Between prolonged absences and last minute adjustments, Montpellier, Toulouse and La Rochelle must reorganize their workforce to remain competitive. A look back at these adventures which impact the championship.
Montpellier loses Stuart Hogg for five weeks
Stuart Hoggopening half of Montpellierfractured his right hand during the match won against La Rochelle (16-0). Refusing to leave the field despite the pain, the Scottish international had to undergo an operation, synonymous with five weeks of absence. A real challenge for Montpellier, in search of stability and currently 11th in the ranking. Deprived of Hogg, the staff could call on Thomas Vincent for the match against Castresdue to lack of being able to count on Domingo Miotti et Leo Colyalso injured. (Source: RMC Sport)
A Montpellier workforce under tension
Hogg's injury highlights a squad depth problem for Montpellier, forced to adapt to compensate for several significant absences. The team will undoubtedly have to adjust its game while waiting for the return of its executives.
Ntamack package for fall tour
Side XV of Francethe package of Romain Ntamack for the November test matches comes at a bad time. Injured calf during a match with Toulouse StadiumNtamack must observe three to four weeks of convalescence, depriving him of clashes against Japan, New Zealand and Argentina. A hard blow for the coach Fabien Galthiéwho must appoint a new master to play for these meetings.
Ramos and Jalibert on track for number 10
With the absence of Ntamack, Fabien Galthié could turn to Thomas Ramos or Matthew Jalibert to occupy the position of fly-half. Jalibert, known for his dynamism, and Ramos, appreciated for his versatility, each offer interesting options, although Ramos seems to hold the rope thanks to his recent experience with the Blues.
Suliasi Vunivalu as reinforcement in La Rochelle to compensate for the absence of Raymond Rhule
With the long-term injury of Raymond Rhule, La Rochelle reacted quickly by calling on Suliasi Vunivalu. This Australian international, who played rugby league before joining rugby union with the Queensland Redshas an explosiveness and versatility that appeals to the La Rochelle staff. This recruitment will allow La Rochelle to maintain a dynamic option on the wing, especially as Teddy Thomasexpected to leave, ultimately stays at the club.
A temporary mission for Vunivalu
Vunivalu's time at La Rochelle will be brief, with the winger considering a return to rugby union in Australia. This medical joker will, however, bring real offensive added value, with the hope for the Rochelais that it will leave its mark on its transition to yellow and black.
Richie Arnold injured in the shoulder: Stade Toulousain must adapt
Richie Arnoldsecond line of Toulousehad to leave the field due to a shoulder injury during the resounding victory against Toulon (57-5). A loss all the more annoying for Toulouse as the club is deprived of its other second lines Thibaud Flament, Emmanuel New et Joshua Brennanall called up to the French team. Arnold represented a solid option for the next meeting against Bayonnesurprising third in the championship.
The puzzle of absences among the Toulouse forwards
The Toulouse staff, already under pressure with a growing injury list, will have to adjust their choices to compensate for Arnold's absence. With crucial matches in sight, the management of rotations and substitutes becomes essential to stay the course.
I grew up in a family where rugby was at all times. I was at the edge of the pitch when Castres beat Pau and joined the elite, I was in the Stade Pierre Antoine facing Gary Whetton when he did his Haka to celebrate the Brennus of 1993 and I was always rocked legends of this sport. Now, it is with XV Ovalie that I intend to extend the adventure. #TeamCO
