There is a sort of role reversal for the new confrontation between Colomiers and Biarritz this Friday evening. On the one hand, the Basques, after having gone through long months of uncertainties linked to the takeover of the club and many other reasons, are on the upward slope, despite the heavy withdrawal of 5 points inflicted by the LNR. And on the other, Colomiers rugby, which has always advocated stability for many years, is experiencing a change of era.
Indeed, Julien Sarraute, at the club for almost eight years and manager for six, announced his departure at the end of the season, decided by mutual agreement with the club. “Of the eight years that I spent at Colomiers rugby, we will only remember the conclusion,” predicts the Gersois. It’s a shame and it makes me sad, but these are the rules of the game. So I want to write a nice conclusion, something positive. Live these last months with passion, determination and above all thirst for victories. »
From the bitterness of Nevers
The announcement to the group of this end of the adventure last week did not cause an electric shock, given the defeat conceded in Nevers three days later (23-15). On this subject, everyone expresses deep regret at not having brought up even the slightest point from this trip, which was so well addressed. “As in every match, indiscipline cost us dearly. We didn’t know how to manage the slow times, analyzes third row Aldric Lescure. They put pressure on us, quickly got back into the match. I think we could have brought something back from Nevers but unfortunately, we came away with zero points…”
An observation shared by the head coach: “We concede penalties, giving them possession in our 22 meters too easily,” says Julien Sarraute. We put pressure on ourselves. What we remember is that we leave with zero points and that is unacceptable. Given the nature of the match, it is not normal to settle for a point and it is unacceptable to leave with nothing. »
Rejoin the lead car
This Friday, the Haut-Garonnais therefore have an opportunity to take off a little from their eleventh place in the ranking and resume moving forward. “If we lose, we are 6 points away from first relegation. We especially have this pressure, reveals Aldric Lescure. So you have to finish correctly to have a peaceful two-week vacation. »
And for this last match of the block before the break, they know that the BO will come to make a blow and are wary of this formation: “As with any team going through difficult times, the real groups are tightening up, they are doing it today today the demonstration, believes Julien Sarraute. It’s a team made up of very good players, high-level elements with great added value and great leadership: I’m thinking of Faasalele and Acebes who have maturity and unite the group. »
Players at La Colombe therefore know what to expect…
Infirmary
In the injury department, 2nd row Whetton (ankle), 3rd row Baseisei (knee), scrum half Séguéla (knee) and center Dulon (concussion) are unfit. To the right of the scrum, Pirlet (back) has not returned but Simutoga (concussion) should start. That’s not the only return: 3rd line Coletta (elbow) is applying, as are wingers Marta and Tuitavuki. As for Delourmel and Maurel, they have resumed training and could return to competition in January.
