Racing 92 face Creteil pressure as Collazo seeks a fix

Racing 92’s temporary move to Créteil has become a competitive problem for Patrice Collazo. The club have yet to adjust to playing at the Stade Dominique-Duvauchelle, while the lack of atmosphere around the venue has added to the difficulty. Collazo says the team must adapt quickly and cannot use the unusual conditions as an excuse.

The Racing lost to Lyon in their second match and then fell to Bayonne at Créteil. They now sit 13th in the table with one victory from four matches, leaving the Paris club under early pressure to rebuild its form. Only 3,500 spectators attended the Bayonne fixture, a far smaller setting than the crowds Racing would face at established rugby venues.

The club’s normal arrangements have been disrupted because the Plenitude Arena is unavailable and preparations are under way at Stade Yves-du-Manoir. Six matches are scheduled for Créteil, forcing Racing to operate as a travelling side for much of the campaign. Collazo has described the challenge as difficult and called for the squad to remain fully aligned.

The adjustment will be tested again next weekend when Perpignan visit Créteil after beating Bordeaux-Bègles. Racing are expected to remain there until their final two home fixtures, against La Rochelle and Clermont, are staged at Colombes in May. The team had been unbeaten at Créteil before the Bayonne defeat, but further home matches there now carry added importance.