TOP 14. Lacombre, Capuozzo… The hybrid composition of Stade Toulousain for the reception of a reinvigorated Montpellier

This is always a delicate period to manage for Stade Toulousain. So much so that Ugo Mola was ironic when responding to his detractors that the salary cap could decrease the day there were no more duplicates.

To prepare for the Montpellier reception, this weekend, the French clubs will once again have to deal with a real/false duplicate, since only the French internationals will not be there. At the top of the list, Toulouse, obviously, the Haut-Garonnais club with 10 elements and not the least currently in Marcoussis to prepare for the 6 Nations Tournament.

VIDEO. Running 30 meters with 2 Englishmen on your back? No problem for promising 3/4 center Antoine Dupont

Thus, the stadium staff will have to do without the premiums of the XV of France Dupont, Ntamack, Ramos, Cros, Flament, Meafou, Mauvaka, Marchand, Baille, but also PL Barassi, in great form. Which raises questions about the midfielder lined up against MHR – who remains on 7 consecutive victories in all competitions – since Santiago Chocobares (concussion) and Pita Ahki (muscle problem) are still uncertain.

In the event of a withdrawal, it is therefore Dimitri Delibes, who started last weekend in the Champions Cup against Leicester, and Paul Costes, who could be involved. Two number 13s, in short… Which could also give credence to the postulate of young Clément Vignères (19 years old), solid and at ease against La Rochelle at the start of the month.

Ahead, youth takes precedence

Up front, the hooker position is decimated and should therefore offer a starting place to Thomas Lacombre, already seen 4 times this season. The team will be made up of the pair from the 2001 generation, Brennan/Vergé, while Jack Willis will be there in the 3rd row to supervise the youngest, since Jelonch and Roumat are withdrawn.

Your Toulouse/Montpellier and Toulon/La Rochelle Rugby Matches at what time and on which channel?

At the hinge, it is the Argentinian Juan Cruz Mallia who should officiate in 10, leaving the back to Kinghorn and Capuozzo on his favorite right wing. In this regard, we will point out that at the start of the 2023 Tournament, Toulouse hosted Montpellier almost 2 years ago to the day, without its French internationals.

And won 23 to 9 thanks to a timely double from Ange Capuozzo. Today with another status in the red and black squad, will the Italian international make the difference again?