RUGBY. MHR-Lions: Montpellier faces a South African team for the first time in its history

Cobus Reinach a été sollicité dans la semaine pour présenter les futurs adversaires du MHR : les Sud-Africains de Johannesburg. Midi Libre – SYLVIE CAMBON

Le MHR affronte les Lions de Johannesburg ce samedi 13 janvier, un match comptant pour la 3e journée de Challenge Cup.

For the first time, the MHR finds itself faced with absurdity. He is preparing to face the Johannesburg Lions, two years after the integration of South African franchises into European competitions. "Let’s not get into this debate. Let's say it's paradoxical, Julien Tisseron prefers to kick in. The Montpellier fullback, like many at the club, will come up against a franchise from the Rainbow Nation for the first time.

Also read:Challenge Cup, MHR – Lions: Jan Serfontein captain against the South Africans, Chalureau and Garbisi back

Once the aberration of the event is put on the table, in particular the ecological part and the health of the players, we can at least recognize that: a sporting issue&nbsp ;tempting. For spectators, first, who discover new teams. But especially for the players, confronted with a different culture and game. Even if Montpellier is perhaps not the most foreign to the South African style…

Serfontein captain, Reinach at the presentation

This Saturday evening, Patrice Collazo's men are not playing the legendary teams of the Sharks, Stormers or Bulls. The latter has also formed Paul Willemse, Janse Van Rensburg or Jan Serfontein. The Lions are less known, less equipped too. Perfect for setting a trap. 

"They remain on five victories in a row, including the last against the Sharks (18-20). They won in Perpignan in Challenge (12-28). They may not have an Eben Etzebeth or other Springboks in their squad, but if you watch them play, it's that strong, assures Van Rensburg

🔥 LA COMPO DES CISTES 🔥

🗃 @MHR_officiel
⎣📂 Saison 2⃣3⃣-2⃣4⃣
⎣📂Compo
⎣ 🦁 #R3

#TeamMHR 🔵⚪️ #MHRvLIO pic.twitter.com/c7ZujQygTN

— Montpellier Rugby (@MHR_officiel) January 12, 2024

The third row, even if he assures the contrary, will want to show himself against his compatriots. The staff understood this well. Hence the appointment of Jan Serfontein as captain, the intervention of double world champion scrum-half Cobus Reinach to present the Johannesburg team.

"It’is the consolation of pétanque"

"The Challenge allows us to break away from this constant pressure of the Top 14. We take care of ourselves a little more, of our game", appreciates Tisseron.

This competition allowed the MHR to break its spiral of eight consecutive defeats last December. She could well be the club's breath of fresh air until the end of the season with, why not, a third success in the sights after 2016 and 2021.

Isn't that Mr. Laporte ? "It’s the consolation of pétanque, and maybe not even that. We play between dunces, guys not qualified for the big competition,” quips the Montpellier rugby director. Before becoming serious again: "It becomes interesting from the quarters onwards, but above all allows you to find a certain dynamic again." The most important.

I subscribe to read more