The duel between Mediterraneans is generally a source of inspiration for the Catalans at home against the Varois. Capable of sublimating themselves in their lair of Aimé-Giral for several seasons during this confrontation, the Sang et Or have frequently drawn on their character at key moments to initiate or start a dynamic. Still relevant? Explanations.
Perpignan will host the Toulon Rugby club this Saturday at 9 p.m. in its Aimé-Giral den. A meeting which often allowed the Catalans to reveal themselves and trigger reactions as a result. Tristan Labouteley participated as a starter in the last three home victories, and tells his impressions according to the era. Enough to give ideas to Perpignan to get rid of Toulon currently in full rise?
- Perpignan – Toulon, September 2021 (12-9): the fear of heights.
Still marked by the 2018/2019 financial year, where Usap had only recorded two victories in the Top 14 over the entire season, the Catalans crowned with the title of French Pro D2 champion wanted to quickly make their mark to keep the specter of a difficult season. Tristan Labouteley, then holder with Shahn Eru, remembers:“I remember this meeting very well. We no longer wanted to experience what we had suffered before, that is to say not winning a single match before January. We did what was necessary against Biarritz just before and we continue against the Toulonnais.” Knowing that the RCT was considered the real bane of the Usapistes (Toulon undefeated against Perpignan since 2009 in the championship), “It was a real relief at the time. We said to ourselves at that point in the season that we were capable of competing. It wasn't the best match, but I can guarantee you that it marks everything a group and we knew how to put the right ingredients that day” he slips in by way of conclusion. 4 penalties from Melvyn Jaminet will be enough for their happiness.
- Perpignan – Toulon, September 2022 (19-13): break the start-up gloom.
It had almost become a chestnut tree, as the Sang et Or were having the worst difficulty in gaining the necessary rhythm to get the competition underway. Especially after an inaugural defeat against Brive, then considered the main competitor for maintenance. The context set and without any victory after 4 days, the urgency was palpable. Tristan Labouteley, who started alongside Piula Fa'asalele, specifies:“It was a real deluge that day at Aimé-Giral. Always the type of tight and indecisive match against Toulon in such conditions where the fight is essential. We had to break the negative spiral and the work was done in This sense is perhaps the match which left me with the fewest memories, but of course, opening our scoreboard freed us completely for the rest of the championship.” A try from Mathieu Acebes and the foot of Tristan Tedder will allow Usap to win. The troops of then Patrick Arlettaz, will continue the following week with a victory full of character against Castres. A good omen.
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- Perpignan – Toulon, November 2023 (26-22): the return of Franck Azéma to take ownership of.
Just after the World Cup played in France, the Catalans still had not opened their points counter. Coinciding with Franck Azéma's comeback at home, triggering general enthusiasm after Arlettaz's successful reign, concern remained. Associated with Posolo Tuilagi at the kick-off, Tristan Labouteley explains:“that it was the same negative dynamic as other exercises. Achieving success mattered above all else. It was like a trigger that occurred subsequently, I want to say, which allowed the group to move forward, facing the Toulonnais who made life difficult for us.” Two tries from Lucas Velarte and Tavite Veredamu, combined with the boot of Tommaso Allan, allowed the locals to create the desirable conditions for such success.
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Against the Var, firmly established at the top of the basket, who will achieve a result in line with their current rugby, in relation to a final performance against Bayonne that is more than successful, the Perpignans know the song. The second line of Blood and Gold explaining:“For three receptions, this has worked to our advantage, absolutely nothing is written and we must do what is necessary to continue like this. Knowing that there are today quite a few former Toulon players in our squad (Kieran Brookes, Adrien Warion, Bruce Devaux, Mathieu Tanguy), and obviously for Franck Azéma, who was there recently, this match is perhaps not a special one, but there are a lot of matches. links between the two teams There will still be a lot at stake in any case, that's for sure.” While Perpignan is ranked in the middle of the table, a positive result would allow the troops of Franck Azéma and David Marty to consider the European break with significant comfort.
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