Toulouse behind schedule - Novès

Toulouse are behind schedule in the league halfway through the season according to coach Guy Novès.

The French giants currently sit eighth in the Top 14 after defeat at Montpellier at the weekend, and are in a must-win position against Racing Métro this weekend.

Having already lost twice at home this season, they can't afford another loss, however with such small margins between the teams chasing the play-offs, a win would put them right back in contention.

But while Novès feels the club is well-set in Europe, where they are still unbeaten, he knows it's domestically where things have to improve.

"Overall we're not where we need to be in the championship because we're not in the top six, and that is the club's target," he told Rugbyrama.

"In Europe, on the other hand, it's fantastic, with two wins away from home (against Bath and Glasgow). We're still very much in contention. As for the international matches, our players who were involved generally played well so that's good."

While Toulon and Racing Métro have been busy sweeping up every southern hemisphere star they can find, Toulouse have been much quieter on the recruitment front.

Their main priority appears to be securing the extensions of Thierry Dusautoir and Patricio Albacete, but Novès isn't worried about the influx of players arriving in France.

"It feels like the arrival of stars is nothing new. People feel like all these new stars are arriving, but they are replacing others who have retired. When Botha or Wilkinson retire, they were already huge names.

"Everyone knows that you need stars to replace stars. Everyone wants to move forwards and the ambitious teams are strengthening their squads because that's how you compete.

"That's not my role (at Toulouse). I look after what happens on the pitch. If players leave, of course I will offer names of other players to the president. But he's got the keys of the truck."