The China Mail - Former France rugby coach Saint-Andre eyes making history with Aix

The 59-year-old former star French wing, who had a less successful spell in charge of the national side (2012-15), said it had been an "enormous pleasure" to take on the task last year, build a team and all that came with it.

Aix will go into their first ever final -- they have been semi-finalists twice -- as underdogs but Saint-Andre said they have already defied that tag in beating Brive and Colomiers on their way to the final.

"It's crazy, a lot of people told me I was mad to come here, especially because I had no experience in coaching in the Pro D2," he said.

"I did not even know some of the players.

"I had been enjoying my media work but...to build a team, glue together the group, create a spirit, it is a job but above all it is an enormous pleasure and a passion."

Saint-Andre, who during his stellar playing career was fondly known as 'Piglet' for the manner in which he ran, said he had known the club president Denis Philipon for a decade and had little hesitation in accepting the offer.

"Seeing as I was living in the Var since my time at Toulon, that I had coached both them and Montpellier, I had the choice of creating a club in Bandol or to come and coach Provence Rugby," he said laughing.

"It was an incredible challenge with a hyper-motivated president who wanted my help to try and take a step forward.

"We have taken a step by winning the semi-final, now there remains another huge step to climb."

- 'Mission accomplished' -

Saint-Andre said it is important for the players to ignore what the pundits are saying and believe they can win, as they showed against the same opposition last month, storming back from 24-0 at half-time to win 34-31.

"We feel good, after all these are exceptional moments we are experiencing," he said.

"Even more so for this club who have never before been in a Pro D2 final.

"It is the same for many of the players too.

"Therefore I try to guide them, to bring a little bit of experience to the table so they enjoy the match as much as possible without getting too excited."

Saint-Andre said he had deployed the same training routine as he had in the week leading up to Montpellier beating Castres 29-10 in the 2022 Top 14 final at the Stade de France.

Saint-Andre, who also guided Sale Sharks to the English Premiership crown in 2006, said despite their making history by reaching the final, which is in Toulouse, it was not mission accomplished.

Even if they lose on Saturday they will have another chance of being promoted as the loser hosts Perpignan, who finished 13th in the Top 14, in a relegation/Promotion play-off.

"Mission accomplished will be to be crowned champions or failing that to be promoted to the Top 14," said Saint-Andre.

"That has been my line from the beginning.

"After Colomiers (the semi-final), I told the players now we have one more match to win.

"It is a landmark for the club but not an accomplishment, there remains one more step to climb and we must be just as hungry as before."

N.Wan--ThChM