the planets in favor of Toulon. "We have the impression that whoever is writing up there has written for them... When you have so much luck over a year, it might be yours!" He mentions the "few injuries" compared to the opponents , the surprise absence of La Rochelle, the profile of the opponents...

"Bordeaux has eaten, we have nothing on our plates."

Bordeaux-Bègles, this Saturday? "They're perhaps a little less hungry being European champions. They've eaten. Whereas we have nothing on our plates right now. So we'll be much hungrier than them ," he judges. " In any case, if they manage to qualify for the Top 14 final, they'll experience a joy almost greater than the title."

And Stade Toulousain, the logical favorite in their semi-final against Bayonne this Friday? "They're weakened. And it's the dream of all Toulon players to beat Toulouse in the final. I didn't succeed. Jérôme Gallion didn't succeed. We lost three times against them this season, we've had our fill. But often in these cases, you beat them in the final phase because you've learned from your defeats and you go in with a certain anxiety that makes you over-motivate yourself. The other team says to themselves: "Okay, it's okay, we know how to do it." And during the match, they don't know anymore."