'Best scrum in Europe' barring Imhoff's Rugby Union ambition

Argentine wing Juan Imhoff says he joined Racing 92 because of his ambition to win trophies but they must overcome the "best scrum in Europe" if they are to continue their quest to claim the European Champions Cup.

Racing play Leicester Tigers at Nottingham's City Ground on Sunday with a place in the European Champions Cup final the prize for the victors.

The Parisians ousted reigning three-time champions Toulon in the quarter-finals and should start as favourites for the semi-final encounter.

And for Imhoff, this is a chance to finally land a trophy with the club he joined in 2011.

"When I joined Racing, during the Pierre Berbizier era, I knew I was arriving at a club that was really ambitious," said the 27-year-old.

"I'm also very ambitious. In any case, after all these years, Racing is my professional club, the club of my heart, my family -- and that's not just hot air.

"I've been thinking about winning a title with Racing for several years. A trophy for the Racing family, all the guys working in the offices, all the coaches that have come through here.

"Everyone has done their part so that one day Racing would win a trophy. I carry that in my heart and in my blood."
But standing between Racing and a final in Lyonis a powerful Leicester side.

"They're very strong in the breakdown and in their rugby, they play it simple and do it well," said Imhoff.

"They have maybe the best scrum in Europe and they're solid in the backline. It will be a very difficult match."

Imhoff is looking forward to seeing his friend and international teammate Marcos Ayerza, the Leicester prop, with whom he's expecting some banter.

"I haven't texted him yet but I'll try to wind him up. He's a great guy, very kind, very loyal.

"He's a true Argentine prop. The problem is he's good in the scrum, the best tighthead prop in the world.

"I'll ask him if he can help us a bit but it won't work. He's a true competitor," joked Imhoff.

Although he's spent five years in Europe, Imhoff remains close to his compatriots and even socialises with the Argentine footballers at Paris Saint-Germain.

"Even though we've lost Ezequiel (Lavezzi), who's a very good friend, we're a good group of Argentines here, we try to see each other often.

"Even though our culture is similar to French culture, there are differences and we experience those together.
"We go to Volver (a restaurant) together, or to see Carlos, a friend of ours. We enjoy ourselves, we laugh."

Imhoff scored Racing's only try in their 19-16 win over Toulon after a clever interception.

He said he prepared like an "extra-terrestrial" for that game, taking it so seriously that he could not even speak to anyone.

His team-mates even remark about his intensity in training.

"It's true, but I have to be like this to reassure myself and to give my all, even more than that.

"It has consequences on the way I live, I'm like that on a daily basis," he said.

"It's maybe a bit tough but if I don't live that way I feel like I'll never make it."

Imhoff and Racing are just one win away from making it to a first European final and the Argentine doesn't want to let the opportunity slide.

"I needs to give 100 percent, whatever I do," he said.
Source: AFP