Not everything is to be thrown away in the trip to Bayonne from the club to La Colombe, which confirmed progress in the static phases of play. And it’s for the best when it comes to facing the Biterrois at Michel-Bendichou.
Too bad for the missed meeting in Bayonne. The Columérins, after enjoying a well-deserved rest, resumed the march forward with the reception of Béziers in mind. Recent performances in the conquest sector and in ball defense serve as a good basis to prepare for the Béziers team.
“It produces a lot of combat, a very effective rugby with intensity, presents head coach Julien Sarraute. They have experienced players in front and it is the Béziers that we know. Their reputation does not is not usurped: they have a lot of control and quality in direct conquest.”
In search of constancy
Edoardo Gori, who recognized the “beautiful sequences to see” produced by his team, also regretted “all the ammunition returned to the opponent”. It is therefore an aspect that should not be overlooked.
The Italian international (31 years old; 69 caps) is aware of the game played by his team, which is not very compatible with winter conditions. But he also notes: “We will have to bring out other ingredients. We have regained the confidence that we had lost for a little over two months. We are at home and we must show it.”
With just eight days to go from the end of the regular phase, consistency must be the ambition of a contender for the finals. Because the competitors multiply as the finish line draws closer. And Colomiers would be well advised to disqualify the ASBH, which is nine units behind to date. “We must be pragmatic in what we want to do, calls Julien Sarraute. This involves mastering direct conquest, but also being able to play with spaces. Be both rigorous and enthusiastic!”
To do this, the technician decided to trust Yann Peysson again, holder for the third time in a row, and very prominent in Bayonne where he was at the origin of the only columérin test. He will be accompanied on the third row by Karl Chateau and Mihai Macovei, captain, who will bring all their experience.
A balancing act…
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