UNBEATEN St. Helens head for France this weekend for a European Super League showdown with Paris St. Germain.

It is the second time the two sides have met in the romantic capital, yet there will be no love lost come the 8pm kick-off tomorrow night.

Coach Shaun McRae has warned his men to expect a much closer encounter than their last visit to the Charlety Stadium in August.

That day, Saints ran out comfortable 32-12 winners with Anthony Sullivan and Allan Hunte, two of the form men in Super League this season, among the tryscorers.

McRae's hopes of another victory on French soil are boosted by the return of skipper Bobbie Goulding who regains his scrum half spot after a six month suspension.

McRae says: "Bobbie's return is great news for us. We have performed well without him but you never swap a player of his class and quality for anyone.

"He has now got five Super League games to get back into the swing of things before Wembley, which should be enough for him. He has been training really hard and kept himself in great shape.

"We are going to have to be well prepared for Saturday's game. Paris are a much improved side. We are going into this game blind because they are a different line-up to last season.

"It is like playing the London Broncos second team. They have so many talented, experienced Australians in their side.

"They were unlucky not to beat Salford at the weekend (27-26). They should have won the game."

He adds: "Last year, we just did the job we had to do. We were never pressured. This time, I get the feeling it will be a particularly tough match.

"They are playing the champions and will prepare to play exceptionally well against us."

McRae has targeted Paris hooker David O'Donnell and ex Aussie Rookie of the Year, scrum half Jason Martin, as potential dangermen.

"They are top players with a great deal of experience. Paris have some really exciting, pacey backs combined with a tradesman-like pack.

"The team can defend this season, which was a big problem for them last year."

McRae says the long weekend in Paris is not a trip which his players look forward to.

"It is a long way for an 80 minute game. We just want to get there, do the job and get out of the place.

"The thing we have to do is keep the players occupied. It is very easy for them to lie in their hotel rooms before the match and then they are too tired for the game."

Saints have played Paris on one other occasion and that resulted in a 52-10 hammering of the Frenchmen at Knowsley Road in June.

Saints will be without the services of top Aussie second rower Derek McVey for at least a month.

He limped off in the first half of Good Friday's clash at Wigan with ankle ligament damage.

McRae this week rated him as doubtful for the Challenge Cup final at Wembley on May 3.

"It is still early days and we will talk about who is fit and who isn't nearer the time. But at the moment he has to be very doubtful," he says.

The loss of McVey at Wigan gave substitute forward Ian Pickavance the chance to make his mark in the team in the Easter fixtures, and he took it brilliantly.

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