ASBH: the men change but Béziers remains on top before hosting Mont-de-Marsan

Madigan, Hoarau et Boulassel, à l'image de joueurs interchangeables. MAXPPP – Manu Massip

Béziers qui reçoit le Stade Montois, ce vendredi 16 février (19 h), se repose cette saison sur un effectif aussi conséquent qu'efficace.

It's been a long time since ASBH supporters were so excited. Because they hope, in a few weeks, for a sunny future for their club. It is true that barring any cataclysm, Béziers will compete this season in the final sprint leading to the final phase of Pro D2. Ranked second in the standings, one point behind Vannes which goes to Provence Rugby, Thursday February 15, the Biterrois are, in any case, holding the right end. Especially since if they dominate Mont-de-Marsan, Friday February 16 (7 p.m.), at the Raoul-Barrière stadium, beyond perhaps taking first place, they could continue to widen the gap on the clubs they precede. Especially, therefore, on the Montois, fifth.

Perfect mastery of the pieces of the chessboard

Knowing that one of Béziers' strengths lies in its ability to perfectly master the pieces on its chessboard. This season, the Béziers staff can count on a particularly strong and homogeneous group. As a result, and the coaching testifies to this, when a player leaves the field, the one who replaces him does the job perfectly. This was the case in Montauban, where Béziers just won (34-37). In this part, hooker Yanis Boulassel, third row center Thomas Hoarau, second row Clément Bitz and winger Paul Alquier started and Béziers held his place.

This ability of the ASBH to be able to count on its entire workforce is a major asset, especially in the event of poor performance or injury to an element. At Sapiac, it was pillar Youssef Amrouni, wingers Raffaele Storti, Paul Réau and center Watisoni Votu who were injured at Sapiac. Being able to count on players with different profiles can also be interesting in terms of game strategy: “For example, we will choose a player that we know is mobile in the case where it is necessary to move the opponent, specifies Karne Kaufana, the three-quarter coach, in charge of the offensive sector. If we want to focus on occupation, we will take players with an effective kicking game. Same for melee, even if it means having a less mobile pack if we rely on power."

At the service of the game

Enough to adapt to the playing strategy of the opposing team and produce rugby that will make you dizzy: &quot ;Of course, it starts up front, where the players often win the meeting points but there are a lot of connections with the three quarters, explains the coach. The speed of execution puts pressure on the defenses." Mont-de-Marsan is also a playful team, the Montois taking great pleasure to put the opponent in difficulty, thanks in particular to his kicking game. Each piece of ammunition will therefore be particularly valuable: "It's a team that keeps the ball well, warns Karne Kaufana.It will therefore be necessary to preserve it and leave them as little as possible."

To try to win a match which could put Béziers into orbit. And this, regardless of the score sheet.

Teams:

The trip to Montauban last Thursday left its mark. Winger Raffaele Storti, in particular, hit in the hip, joined the infirmary for a good week. Paul Reau (one week), Watisoni Votu (one week), Pierre Courtaud (two weeks), Romain Uruty (three weeks), Otonuku Pauta (six weeks), John-Henry Fincham (two months), Youssef Amrouni (three months) and Giorgi Akhaladze (national selection) are also absent.
Friday January 16, at 7 p.m. at the Raoul-Barrière stadium:
BÉZIERS
Lorre – Alquier, Nanai-Williams, Tupuola, Esppeut – (o) Malié, (m) Marques – Hoarau, Ancely (cap.), Van Bost – Madigan, Nkinsi – Zabala, Boulassel, Fernandes.
Substitutes: Gonzalez, Trauth, Benoy, Koen, Goillot, Dreuille, Recor, Arroyo.
Mont-de-Marsan
Cortes – Sau, Wakaya, Even, Lagivala – (o) Pialot, (m) Loustalot – Ramotabua, Lisena, Brethous (cap.) – Edwards, Durand – Bats, Van Jaarsveld, Casadei.
Substitutes: Dufour, Innocente, Garrault, Faleafa, Viallard, Du Plessis, Desaubies, Lalanne.