CHALLENGE CUP. A combination of speed and power, what does the Sharks machine have in store for ASM?This Saturday, Clermont plays part of its season on Stoop against the Sharks. The Auvergnats are off to a very poor start in the Top 14 and will probably not see the final stages. This half of the Challenge Cup against the South African franchise therefore represents their only opportunity to seek a title this season. A success which could also open the doors to the Champions Cup next year.
It’s been a little over a year since Christophe Urios took charge of ASM. And we still feel a team that is looking for itself. If the technician has put his dough on the team and its strategy, he has really not yet made Clermont a contender for the title. To do this, he needs to shape the players and choose those who can meet his expectations. “I haven’t yet done what I wanted to do in Clermont, but I have just arrived.” he explained this week on Sud Radio.
I like the rule of three thirds
Landing in Auvergne in January 2023, he only participated in one summer recruitment. But he knows perfectly well what he needs in terms of human resources to achieve his ends. “I like the rule of three thirds with a third of experienced players, solid in the position and international if you can. And the best thing is that they are JIFF.“The rare pearl that all clubs are chasing. This is how Clermont has set its sights on the Grenoblois Montagne (23 years old, pillar) and Massa (20 years old, hooker) or the Catalan Lotrian (23 years old, pillar ).
“Then, the second third is the heart of the players: the 21 – 30 year olds, the guys who will make the squad. And then there is this third third which is separated in two: either young people on whom you want to make a bet, or they are guys that I call the guys from the stream. They are a little taken out of context, they are in difficulty because they are injured or because we are not counting on them.”
We thus find in the ASM recruitment a player like Lucas Tauzin (26 years old) or the Parisian Kylan Hamdaoui (30 years old), both of whom are relaunching and looking for a new challenge or playing time. that Urios seeks above all, they are rugby players who want it and don’t give up despite the obstacles.
Your Toulouse/Harlequins and Sharks/Clermont Rugby Matches at what time and on which channel?“When you can lean on guys who have this mindset, you can go to war with them. You are going to the end of the world. I’ve known guys like that everywhere. I can quote Julien Caminati, Thibault Lassalle, I can quote you 100,000 and I need that.” And that’s why he brought Benjamin Urdapilleta to Clermont.
The coach had already taken it with him when he left Oyonnax for Castres. He also regrets not having brought him to UBB in 2019. “I didn’t bring him in so as not to overshadow Matthieu Jalibert and I regretted it.“He was therefore counting on himself and his experience at ASM. Unfortunately, the Argentinian was often injured.
Despite everything, he nonetheless remains a competitor whose experience is an asset in the locker room. “I always need those guys who are struggling, who need to be revived and who need a helping hand. I like guys like that because when you manage to match with them, you go to the ends of the world“. Let’s hope for Urios and Clermont that they will already go to the end of the Challenge Cup. And that means a victory on Saturday against the Sharks.
