Lionel Nallet will lead Castres Olympique out against Newcastle Falcons at Kingston Park on Saturday evening warning his team-mates of the threat posed by the Falcons backs in particular in threatening Castres' bid to make the European Challenge Cup semi-finals.
"In Newcastle we will face familiar opponents such as Jonny Wilkinson, Matthew Tait, Toby Flood and Jamie Noon," said Nallet, who captained France in the 2008 Six Nations.
"They always have to be closely watched and we can't leave space for them to play as they are dangerous. They are key players in the England team and also for their club and I am positive they will play up to our expectations.
"We missed out on the chance to move up the Top 14 table last weekend which is disappointing but we're now focusing on the intense preparation for our European Challenge Cup campaign.
"Unfortunately, I don't think the Castres Olympique supporters will come in any great numbers to cheer us on in Newcastle. I am afraid the distance and the cost involved does not encourage a good follow-up from our crowd.
"At this stage of the season, the ambitions and priorities of our club for the Top 14 and the Challenge Cup are to do our best and go as far as we can in both competitions.
"On the European stage we are determined to go to Newcastle to win the game because for us it is equally important in our objectives as achieving good results in the French championship.
"Despite the difficulties we had in the club early in the season, we want to prove that we are competitive in both tournaments and to go as far as possible in the European Challenge Cup will do us good.
"For now, being sixth in the Top 14 is already a good result as we have managed to climb back up in the table but April will be a very tough month for the championship so we will see how we get on.
"We were disappointed with the defeat against Montpellier last weekend in Round 16 of the Top 14 - and it obviously wasn't great as a dress rehearsal if both clubs win their quarter-finals as they would then meet again in the European Challenge Cup semi-finals, but in a knockout match anything can happen.
"I believe that would be a better situation for us, considering that we know each other better, and it would also mean that two French clubs are still in the race for the European title, which would be great news.
"It was a real pleasure to be captain of that new wave French team, especially since a good number of them showed a lot of enthusiasm and really wanted to prove what they were able to achieve, so it is easier to lead and manage such a motivated group.
"The main difference between being captain of Castres Olympique and captain of the French squad is the fact that the pressure from the media is much bigger with the national side but, when it comes to managing a group, in a way it is easier than with the club.
"There are only a small number of international matches and the whole French squad gets together with huge expectations and motivation. Whereas when you play with the same players week in week out, there are ups and downs and you've got to maintain the same level of motivation all the time, which is harder to achieve."
