Rugby – National: Narbonne – Bourg-en-Bresse, first turning point and many uncertainties in the squad

It was the result of a nightmarish afternoon. That of a team which conceded 40 points while it was moving with intentions, to achieve a big blow. And if this Monday the manager Julien Seron did not want to elaborate on this meeting, “balanced and revised with the entire workforce”the match on Saturday evening (6:30 p.m. and not 7 p.m. as usual) presents itself as a real turning point for Racing. The supporters, touched, angry and upset, are expecting a real revolt against Bourg-en-Bresse. And there is no doubt that they will not be satisfied with a snatch victory. The Parc des Sports wants to vibrate again and see a team that cleanses its honor.

Especially since in Périgueux, Racing Club Narbonnais not only suffered a big disappointment (40-13), they returned with a serious injury. Starting the opening match over the last four matches, performing well, Tom Chauvet was injured in the acromium. With his arm in a sling as soon as he left just after the hour mark in Périgord, the successful scorer wanted to be reassuring. But his package at the Parc des Sports against Bourg-en-Bresse on Saturday evening (6:30 p.m.) is (almost) confirmed. He is now awaiting the results of additional examinations to find out more about his duration of unavailability. Knowing that in this position, Narbonne must already do without the experienced Gilles Bosch, affected by the meniscus. If the native Catalan has to test himself this week, he still seems right to make his return this weekend. The trio of orange and black coaches should therefore trust Boris Goutard, used to this position. The young Thibault Santoro can also help out in this position.

Second row Marius Antonescu took a blow to the jaw against the Périgourdins on Saturday. But it's nothing serious for the Romanian colossus, he will be available for this meeting on Saturday evening.

Boundjema absent for two more weeks

On the list of absentees, we should note that of hooker Mehdi Boundjema. With a back injury, he still has to take a two-week break, having not played since the 4th day of the championship, September 13 in Tarbes. And if the Algerian international is not recovered at the end of his work stoppage, the staff would move towards the recruitment of a medical joker, since there are only two players left in this position, Clément Esteriola and Gabriel Atlan.

Then there is uncertainty around the Parataiso Silafai-Lea'ana and Pierre Nueno centers. Both players return to collective training this week and will test themselves. They are heading towards a return to competition during the reception in Bourg-en-Bresse. Second row Dennis Visser could also be available again after muscular discomfort. On the other hand, for third row Charles Malet (thigh), it still seems too fair. The third row Nicolas Mousties (shoulder), the three-quarter Sébastien Giorgis (foot) and the winger Baptiste Tsague (knee) are logically out.