Pyou need a vaccine. The battle imposed by Bayonne on Union Bordeaux Bègles, on its lawn, last Saturday (30-27) has already served as a reminder. After the feat achieved in Toulouse where the Bordelais especially had things to prove, the unconscious relaxation almost pushed them to make a mistake the following week.
“We hit an emotional peak in Toulouse and I knew we would be in danger against Bayonne,” recalls manager Yannick Bru. The decor is positive so vigilance is not optimal. But I dare to hope that the leadership that there is in this team will make it possible to correct, against Perpignan, certain efforts which were not made against the Bayonnais. » As a final sting, Bru evokes the 25th day of last season: “The USAP destroyed us at Aimé Giral and forced us to seek a defensive bonus at Oyonnax the following day. We are very careful about this team, we know that the match will be difficult. »
And even more for a second reception in a row? “In Pro D2 or Top 14, this second home match is always tricky. I remember it when I coached Bayonne and since coaches draw a lot from their own experience, I know the song. »
Sheepishly back, Lucu soon at rest
To aim for a fourth victory in a row and keep Chaban invincible, the Bordeaux staff was able to put together their team with an emptying infirmary. Healed from his fracture of the orbital floor, the hooker Connor Sa is ready to face Perpignan, just like the Argentinian international second row, Guido Petti who was already for Bayonne.
At three-quarters, the hamstring of fullback Nans Ducuing allows him to be available. Winger Damian Penaud is also back in the squad after being rested against Toulouse and then ill last week. On the other hand, scrum half Paul Abadie (calf) is not quite 100% and center Rohan Janse van Rensburg had a shoulder injury with which the staff does not want to take any risks. “There is a reflection around the international period which is coming,” explains Bru. We should be short of 10 to 15 players so we are paying attention to those who will have to perform over this period as is the case with Rohan. »
Speaking of the international period, what about the Maxime Lucu case? “There is also management of Max’s regeneration,” continues the Bordeaux manager. He will be completely rested next week and given his level displayed since the start of the season, I obviously won’t be surprised if he is in the France group. »
In the meantime, it is Yann Lesgourgues who will start against the Catalans, associated with Matthieu Jalibert.
