Colomiers knew how to find the keys to success externally, namely occupation, realism and defence. Sectors that had not allowed to compete with Oyonnax.
Colomiers rugby found the hat-trick in order, on Friday in Carcassonne: employment, efficiency and defence. These three keys allowed Anthony Coletta’s team-mates to regain momentum after the disappointment against Oyonnax.
Furthermore, the return to form at these levels demonstrates the resources of the team of Julien Sarraute and Fabien Berneau. “These are areas that we had highlighted during the second half, acknowledges Florian Nicot, assistant coach at three quarters. We had to improve quickly if we wanted to be competitive. Efficiency in the brand zones was part of it, and we scored quite quickly from the balls we had” . Carcassonnais’ frustration was revealing: “Our first half is fair enough but our first-hand action has to finish at the end. And we only score three points, compares Aude captain Pierre Aguillon. While they, at their first chance , they score on a carried ball…”
A waterproof and lasting defense
In the footwork war, Max Auriac, Maxime Javaux and others showed their qualities, returning the pressure well when it was necessary to increase the gap from the score. In addition, the hinge animation composed by the opener and Mathis Galthié (who experienced his first tenure of the season) was a success, and this despite their little playing time in common: “Let’s finish the last few together two games of the year”. We have been training together for almost two years. There was no need to worry. What needs to be highlighted is the group. Our forwards played a crazy game, we were often in the lead, which allowed us to set up our game.”
Especially late in the game, they managed to contain the onslaught of USC who spent nearly twenty minutes 22 yards short of Colomiers. “It’s simple, we saw this week that we were the 8th defense in the league. The defense was focused, we had to find ourselves,” indicated Hugo Djehi. We were able to hang on, not take a point and win in the end. So we’re very happy.” It’s also an ideal way to prepare for next week’s reception of a division cador, Biarritz Olympique, at Michel-Bendichou. “We know what awaits us, now it’s our turn to raise our level of play,” said Maxime Javaux.
