MHR: injured, internationals, suspended… an update on the Montpellier squad before the match against Usap

Paul Willemse doit encore prendre son mal en patience avant de revenir sur les terrains. Midi Libre – SYLVIE CAMBON

Before the trip to Béziers this Saturday, September 14 to face Perpignan (4:30 p.m.), the MHR staff must still deal with a reduced squad.

The absentees? Joan Caudullo and his staff refuse to hide behind this. And this, even if the inaugural defeat against Lyon (22-26) revealed deficiencies in certain sectors. “We have resources”, assures the MHR manager.

The lineout was particularly in difficulty last weekend. The five lost throws are worth mentioning. The absences of Florian Verhaeghe and Janse Van Rensburg, the two “Mr. Touche” of the club, have been cruelly felt. The first, handicapped by ankle and shoulder injuries last season, is expected next weekend for the reception of Toulouse. As for the South African, he should stay with the Springboks until the end of the Premiership, like scrum-half Cobus Reinach.

Uesele and Abuladze too short

Still in the second row, but this time in the profile of the "big carriers”, Paul Willemse is still not fit to play. Despite Tyler Duguid's interesting performances, the French international's experience and power are lacking. The Pretoria native will have finished serving his suspension against Stade Toulousain, on the occasion of the third day. He is expected to return on September 28 in Bayonne.

Among the forfeits in the Montpellier forward pack, Australian recruit Jordan Uesele, injured in a friendly against Harlequins, is expected back within three weeks. The wait for Georgian Nika Abuladze, who arrived from Exeter this summer, should be shorter. He trained separately this Thursday, September 12, but his first appearance should not be long in coming.

Surgered on this summer, South African center Jan Serfontein is out for six weeks.

Simmonds, the only return

Stuart Hogg, as has been mentioned, will not be in the game against Perpignan this Saturday. But he will be back next week.

New Zealand recruit Joshua Moorby will not wear the Montpellier jersey before November and the end of the NPC, the national provincial championship.

In the good news department, the MHR staff will benefit from the return of the English third row Sam Simmonds (calf) against Perpignan.