Top 14 – Bautista Delguy (Clermont), a Puma hungry for play and testing, before challenging Toulouse

Out of sight, close to the heart. After three months with the Argentine selection, Bautista Delguy returned to Clermont as if nothing had happened. The eccentric Argentine found his yellow teammates last week and completed his return to competition with a decisive try against Toulonin the middle of an encounter as heated as the character. From the Pumas jersey to that of the ASM, Delguy changed hemispheres without disrupting his habits. “I was very happy to come back to Clermont. I was really starting to miss the Michelin and the supporters. We finished well with the victory. I had no time to adapt because they are the same people as the last year at the staff level, and some new recruits We just have to reread the game plan and put on the crampons!”

Having just returned from Messi’s country, Delguy has resumed his starting place, opposite Alivereti Raka. In his absence, Joris Jurand and Yérim Fall shared number 14 but it seems that the Puma has a special place in the mind of Christophe Urios. With three matches played in an exciting Rugby Championship for Argentina, Bautista Delguy arrived with the necessary freshness to battle against the warriors of the harbor. Guilty of a forward on an action which could open the doors of the Toulon goal, Delguy therefore made up for it with an inspired combination launched by his compatriot Urdapilleta. ASM’s top scorer last season (14 tries in 24 matches, all competitions), the unpredictable winger is now hungry for balls.

First reunion with Mallia?

After having climbed a first mountain, the ASM tackles the queen stage of the championship. If the offensive animation of Clermont is for the moment far from being flamboyant, Bautista Delguy hopes that this meeting in Toulouse will be able to release the energies. “We will have to adapt to the conditions we will have. Sunday, there was a lot of rain, it was difficult to make plays, it’s frustrating. There was a lot of kicking, I like to chase , even if I much prefer to carry the balls (laughs) We will face the best team in France, but at the same time, we will be more free, I hope that we will send a lot of play to Ernest-Wallon. It’s a shame that Santiago Chocobares is injured but I think Juan Cruz Mallia is applying, so we’ll see.” smiles the Clermontoise arrow.

Especially since the den of the Rouge et Noir was Bautista Delguy’s first theater in the Clermont jersey, two years ago to the day. Already a starter, the former Perpignan and Bordeaux-Bègles winger stood out without scoring. Saturday evening, while Stade Toulouse should face ASM with its brightest stars (Dupont, Ntamack, Mallia…), the Argentinian will have the opportunity to strike hard and make an impression. As a reminder, Bautista Delguy is at the end of his contract and a major performance against an opponent of the caliber of Toulouse could quickly tip the balance…