Can Grenoble really block Biarritz Olympique on the road to the semi-finals of Pro D2 and their only goal : “go to the end”, as Captain Steffon Armitage insists? The BO lights are green before starting this meeting this Saturday, May 22 (3:30 p.m.). And if the experienced Isère are presented as the worst opponent that could face the Biarrots, they are logically favorites.
1. The 16th Man: Biarritz advantage
First, the red and white have earned the right to receive by finishing in 3rd place in the regular season, their best ranking since their descent in Pro D2 in 2014. For the first time since October, they will therefore be able to count on the support of their audience. A thousand supporters will have the opportunity to push behind his team and play the 16th man. “It’s really huge”, recognizes Steffon Armitage.
2. Confidence: equality
If Grenoble, 11th in mid-season, led a second part of the championship at 100 per hour, the Biarrots have their regularity on their side. they have always been in a qualifying position, in the top 6 of the standings, since the 1st day and have spent the entire second half of the season in 3rd place. Both teams present a similar results for two months with 4 wins and 3 losses. But the BO remains on 3 consecutive victories when the Isérois bowed for their last match, however at stake, on the ground of Montauban last weekend.
3. Direct confrontations: BO advantage
In their two regular season confrontations, Biarritz won. On the way out, in Grenoble (14-18, 17 December), as on the return to Aguiléra (22-13, 26 February). “We were able to find flaws in their game”, Lucas Peyresblanques analysis. “We have a small advantage, pursues the hooker, now every game is different, there can be facts of the game, a lot can happen. “
4. Pressure: Grenoble advantage
If there is one sector that the Biarrots will have to tame, it is that of pressure. Favorites, ambitious and with team status at home, they will inevitably have more than their visitors. “We are prepared for this that they play without complexes because they come from far away, Lucas Peyresblanques is wary. The pressure is maybe more on us than on them because they have nothing to lose. “
5. The Ruck War: Exciting
One of the keys of the meeting will undoubtedly be in the possession and the continuity of the game. As such, the battle in the regroupings is likely to be paramount. However, in this sector, the two teams have sacred arguments to be made around their two numbers 8. Two hell of a customer. Steffon Armitage, the captain of the BO, has always passed as one of the best specialist in France. His no less experienced alter ego from Isère, Deon Fourie, competes. One match within the match. “It’s always been a really big fight with him”, recognizes Steffon Armitage. “To be the best you have to beat the best. I always have that in mind, I want to be the best. I can’t wait for this matchup.”
6. Team compositions
Spoiled for choice for the soundtrack
- Yvan Watremez
- Lucas Peyresblanques
- Guy Millar
- Johan Aliouat
- John Dyer
- Dave O’Callaghan
- Adam Knight
- Steffon Armitage (cap)
- Barnabé Couilloud
- Ilian Perraux
- Henry Speight
- Francis Saili
- François Vergnaud
- Steeve Barry
- Romain Lonca
Remplaçants: 16. Romain Ruffenach, 17. Ushangi Tcheishvili, 18. Evan Olmstead, 19. Tornike Jalagonia, 20. James Hart, 21. Gilles Bosch, 22. Darly Domvo, 23. Vakhtangi Akhobadze
Grenoble
- Jérôme Rey
- Jean-Charles Orioli
- Ilia Kaikatsishvili
- Leva Fifita
- Andrey Ostrikov
- Tanginoa Halaifonua
- Steeve Blanc Mappaz
- Deon Fourie
- Eric Escande
- Corentin Glénat
- Karim Qadiri
- Adrien Seguret
- Romain Trouilloud
- Benito Masilevu
- Ange Capuozzo
Replacements: 16. Laurent Bouchet, 17. Nika Neparidze, 18. José Duarte Madeira, 19. Clément Ancely, 20. Florian Zupan, 21. Leka Tupuola, 22. Jim Nagusa, 23. Michael Simutoga
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