The reception of the ASM proves fundamental for the Usapistes, in order to no longer be the only formation with zero victories in the Top 14, but above all to ward off fate against the Auvergne who have largely dominated the confrontation for a decade. Decryption.
Nobody in Catalonia has forgotten this failure against Clermontois last May (28-35). The locals collapsed in the finale, letting go an incredible chance to believe in an improbable qualification if success was at the end, including positioning itself for qualification for the big European Cup. Alas, since then a lot of water will have flowed under the bridges, and Franck Azéma’s men will have no other choice but to resolve the ASM equation on the menu this Saturday to finally start their championship. Especially since the history is formidable, since Clermont has won nine of the last ten duels against the Perpignans. A certain accounting, even psychological, ascendancy, if we push the questioning to the extreme?
“I don’t think there’s anything particular about this trend. I don’t think that because it’s Clermont, they necessarily put us in danger every time. I haven’t had that impression since I was at club, which we suffered more than against another team last year, for example we experienced a huge gap on the disciplinary aspect essentially No, this will not go further in my opinion.declares Alan Brazo, one of the Usap children. Even if this painful memory dates back a few months, the third line has not forgotten:“I kept it in the back of my mind, it was a setback to our old season. But today we are last and the context is different, and no matter the adversity, we have to win this match. “
“Fear must transcend us”
If the speeches are not only focused on the possible revenge to be taken and attempts to break this bad dynamic against the Auvergne, the Catalans worked hard, not without a touch of pressure, which everyone refused to express until now. Franck Azéma explained:“You shouldn’t do this sport if you don’t accept the pressure. Of course it’s there, and we have it. It’s even necessary to be competitive. The boys perhaps have this fear before the match, but it must serve you to surpass yourself, especially against Clermont who made a good start. They have strong carriers, they are in place on the fundamentals. We prepared accordingly to counter them, and the fear which. can cross minds must transcend us.”
Alert from the Jaunards therefore to Aimé-Giral who will be packed for his return to the championship, a strong asset to sublimate himself against the black beast. To fight against the men of Christophe Uriosthe Catalan staff focused on specific preparation, Franck Azéma, who knows the Asemist house only too well, specifies:“We worked again on our defense, which behaved well in Castres. The kicking game will be essential, and we will see how committed we are to what they will produce here. They are the strong ones of the moment, and the cursor should be significantly upwards.” If an entire club mobilized to be on time to ensure this reception, the slogan which translates the ambient atmosphere within the Usap to the group is dictated according to Alan Brazo “by an impeccable state of mind. I am aware of the situation we are going through, now the week of training was good and without being naive, it will end up paying off in time.” Overcoming apprehension and imposing your rugby, these are the main missions that the Usapists will have to resolve in their quest for success.
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