
Castres are relishing their role as underdogs in Saturday's French Top 14 final against European champions Toulon at the Stade de France in Paris.
Castres stunned Toulon last year just two weeks after their illustrious opponents had claimed their first European title.
This time the final comes just a week after Toulon beat Saracens 23-6 in Cardiff to retain the European Cup, and Castres centre Romain Cabannes is confident his side can repeat last year's stunning upset.
"We are very proud and very happy and once again we've surprised ourselves. Everyone always considers Castres the outsiders and us above all," the 29-year old centre said at Friday's pre-match press conference at the Stade de France.
"We're very humble, but it's not a false humility, we really believe it.
"We know we're a good team but we also know that it's very difficult to reach the final given the other teams in the competition, so we have earned the right to be here.
"We are very proud and we would really like to give a good account of ourselves."
Toulon president Mourad Boudjellal piled the pressure on his players by telling them after their European Cup victory that they have to win the double.
Toulon have not won the French title since 1992.
Although Toulon are favourites again, Cabannes said his side were taking heart from their unexpected victory in last season's final.
"We know Toulon want to win this trophy but it's still in our hands after we won last year and we would like to play our best and show our true worth again.
"The fact that outsiders can still overcome the odds and win helps a club like us who aren't able to sit on top of the table for the whole season.
"With a few things going our way in the playoffs, we can dream about winning the trophy once more."
Source: AFP
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