“We validated certain things but we also have regrets”: the MHR returns to the Top 14 games after two weeks of Challenge

Patrice Collazo et les Montpelliérains se préparent à la réception de Pau ce samedi. Midi Libre – JEAN MICHEL MART

Après deux semaines de Challenge européen, le MHR affronte Pau ce samedi 27 janvier pour la 13e journée de Top 14. 

A little fresh air and youth. The MHR went into exile on the Pierre-Ramadier field in Lunel this Wednesday January 24 for a morning, just to see something other than the atmosphere of the GGL Stadium. "It does us and them good", appreciates Yacouba Camara.

"Them" are the fifty residents of the ROL rugby school, surrounded by their parents and supporters from Montpellier, who came in large numbers . After intense collective training, the Montpellier residents hosted matches with the young Lunel residents, before taking part in the game of selfies and signings.

Guarantees, a black point

Enough to clear heads before the perilous reception of the Section Paloise this Saturday, January 27, a match counting for the 13th day of Top 14. After two weeks of Challenge Cup where Patrice Collazo's men ensured their place in the round of 16, returning to the reality of the championship where the MHR is still last.

Calendar and ranking of the Top 14

"These are two different competitions. Despite the defeat against Treviso (27-19), we performed well in many areas. Which also leaves us with regrets, therefore. We now need to perform well in the branded areas", said Collazo this Wednesday.

In which sectors has the MHR distinguished itself ? "In the two Challenge matches, we saw that we could have a pack of conquering forwards, that we could keep the ball, play in the ' advance, ensure our conquest and be solid in defense. But we have to be more efficient", concedes the manager.

Two days before vacation

The construction site is all set for Saturday. This meeting against the Béarnais, sixth overall, is decisive. Like every home game. A new success at home would give some breathing space before the trip to La Rochelle next Saturday, the last match of a block of fifteen matches.

The staff made sure to have a sufficiently fresh group until then. "We changed the weeks. It's important to change routines. It's impossible to train for eleven months with the same schedule. There, we leave more recovery to the players. We switched to our new schedule, that is to say training Tuesday and Wednesday, and staying off on Thursday. For La Rochelle next week, we will train again differently. In this period, it is not the number of training sessions that is most important, but the quality. You need mental freshness. If we have mental freshness, we will have physical freshness", promises Patrice Collazo.