RUGBY. “The credit goes to Pierre Caillet”: victorious against Aurillac, Béziers is a quiet second in Pro D2

The Biterrois ideally started 2024 with a festival against Aurillac. Midi Libre – SYLVIE CAMBON

Mastering their subject, the Biterrois corrected Aurillac (54-14) Friday January 5 during the 15th day of Pro D2. Beyond this impressive score, the eight tries they scored confirm their offensive potential and their power up front and here they are second in the ranking.
 

We sang in the Béziers locker room. A long time. Also drank a few beers, a way of toasting a clear victory against Aurillac (54-14) which allows ASBH to reach second place in the ranking. Friday evening, in the locker room corridor of the Raoul-Barrière stadium, there was a gentle good mood warming hearts.

Above all, it confirmed the good health of a Biterroise team which seems to grow a little more with each of its outings: well-conducted attacks, effective kicking, forwards playing like bulldozers in closed melee, a solid touch and above all, an ability to adapt strategically which makes opponents dizzy.

The Pro D2 ranking and all the results of the 15th day

"Aurillac waged war on us on the rucks"

While nitpicking, it is however possible to note in this idyllic picture a shadow that passed like lightning because the Biterrois dominated: Clément Ancely's teammates were sometimes heckled on the rucks, facing against very eye-catching and effective opponents in this sector. This was particularly the case at the end of the first half. 

Propelled to the bench, Pierre Caillet being suspended (at Valence Romans, he accused him of "bribing" the refereeing body), Benjamin Bagate, the sporting director of the club, note. He believes that there are plenty of things to improve. This Aurillac team waged war on us in the rucks. We actually got into trouble at one point."

"Pierre Caillet modeled this team by hand"

So to work. But not enough to prevent Benjamin Bagate from savoring the victory of his troops: "The game was unleashed, he smiles. What's nice is having scored a lot of tries. It was important to get the year off to a good start. From the moment we have the basics, that is to say a good conquest and as soon as there is a real desire of the players to join a game system, it's much easier. The credit goes to Pierre Caillet. He has been working with this group for three to four years. He knows his players perfectly. He modeled this team with his own hands and today, it is a pleasure to watch."

Keep your feet on the ground

The sports director recommends to his troops not to get excited, to keep their feet on the ground, at the risk of falling from a height: "We have played fifteen matches, note -he.

"The Pro D2 is a very long and very difficult championship. We must respect everyone. We know where we come from. We're not going to get carried away. We will take advantage of this victory and quickly move on to the match in Colomiers (Thursday January 11 at 9 p.m.)." 

A large group

Facing Aurillac, coaching has always been helpful. There was never a drop in speed. Enough to be able to count on a strong group. A major asset in the event of a drop in performance or injury for some. Over time, this can be crucial. 

Knowing that what happens next is not going to be a mess. After going to Colomiers, at the sixth, the Biterrois will receive, in quick succession, Provence rugby, the third, and Agen, the tenth: "Let's plan first on Colomiers& quot;, insists Benjamin Bagate.

"We are confident, that's certain. Finding yourself second has never happened at the club. Five victories in a row, that hasn't happened yet this season either. Let us feed ourselves with all this to move forward and progress." In order, ultimately, to definitively place ourselves in the pack of those who will compete in the final sprint.

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