RC Vannes had already checked this trip to Montpellier in its schedule before the home defeat against Racing 92 (24-24, 5th day). But this makes a first away victory imperative, against an opponent in bad shape (only one victory in five games, like Vannes). Disappointed “with the state of mind and the contribution of the entrants” in the second period against Racing, Jean-Noël Spitzer and his staff should therefore make several changes in the starting XV. “There are one or two players coming into the group that I would like to see (Ayarza, Djehi?). Young people (Desjeux, Taccola?) will play too,” announced the head coach of RC Vannes this Wednesday.
With Taccola, Desjeux, Augry and Djehi?
Victim of a concussion at the start of the match at Stade Français (34-31, 2nd day), Gwenaël Duplenne should find his place at the back. Michael Ruru on the flank (calf), Jules Le Bail should make a third start at the scrum. But who, young Robin Taccola or Tani Vili, will accompany Francis Saili in the center, while Alex Arrate did not participate in training this Wednesday? Also absent from the session, second row Anton Bresler could give way to Mattéo Desjeux, injured during preparation and back in the group. On the third line, the staff could revive Simon Augry, author of a good match in Toulon (54-19, 4th day). And leave left pillar Mako Vunipola on the bench, preserved at the start of the week, to launch Hugo Djehi into the deep end of the Top 14. Having entered against Racing, hooker Théo Béziat could start this time.
The probable XV from Vannes to Montpellier
Duplenne – Rayasi, Saili, Taccola, Nakosi – Lafage (o.), Le Bail (m.) – Augry, Gorrissen (cap.), Edwards – Metz, Desjeux – Medrano, Béziat, Djehi. Substitutes : Blanchard, Vunipola, Marks, Calamafoni, Gouaux, Ayarza, Vili, Tafili.
