The objective of the match was to prepare Montois and Columérins one last time for the Pro D2, which resumes this Friday, August 18. Strange choice than Auch for such general rehearsal. A full stand in two – distance with the two cities obliges – in a stadium which has not seen a professional championship for almost ten years, with a sizzling sound system, seats without backrests and billboards supported by tripods made of wood and which fall with each gust of wind.
The objective of the match was to prepare Montois and Columérins one last time for the Pro D2, which resumes this Friday, August 18. Strange choice than Auch for such general rehearsal. A full stand in two – distance with the two cities obliges – in a stadium which has not seen a professional championship for almost ten years, with a sizzling sound system, seats without backrests and billboards supported by tripods made of wood and which fall with each gust of wind.
Fortunately, on the ground, amateurism is far away and the level is that of the antechamber of the Top 14. And in this opposition, we thought we saw only Stade Montois. Before it completely collapses in the second half (36-33).
The recovery is approaching and it shows. The meeting is not friendly: no total change of team at half-time. And very strong contacts. Wakaya then Ramototabua make their physical density speak. Opposite, Nuu shows Faleafa that in Colomiers, we know how to stamp too. Each time, an impressed “ouh” rises from the stands of Jacques-Fouroux. The problem is that apart from the power of the tackles, the difference in level, or preparation, is clearly felt. At least in the first act.
Sau very hot
In a little over ten minutes, the Mons go twice to queen. A collective test on a carried ball (11th). But it was Wakaya, again him, who had opened the way (7th). The Fijian center was able to take advantage of superb work from his compatriot Sau, who broke a tackle before transmitting in offload, to conclude.
The winger who arrived this summer with the heavy burden of making Rasaku forget and Naituvi appeared discreet against Dax. This Thursday in Auch, he lit up the meeting. A festival to score Wakaya, therefore, but also a clever try, after a kick to follow from Laousse-Azpiazu that Massé, well helped by the rebound, manages to give him (25th). Sau could even have offered a “decisive pass” to Fernandez, but the Argentinian released the ball one meter from the line (32nd).
Sau, Du Plessis, Wakaya and Laousse-Azpiazu should start again in Grenoble. Remains to be seen with whom
Added to that a defensive return full of authority on the winger Laborde who was going along the line towards the Mons in-goal (28th) and you get an almost perfect half-time from Eroni Sau. The Fijian knew how to get along perfectly with Du Plessis, Wakaya and Laousse-Azpiazu. These four should start again in Grenoble. It remains to be seen with which first center and which other winger.
Conqueror Pack
Other reasons for satisfaction for the Mons staff: the scrum combinations, already rewarded with a test in Dax and which again worked wonders this Thursday, and the power shown by the pack. In addition to stealing two columérine touches, helped by the lack of precision of their former teammate Pablo Dimcheff, the yellow and black forwards were impactful on each of their throw-ins.
An action perfectly reflects the superiority of the Mons pack. In the 35th, the proteges of Julien Tastet put their opponents to death on a ball carried following a touch in the 5 columérins meters. They are forced to make mistakes. New touch at 5. The Haut-Garonne know what to expect but nevertheless take back the lightning on a maul. The highlight resulted in a try by Garrault (36th). Big anger from the forwards coach of Colomiers Fabien Berneau, who goes to the locker room and misses the try of his hooker Dimcheff (40th).
Collapse
Because unfortunately for the Montois, a rugby match lasts twice forty minutes. And the second period was catastrophic for the flock of Patrick Milhet. Two yellow cards conceded, including a somewhat silly one for a voluntary forward from Desaubiès. And above all a total lack of application, perhaps influenced by the 21-point lead available to the yellow and black, or by the repeated changes in order to give the whole group playing time.
Still, defensively, Loustalot and his friends seemed completely apathetic, when they were so calm in this sector in the first half, even in their camp. Result: five tries conceded in 40 minutes and above all a victory that escapes.
This kind of air pocket will be absolutely unforgivable throughout the Pro D2 season, starting next Friday in Grenoble, against whom indiscipline had already cost dearly in the semi-finals last May. We bet that Patrick Milhet and his staff will be able to find the words to avoid such disappointment.
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