This Sunday, the Marcel-Michelin stadium is preparing to vibrate like rarely in its history during the Top 14 match between ASM and Stade Toulousain. A meeting that promises to leave a lasting impression. And for good reason, France Blue announces record attendance. Indeed, it should exceed 19,000 spectators. A craze that had not been seen since the legendary match against Ulster in 2020 with 19,004 fans according to our colleagues. Recently, the Bordeaux reception attracted 18,875 people.
Figures all the more impressive as the reigning French champion will travel without his internationals. No Dupont or Ramos, to name a few. But a craze that is pleasing on the Clermont side. But beyond the statistics, it is the values and the strategy on the ground that captivate. The ASM knows that against them, the people of Toulouse deploy a game that transcends the individual to flourish in the collective.
Hooker Folau Fainga’a and scrum-half Sébastien Bézy emphasize the importance of rigorous preparation, aware that the dynamism and physical challenge imposed by Toulouse require constant attention. “To compete we will have to be concentrated from the first to the last minute of the match and impose a lot of defensive pressure.”
Christophe Urios, the Clermont tactician, is full of praise for his opponent on the club’s official website. Recognizing Stade Toulousain as a benchmark for rugby excellence. “It’s a big match because it’s Toulouse, because the Michelin will be full. What I want is to see the Michelin shake like during the big European matches in this stadium.”
For him, each Toulouse player represents a potential threat, with demanding training and a competitive spirit instilled from an early age. “They will come with absentees but for them it is a strength and they use it a lot and always have.” In the absence of the usual frames, the players lined up during the doubles are keen to show themselves and take advantage of every minute offered.
A state of mind that allows them to string together victories. “Ultimately, they have everything to gain and that makes them even more dangerous.” If ASM found its way to victory at home in the Top 14 as well as in the Challenge Cup, they still have in mind the setback against UBB on the 11th day. To avoid a new scenario to their disadvantage, they know that it will be a full match from the first to the last second.
“Knowing them, they will want to put the emphasis on that and on the fight. It’s up to us to respond and provide the necessary intensity from the kick-off but also in this period of the last 20 minutes which continues to give us pose some problems. There is no doubt that the support of their supporters will be a plus if things get complicated.
2024-02-24 23:44:48
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