Access match Grenoble – MHR: D-4 before impact and survival in Top 14 to play for Montpellier

Didier Bès et son expérience peuvent être un atout. Midi Libre – JEAN MICHEL MART

Le MHR affronte Grenoble ce dimanche 16 mars (18h) en "access-match". Les joueurs ont pris conscience de l'enjeu depuis trois semaines et peuvent compter sur leurs anciens.

D-4 before the most important match in the history of the MHR. The definition of this "access match" is hardly exaggerated for Montpellier. The Hérault club is playing for its survival in the elite against Grenoble this Sunday (6 p.m.), 21 years after moving up to the Top 16 (ex-Top 14). A date which, whatever the final result, will remain a key chapter in the Montpellier tale.

"There have been important matches, breathes the former hooker Didier Bès, current coach of the Ciste scrum and captain of the 2003 epic. When I arrived in 1990, we qualified for the first final stages of Group A. There is the promotion match in 2003, the title in 2022. Many strong dates have marked the club."

Sunday will be a new one. And it's up to the players to decide what their name will be associated with at the final whistle. Staying up or going down. "There is no question that we are the generation that will bring this club down", thunders captain Lenni Nouchi.

This "access match" will mark the epilogue of an endless season. Improbable, above all. "You didn't think one day, given the resources invested, you would find yourself in this situation. But it is clear that this is the reality of things. Every year, it is said that the Top 14 gets tighter. The last day once again showed the uncertainty of this championship. And we see that, as soon as a detail is poorly negotiated, like recruitment, budget management, preparation of guys or anything else, you pay for it at some point", continues Bès.

The contribution of the elders

In Montpellier's misfortune, the MHR has switched to this date for three weeks. "Since the defeat against Toulouse (20-25), we know that we are going to play the jump-off. We prepared the weeks based on this match, we worked to be ready that day. This is the advantage we have over Grenoble", summarizes Jérémy Valls.

The former fly-half, who arrived as head of the kicking game last summer, also experienced the joys of climbing into the Top 16 in 2003. Coincidence or simple fruit of the club's policy for two years, the MHR therefore has in its staff two veterans with significant experience."It’s important to convey the history of the club. But having "ex" in coaching does not guarantee results. There is a project around, others who wish to lead in the future (Benoît Paillaugue). The "process" will take time", assures Valls.

Also read: "A final phase for draws", against Clermont, the MHR is preparing for its play-off match to remain in the Top 14

The contribution of the elders, in these troubled times, can be an additional source of energy when it comes time to save the club. &quot ;If I have to carry a message, it’s this. When we moved up to the elite in 2003, not many people wanted us. We were not a place in French rugby. We had to fight, a bit like today. And we are proud to have ensured that high-level rugby exists here", concludes Didier Bès. It's up to the players not to ruin everything on Sunday.

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