“Obviously, we don’t do things like everyone else”: reactions after MHR’s victory at Racing 92

Patrice Collazo presented himself at a press conference after MHR's victory against Racing 92. Midi Libre – SYLVIE CAMBON

After MHR's victory at Racing 92 (20-44) this Saturday, February 17, Patrice Collazo and his captain Lenni Nouchi appeared at a press conference to analyze the match.

Patrice Collazo (MHR manager) : "It’s relieving. When you see the content and what we put into it, especially defensively… We were often at the breaking point. We spent a lot of energy to catch the shots in defense. In the end, we managed to win both halves. Obviously, we don't do things like everyone else. Winning at Racing, stung after his defeat at Perpignan… 

We had to be effective against the most disciplined team in the championship. We showed a lot of patience, which was not the case since the start of the week. We stuck to our strategy, avoiding leaving conservation too much to Racing. There was a huge victory, very good balls carried in defense and attack, a very good scrum. It’s the victory of a collective. I'm happy for the club.

At the Arena, these are always special, very offensive matches. We had a hybrid team. Behind, we put punchers. I'm happy for Gabi (Ngandebe), Alex De Nardi, little Auguste (Cadot). These are guys who have been in it hard for a while, who have worked hard. It shows a state of mind, helping each other in the team."

𝑽𝑰𝑪𝑻𝑶𝑰𝑹𝑬 😍🏉
.
Nos Cistes s'imposent avec la manière sur la pelouse du Racing 92 et rentrent à Montpellier avec le bonus offensif !
.#TeamMHR #R92MHR pic.twitter.com/c5xt9IT9db

— Montpellier Rugby (@MHR_officiel) February 17, 2024

Lenni Nouchi (third row and MHR captain): "We wanted to win here. We narrowly missed Lyon (20-18) and La Rochelle (18-10). We wanted to show a new face, we must continue like this. 

I was given responsibilities, I tried to take them. Obviously, I relied on Yacou (Camara), on Doum (Geoffrey Doumayrou). Above all, I tried to keep my role on the field. The elders were great. Everyone listened to me. 

The pressure of coming face to face with captain Siya Kolisi ? I definitely thought about it the day before. During the toss, I didn't want to show that he is an example for me. I wanted to tell him after the match. But in the end, I don't speak English so I didn't say anything to him (laughs)."

Racing 92

Stuart Lancaster (Racing 92 manager) : "It’s very frustrating. Our first period is good even if we concede two tries that are a bit easy. We still knew how to put pressure on but we didn’not manage to keep our strong moments. We made too many mistakes on the basics, the simple things. We're going to have to work a lot to eradicate our mistakes.

We have a lot of players absent. The internationals (Fickou, Le Garrec, Gibert, Woki …), Chouzenoux, the scrum halves… We work with the team we can.

Their team was really strong. She has progressed since the first leg. These bottom-of-the-table teams are fighting for their survival, fighting everywhere. That’s what makes this championship so attractive."