Expected returns
After a good start to the season during the first three days, ASM fell heavily against Perpignan, losing 33-3. Christophe Urios’ men were dominated in all areas of the game, and never managed to find the key.
At home, the Clermontois are nevertheless intractable, and have won their two clashes in Auvergne. The first, against Section Paloise, 39 to 7, which remains their best performance of the season. Then, against Bayonne (26-10), with the offensive bonus as well.
Against Toulon, the same ingredients will have to be put in place, and changes are expected in the starting XV. For the first line, the Clermont staff should start Giorgi Akhladze, Folau Fainga’a and Christian Ojovan.
In the cage, Thibault Lanen and Thomas Ceyte will once again be aligned, in the absence of Wallaby Rob Simmonds. For the third row, Peceli Yato will be back in the starting XV, with Killian Tixeront and Fritz Lee who will be number 8 and captain.
At the hinge, Baptiste Jauneau remains the starter, but this should not be the case for Anthony Belleau, who gives way to the experienced Benjamin Urdapilleta. The pair of centers also changes with the return of Lucas Tauzin as second center. Goerge Moala stays the course with number 12.
On the wings, Alivereti Raka holds his place, and Joris Jurand does the same. In the deep field, the Englishman Alex Newsome replaces Hamdaoui, position for position.
Fourcade, Lotrian, Hemery, Sowakula, Bézy, Belleau, Darricarrère and Montagne are expected on the bench.
CLERMONT
1
G. Akhaladze
2
F.Fainga’a
3
C. Ojovan
6
K. Tixeront
8
F.Lee
7
P. Yato
9
B.Jauneau
10
B.Urdapilleta
11
A. Raka
12
G.Moala
13
L.Tauzin
14
J.Jurand
16
E.Fourcade
17
S.Lotrian
18
A.Hemery
19
PG.Sowakula
20
S. Bézy
21
A.Belleau
22
L.Darricarrère
23
R.Montagne
