The Graulhétois want to “win” against Niort to finally get out of the red zone

End clap for this calendar year for the Sporting Club Graulhétois this evening. And it's difficult to dream of a better poster to end this 2024, since it's the Niort leader who is traveling to Noël-Pélissou. Initially scheduled for mid-September, this meeting was postponed following the tragic disappearance of Quentin Gobet, Niort fullback, in a road accident.

Before the holiday meals, the Tarnais will tackle a big task this evening, as captain Maxime Escur confirms: “It's the bigger of the two groups. We know what awaits us. It's a complete team, which aims for the rise.” Opposite, despite its place at the bottom, the SCG does not intend to make up the numbers during this meeting.

Victory to alleviate fatigue?

To do this, he will be able to rely on the good things seen during the three victories during the four previous meetings. Last Saturday, the Tarnais were able to correct their tendency to offer points too easily to opponents by erecting a real wall against the offensives of Mauléon (13-3). “We want to keep this defensive line and play to our strengths with a united group,” says the pillar. A union which will be necessary to hope to win this evening and end the year in style.

This last meeting of the fourth block of the season presents itself with a particular context. For this match postponed from the 3rd day, we will have to deal with the physical and mental wear and tear in the Graulhétois camp. Wear and tear also due to the change of staff in mid-November, and the arrivals of Frédéric Manca and Vincent Clément as coaches. “It’s true that it’s a bit of a stretch,” emphasizes Maxime Escur. “Especially since with the change of staff during the holidays, we didn’t make any cuts. But the staff manages that very well, they know when to rest the players .”

This sequence left its mark on the Tarn squad, with a few injuries among others. We think, for example, of three-quarter center Cédric Soulé, injured in the face against Fleurance at the beginning of November. Injuries which also allow players lacking playing time to stand out after having eaten their black bread on the bench. These finishers will be important this evening against Niort Rugby Club. Because like his teammates, Maxime Escur does not want to hide it: “We need to win, it’s the objective to get out of this red zone.”