Montpellier is preparing to take on a huge challenge this Saturday against Stade Toulousain as part of the 15th day of Top 14. After passing Leicester 80 points in the Champions Cup, the Red and Black are full of confidence. Enough to worry Anthony Bouthier, the rear of the MHR, who understands the scale of the task at Ernest-Wallon.
SIX NATIONS. How does Stade Toulousain (subtly) put pressure on Fabien Galthié?
“If we watch them play…”
Aware of the stratospheric level of Toulouse residents, Bouthier does not hide his face via RMC: “80 points is scary. But we have no choice anyway. As soon as their match against Leicester ended, we set the alarm to exist there.”
The message is clear: there is no question of suffering. The Montpellier fullback insists on the desire to show a different side against the reigning French champions. “If you watch them play… It's good when you're on the couch, but when you're in front of them, it's not the same.”
Toulouse, a well-oiled machine
For his part, Benoît Paillaugue, coach of the MHR attack, does not hide his respect for the Toulouse ogre. “We know them by heart, but they will always amaze us. They are the best team in the world.”
The former scrum half knows that the slightest mistake will be paid for in cash : “If you turn your head, it can go very, very quickly. If you're not on alert against them, you pick up, it's simple.”
-6 Nations. Why does Eddie Jones see a chink in the armor of the French XV?
An immense challenge for Montpellier
Facing a Stade Toulouse in great form, even with a few notable absentees like Antoine DupontRamos or even Cros, Montpellier will have to display concentration at all times.
Paillaugue warns: “You pick with their team 1, 2 or 3. That’s Toulouse.” A way of reminding us that regardless of the players lined up, the Toulouse philosophy remains the same.
SATURDAY, the Cistes will therefore have to rise to the occasion if they want to exist against a team which does not give any gifts, especially in its lair of Ernest-Wallon.
