After the first big block of nine matches, USAP is ranked 9th in the Top 14. Thanks in particular to its mastery in conquest, its power in the rucks and recruits at the level.
Saturday against Vannes, USAP completed its first block of nine matches with an improved success (32-13). A logical victory, as the Catalans were superior to the Bretons in all sectors. Five points which allow USAP to position itself in 9th place a third of the way from the championship, with 19 points. A clear evolution compared to last season, where the blood and gold were 13th with 8 small units. The calendar was not the same, of course. But when we compare the difference compared to the same confrontations last season, USAP is well ahead with 1 more point recovered. Because if she lost against Montpellier (7-26) and Castres (27-12), where she won last year, this time she managed to defeat Clermont (33-3) and Pau (11 -10) in Aimé-Giral. It's time for the first review of the season.
Infographic L'Indépendant – Corinne Montardier
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Conquest, defense, ruck
On Saturday, Jean-Noël Spitzer, the manager of Vannes, assured that USAP was the team that had troubled them the most in winning this season. Racing 92 and Lyon, in the last matches, can undoubtedly say the same. Since the start of this 2023-2024 fiscal year, the USAP has relied on a dominant conquest. This was already somewhat the case at the end of last year, but it has become more pronounced. With in particular the arrival of pillars Giorgi Beria and Kieran Brookes, the Usapist scrum rivals absolutely everyone in this championship. The touch works rather well, too, with 82.2% success on throws. Knowing that USAP has 17 per game on average, which is a lot. And this allowed the Catalan pack to score tries on carried balls, including three by Victor Montgaillard. Even if, on 3 or 4 occasions, carried balls hit the mark but were refused for a “flying corner” or, as in Bayonne, a (very) significant advance that was not rewarded.
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And in addition to conquest, the USAP can rely on enormous ferocity in the rucks. They are one of the teams in the championship to have made the most counter-rucks. This allows you to recover valuable balls to free yourself or score points. The aggressiveness slider to the maximum!
Collective strength and the contribution of recruits
44 players used. Don't worry, it's USAP who have the biggest total in the Top 14 with Stade Toulousain. But when you are the reigning French and European champion, that's fine, there are resources for sure. When we are the 13th budget in the championship, sometimes things can get stuck. However, this was not necessarily seen among the blood and gold. There was this very complicated victory against Pau (11-10), then this huge slap in Bordeaux (66-12). But against Lyon (29-26 victory), Racing (30-23 defeat) and against Vannes (32-13 improved success), the players on the field were more than up to standard. Like winger Maxim Granell, 19, who was taking his first steps in the Top 14, and who was clearly not ridiculous. This is the collective strength of this group.
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Despite the absence of important players like Posolo Tuilagi, Jake McIntyre, Jacobus van Tonder, Patrick Sobela, Alivereti Duguivalu, Mathieu Tanguy, Ali Crossdale, Marvin Orie, Lucas Dubois and Bruce Devaux, the level of the team does not have much drop. Or not at all. The only regrets are to say to yourself: “And if we had had the full squad at Racing…”For example. But it must be remembered that this group has resources. Thanks to Jerónimo de la Fuente, Lucas Velarte, or Alan Brazo who are still running the house. But also to recruits like left pillar Giorgi Beria, right pillar Kieran Brookes and second row Adrien Warion who are clearly at the level, when full-back/flyhalf Antoine Aucagne took on his responsibilities in a key position, and when center Eneriko Buliruarua seems to be gaining strength. While waiting for the others…
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Improve offensive play and win away from home
Fourth best attack of the 2023-2024 financial year, USAP is struggling to regain its offensive momentum at the start of the season. With 178 points and 17 tries scored, it is the worst attack in the Top 14. This can perhaps be explained by the absence of Jake McIntyre, the team's metronome. But also by the numerous changes in each match, and players who are not necessarily used to playing together.
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In any case, to compensate for this offensive lack, USAP was able to rely on its defense, 7th in the championship (222 points conceded, including 30% taken in Bordeaux). Which allows him to be 9th after nine matches. But if the blood and gold club wants to battle with the teams at the top of the table, they will have to get back to scoring points. And win away. It didn't go far in Bayonne and Racing, seeing in Castres if Jintcharadze's try had been granted. But 1 point collected away from Aimé-Giral is not yet enough to get out of this soft stomach, rather focused downwards. This is the next big challenge for the Catalans, after a well-deserved rest.
