The stake> The classification phase will end on September 19. Three days before the end of the event, Olympic Toulouse is now guaranteed to play the semi-final at home on October 2. On the other hand, he did not mathematically validate his first place in the standings which is the objective of this first phase. This afternoon, the Toulousans have only one goal, that of securing a thirteenth consecutive victory which would definitely ensure the top spot for the Olympians. It will be understood that the stake is capital.
The context> Why secure first place? The answer is simple. If successful, on October 2 during the semi-final which will be played at the Ernest-Wallon stadium, the first in the standings automatically plays the final at home.
This afternoon, in case of success, the Olympic Toulouse can consider playing the final on its grass, next October 10 on the condition of winning this afternoon. On the assumption that the Toulousains bow or share the points, they will always be masters of their destiny. For this, they will have to win on September 19 at Newcastle.
The opponent> It is a reference in England (See figure). Currently, Bradford after a long crossing of the desert, finds color. To date, the “Bulls” are battling with Halifax and Batley for third place in the standings. They remain on a large victory in York (36-18). They have an excellent hinge (Dany Brough – Jordan Lilley) capable of evolving in the Super League.
The coach, John Kear is a fine technician who (certainly) concocted a judicious game plan to counter his Toulouse rival. In addition, the meeting will be played in Dewsbury renowned for its small enclosure, which is not an advantage for the Toulouse host.
The figure> 4 – Bradford, along with Leeds, St Helens and Wigan, is one of the few UK teams to have won the Super League. The Bulls have been crowned four times in 1997, 2001, 2003 and 2005.
The players> Injured during the previous trip to Oldham, winger Latrell Schaumkel (dislocated shoulder) and pillar Andrew Dixon (sprained ankle) will not be on the trip, they are respectively replaced by Guy Armitage and Joe Bretherton. Rested on the trip to Oldham, The Hooker, Lloyd White makes his return to the squad.
The group> Mark Kheirallah, Jy Hitchcox, Junior Vaivai, Mathieu Jussaume, Jono Ford, Rémi Casty, Lloyd White, Harrison Hansen, Dominique Peyroux, Anthony Marion, Eloi Pélissier, Maxime Puech, Jo Bretherton, Mitch Garbutt, Bastien Ader, Ilias Bergal, Justin Sangaré , Guy Armitage, Romain Navarrete, Tony Gigot.
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