– Challenge Cup: “It will be simple and brutal”, the Paloise Section guided by its inner fire against the Dragons

– Challenge Cup: “It will be simple and brutal”, the Paloise Section guided by its inner fire against the Dragons
Rugby – Challenge Cup: “It will be simple and brutal”, the Paloise Section guided by its inner fire against the Dragons

With a game as direct as this message, hopes to score a double blow in Newport. “An away match is about territory, pressure, defense and then extreme efficiency,” summarizes Fajardo, on fire at the idea of ​​stifling the Dragons’ match. “We have two ambitions: to win to qualify and to get our first away victory.” The Welsh’s record this season encourages warming up.

The editorial team advises you

The editorial team advises you

Pivotal weekend

Last in the URC (United Championship, a league bringing together Irish, Scottish, Italian, South African and Welsh provinces), they have only one victory for eight defeats in nine days of the championship. And at home, they have already given in five times. In short, there is severe coughing among the flame-eaters, even though they are well-equipped in terms of pyrotechnics. “This team has 282 national selections combined. She follows her processes but is not paid, estimates Brandon Fajardo, suddenly more suspicious. Now their only focus, all their energy and excitement is going to be directed towards the European Cup.”

Not stressed by the race to stay within a closed competition, the guys from Newport only have the Challenge Cup to anchor to to avoid drifting. In a very tight group 2, where four of the six teams are within one point, the Section Paloise has little margin on its roadmap, if it wants to see the round of 16 of the competition again. “We are in a position to pass, just like them. So it looks intense. Whoever wins is ahead,” calculates Thibaut Hamonou.

More of a philosopher than a mathematician, Fajardo has fewer knots in his brain. “We are neck and neck in the rankings. So the best thing to do is to win, get ahead of them and that’s it, we leave them behind. It’s a pivotal weekend in our group. Those who win will be happier than those who lose. And I want to be very happy at the end of the match! » So that happiness is on the meadow, the Paloise Section has generally given itself the means to smile.

The editorial team advises you

The editorial team advises you

The editorial team advises you

Long working days

“I don’t see an unbalanced lineup or players lacking playing time. But an ultra-competitive Top 14 lineup,” Fajardo gets excited. An enthusiasm to be strongly tempered. If some usual starters in the championship return from injuries or continue, the team will also be made up of young, less experienced players. And revengeful, no offense to the head coach. “Some of us are less used, so it’s an opportunity to show ourselves,” appreciates Thibaut Hamonou, overwhelmed by the competition after a promising start to the season.

However, there is no room for moods. “Today, we are in action, we are preparing to perform. And we practiced a lot. We had the two busiest working days in two months so it’s great, because we are managing a three-week block with a ramp-up until the reception in Clermont”, confides Fajardo, “ultra-demanding on the way we prepare, we form the group and we choose the leaders.”

For the moment, the European recipe feeds its men and their ambitions. It could also open up to happy hexagonal feasts. “If this competition can bring confidence, generate certainty, fluidity, good little habits, the Paloise Section will have a better team in Top 14,” believes the former 10. Especially if, guided by his inner fire, she finally finds the path to success outside.

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