STADE Francais will be ringing the changes for their European Rugby Challenge Cup opener against Newport Gwent Dragons but their stand-in skipper says they aren't taking the tournament likely, writes Chris Kirwan.
Captain Pascal Pape, Sergio Parisse, Jules Plisson, Raphael Slimani and Waisea Nayacalevu are among the Parisians' stars that have not been registered for the early stages of European action.
The move has been influenced by the decision to no longer award a spot in the following season's premier tournament to the Challenge Cup holders.
That reinforces the Top 14 asStade's priority and they have made a super start with a perfect record at their Stade Jean Bouin home and a magnificent victory against Toulon on their own turf.
The coaches may have tinkered with the line-up but Pierre Rabadan insists there is no shortage of motivation against the Dragons.
"You have to take this competition as an opportunity to give playing time to some and the speech will be very simple," said the 34-year-old former France back row forward, who is set to deputise for Pape.
"Players involved, especially the younger ones, will have to prove that they are at the expected level. This is the first step to the Top 14."
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