Benjamin Urdapilleta and the Clermontois will have to revolt to wash away the insult of their big defeat in Perpignan. Facing Toulon, the Argentinian opener appreciates the context of a meeting which promises to be heated.
Benjamin, we imagine you revolted after the big defeat suffered in Perpignan…
Of course. Frankly, we were very disappointed with our performance because all week we talked about having a good match in Perpignan in the aggressiveness and in the end we missed out especially in the intensity. I think tomorrow we will be focused, I hope we will be forgiven, because we did not show our true colors.
How do you explain the face shown in Perpignan?
I don’t know… Because I felt we were ready and in the end we weren’t. But I don’t have the recipe, I’m not in the head of each player, and we will have to show another face.
How do you judge the ASM’s offensive performance to date?
It’s not good yet, we tried to rectify things this week and I hope we show a better way of playing rugby. At home, we often show good intensity but we are not very well connected in the game. I think we had the best week of training in terms of offensive connections, that’s positive! We were focused, but we will have to do it in a match! But I have confidence.
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Is it an ideal context to receive Toulon as a Sunday evening poster?
Exactly, we welcome a big team with high ambitions and who won at the Stade Français. It’s a big challenge and I think it’s a good opportunity, after the non-match we had in Perpignan. This is an opportunity to come out of this match with more confidence…
Especially given the two defeats suffered against the RCT last season…
Moreover, yes. At home, we lost in the end but that certainly sticks in our minds. Playing Toulon when you’re Clermont is special, it’s not a derby but almost given the rivalry of recent years. So we are preparing for a tough match.
You suffered a slight injury at the start of the season, how are you feeling?
I started against Pau, I felt good and I was able to come back earlier from my injury, I was a substitute in the last two matches and I have the chance to start against the RCT. I feel very good physically. Compared to last season, my body is better, I am more confident, and I am very excited at the idea of playing again with number 10 from Clermont. This is my main motivation. You have to take advantage because I don’t have many years of rugby left in me (laughs).
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What do you appreciate in this particular context of a Toulon reception?
There will be a lot of pressure, contact and intensity. On a Sunday, at 9 p.m…. It’s the poster of the week, it’s extremely motivating! It’s always nice to play this kind of match.
For you, what will be the key to the match?
The weather is forecast to be rainy so footwork will be very important. Toulon has very strong players, like Leicester Fainga’anuku in particular. If the ball is a little wet I think they will put us under pressure trying to take advantage of our mistakes. So you will have to be very concentrated and strong to receive the candles.
Have you seen images of the friendly match against Toulon at the end of August?
Yes, especially us, three-quarters of us. We had been pierced two or three times and we saw that they continued to do their combinations which had worked well against us. We will therefore have to rectify this and be more solid. We must not make the same mistakes…
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