Top 14: the MHR travels to the Rugby Club Toulonnais in an electric context this Saturday

Gabin Villière and the Toulonnais lost to Anthony Bouthier and others on January 7 (27-7). Midi Libre – JEAN MICHEL MART

The MHR travels to Toulon (19th day, 3 p.m.) this Saturday March 23 in an electric context, like several meetings between the two teams over the past ten years.

Montpellier-Toulon, Toulon-Montpellier. Confrontation is underrated. At the MHR, we often talk about rivalry with Castres Olympique, perhaps the only opponent with whom appreciable antagonism has been created over the last fifteen years. But with a little hindsight, the standoff with the RCT has its place on the still small list (compared to the historic clubs of the Top 14) of the club's notable moments. Both on and off the field.

The starting point of this common story: May 7, 2011. The Montpellier Hérault of Fabien Galthié becomes Montpellier Héros. This date builds the crazy adventure of 2011 with a flamboyant success against the Toulon of Sir Jonny Wilkinson, led by Philippe Saint-André. An improved victory (27-3) carried by François Trinh-Duc and Fulgence Ouedraogo, synonymous with historic qualification for the final stages of the championship.

The folklore of the sublime game in the afternoon, Fabien Galthié arriving on a scooter at the final whistle on the pitch. The coach had bet his scooter if his team did not finish in the top 6… The adventure will end in the final against Toulouse (15-10).

A few months later, the RCT returned to Du-Manoir. He bows again. But an altercation between Toulon third row Olivier Missoup and Hérault resident Rémy Martin at the post-match reception caused controversy. "There were a few stories at that time, remembers Montpellier center Geoffrey Doumayrou, young prodigy of the MHR at that time. It’was warmer than now. We had to go to Mayol afterwards."

The 2016 Top 14 semi-final, when Bernard Laporte's RCT triumphed over Jake White's invincible MHR in Rennes (27-18); the three draws between 2013 and 2021; the perfect performance of Louis Carbonel in November 2022 for his first at Mayol with a jersey other than that of Toulon… A bunch of events symbolizing perfume apart from this poster.

An exciting match ahead

The context of this Saturday's opposition will revive these old memories, reminding us that Montpellier-Toulon knows how to feel the pain. On a sporting level, already. The MHR is doing better but is not 100% certain of its survival in the elite. Toulon, on the contrary, does not have the wind in its sails with three victories in the last twelve matches in all competitions.

Also read: RCT – MHR: when former Toulonnais converted from Montpellier find Félix-Mayol

Off the field, the match is passionate. What welcome will the Var public offer to Patrice Collazo, the former manager of the Maison Rouge et Noir (2018-2021) and considered by some to be responsible for the departure of Louis Carbonel, Mayol's darling? Where an ovation awaits Bernard Laporte, current director of rugby for the Mohed Altrad club.

Other questions will animate the meeting. How Paolo Garbisi will handle his first on La Rade against his former club ? How Pierre Mignoni will handle his first at home since his media outing against Perpignan three weeks ago ? L&rsquo The afternoon promises to be exciting this Saturday. As often, one day from Montpellier-Toulon.

Mignoni facing his family

The situation of Pierre Mignoni, manager of the RCT, is of concern. The technician was at the heart of a controversy, two weeks ago, in the wake of the victory against Perpignan (44-22) & Félix-Mayol. The former scrum-half held on to the challenge. verbally with a journalist for an article published on the day of the match, noting the possibility of some tensions in the locker room. Since this outing, the Toulonnais have bowed to Racing 92 (20-6) before going on vacation. The balance between the staff and the players would be fragile. A defeat this Saturday could lead to some upsets.

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