Pro D2: Béziers confident in Valence Romans

Taleta Tupuola and Béziers are particularly expected in the Drôme. Midi Libre – JEAN-MICHEL MART

The Biterrois have digested their home defeat against Biarritz (19-23). ​​The week was devoted to a proper refocusing. They announce that they will travel, this Friday, September 13 (7:30 p.m.), to the Drôme in order to rectify the situation.

The defeat against Biarritz (19-23) and the kick in the butt that followed clearly had an effect on the ASBH ranks. The week turned into a reframing of the oval lesson. The notebooks were taken out of the bags and the recitation of scales was daily. Knowing that the staff mainly criticized their team for often confusing speed and haste.

So, as soon as the restart that followed the defeat against BO, the players put their overalls back on. At all levels, assures Karne Kaufana, coach of the three-quarters with David Irazoqui. "We worked a lot in all sectors, whether in defense, attack or conquest. There is a lot to improve but we have remained very positive. Because against Biarritz, we were not far away. If we take a small step, we know that we can perform. Against BO we woke up at the end and we took control of the match. That is why, I repeat, we must remain positive."

Drawing a line under last season

The staff also set about explaining that we must draw a line under last season, not try to copy and paste the game that has very often worked wonders in the ranks of ASBH. Firstly because the team has evolved, new players have arrived and therefore there is a lack of automatisms at this stage of the season. Not to mention a championship that has evolved with many teams that have strengthened and know what Béziers is capable of. Hence the interest in having put the cursor in training on certain sectors: “We worked in the scoring zones, concedes Karne Kaufana. Sometimes we actually play a little too fast. That was the common thread of the week. In fact, the refocusing was as much technical as mental. The fact of taking the lead at the end of the match shows that there is no weakness at this level."

Specific sessions

The touchline was also at the center of the debates throughout training. The throwers had specific and particularly supported sessions. The emphasis was also placed on getting out of tackle zones, the Biterrois having been penalized quite a bit during the last match. All in order to be able to hold their own against a Valence Romans team that is coming off two defeats and will want to sign a first home victory: “Valence will be hungry for victory,” warns the coach. “The Drômois are relying on a clean defense. They will have to seize the good opportunities in attack, it will be important to move and put a little more movement behind. This match will be difficult."

Whatever happens, it is with the firm intention of bringing back points that the Biterrois will make this trip. They have the teeth and display a morale of steel: “We are confident, it is not because we have not been very efficient in two matches that we have a bad team. It is just a question of details to be resolved”, insists the coach who knows that it will be necessary to raise the level of play against a team that will not bend the back.

Béziers will be sanctioned

During the match against Biarritz, supporters insulted Jonathan Gasnier, the referee of the match. Which was noted by the officials of the match. As a result, on September 19, Béziers will have to explain itself before the disciplinary committee of the League. Having received a suspended suspension of one match at the end of last season, ASBH could be, this time, suspended from the field. And should therefore go and play a home match away from its bases.

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