This Saturday, ASM challenges Stade Rochelais in Deflandre to open the 12th day of Top 14. And in the memory of supporters, it has been an eternity since the Jaunards last won on this pitch. In fact, we are approaching the decade mark.
But on August 22, 2015, Clermont inflicted a real correction on Stade Rochelais. That day, the Auvergnats won 44 to 6, a clear score which still makes Clermont supporters shiver. Who hope to see ASM shine again against the big names in the championship.
From ? No more yellow and blue victories in La Rochelle. And this, despite a 30-all draw in 2016, a short 16-12 setback in 2018 or even the 19-10 in 2020. A look back at this latest stroke of brilliance for ASM at Deflandre.
A clinical ASM
This first day of Top 14 season 2015-2016 started under the best auspices for Clermont. With a Camille Lopez in a state of graceauthor of 19 points, the Auvergnats quickly took the measure of the Rochelais.
Dominant in the ground game, sharp in their offensives, they took advantage of the slightest opponent approximations to widen the gap. At the break, Clermont already led 17 to 3.
A La Rochelle defense at bay
The second half was a real ordeal for the locals. Unable to contain the power of the Clermontois pack and overwhelmed by the speed of the backs, the Rochelais conceded three additional tries, bringing the final score to a severe 44 to 6. A demonstration of strength from the ASM which was clearly aiming for the summits.
The start of an Auvergne famine in Deflandre
If this victory left its mark, it was also the start of a long period of drought for Clermont on the La Rochelle pitch. Since 2015, Stade Rochelais has established itself as a stronghold of French and European rugbytransforming Deflandre into an almost impregnable fortress.
At the dawn of a new duel between these two teams, will the Clermontois finally manage to break this curse? One thing is certain: the Rochelais, driven by their European dynamic and determined to win after the defeat against Vannes, will not make their task easier.
