Blanco Urges Calm

Stade Francais and Agen were the only French winners in Round 1 of the ninth Heineken Cup tournament but legendary France full back Serge Blanco - now the LNR President - insists it is far too early to press the panic button.

"The French teams are in a position of weakness at the moment," said Blanco.

"Unlike clubs in other countries, such as the English teams who have played 11 Premiership games, the French clubs haven't really got stuck into their domestic season.

"There is no need to panic. Stade Francais did well to beat Leicester and Agen got off to a good start. Toulouse should be OK too - they got a bonus point from their match against Edinburgh and they are in a Pool where, logically, they should be able to qualify for the quarter-finals.

"Perpignan were beaten by a good Wasps team but they saved some grace by preventing Wasps from getting a bonus point. However, they will have to change their ways if they are to qualify from their Pool.

"Biarritz have now given themselves a very tough mission, having gifted Leinster a bonus point, and I hope they can lift themselves mentally - starting from this weekend.

"Bourgoin, having lost at home, have the toughest job of the French teams. With the Pool they are in it is not impossible but they will have to make a considerable effort to go through from the position they are in. All in all, it is not a disaster but all the French teams must improve because we have a title to defend."