Pro D2 – Decisive turn for Stade Aurillacois before hosting Mont-de-Marsan

January is the month of all dangers for the Stade Aurillacois. At the very least, it is the one that determines whether the Cantaliens will move forward with serenity or spend the rest of the time looking in the rearview mirror. The last trip to Ain left some regrets, the arrival of the Montois should bring some certainties.

In Oyonnax, “We lacked a little success, but also concentration with tests that were too easy”recalls Roméo Gontineac who also wants to retain the best engagement of the second half, even if this slight domination remained fruitless in the end. And as always, we leave the past aside, we retain the positive “and we avoid feeding ourselves with regrets”.

For the Aurillac technician, Mont-de-Marsan remains the main objective, the first of a small series of three (with the reception of Provence Rugby and the trip to Nice) which could change everything. Since the start of the season, Mont-de-Marsan has displayed a double face, capable of the worst as well as the best, but too lacking in consistency. Doesn’t that remind you of anyone?

“They have a lot of class players, capable of unlocking a lot of situations”estimates Gontineac who prefers to warn his family of what could happen. The people of Montois have always been playful and they know that hitting Jean-Alric will further distance a direct opponent.

Know how to “dominate the essential”

So it is clear that the locals will once again have to release the illustrated rugby player's manual. Having the ability to defend well, to carry the ball well, to demonstrate the character necessary for this Pro D2, to maintain in this Pro D2, we dare. But in the end, we must not make the wrong objective, because again and again only victory will count. We'll see what happens next.

In a Jean-Alric stadium which we hope to be well stocked, we will have to do everything possible to beat Montois who are also playing big. Commitment, precision, mastery, three essential ingredients for this meeting which will most certainly be played out in bitter cold. Since the start, temperatures have been negative in Cantal from 7 p.m. and this will be an element to take into account. “We will all be in the same boat, tempers Roméo Gontineac, even if we are more used to playing on grass.” The weather factor will not be the most important element in this confrontation.

If Stade Aurillacois wants to get out of the red zone, it will be through a clean conquest in order to have the balls and cause problems for the opponent. And if the match will certainly start in front, we will have to know “keep the ball, make them make mistakes, be more deadly in the scoring zone… If we dominate the essentials, we will also be able to play the game and be efficient”. It's also in the manual!