Lat the end of 2024 was rather complicated for the Rochefort rugby players, with a meeting still not validated for the moment against La Roche-sur-Yon, following a complaint filed by the maritime club and a defeat at home against the Pleasure leader. This defeat is all the more bitter as the match ended with a huge general brawl.
Which will not be without consequences for the future. But for now, the red and black must make a clean sweep of the past and stay focused on the start of the year, which will be essential for a qualifying place. “It’s a recovery match,” declared general manager Mathieu De Pauw. And facing the potential leader since Tours has a game in hand. » During the first leg, the Rochefortais won, giving up the defensive bonus to their opponent but making a very good impression against one of the favorites of the group.
Don’t panic
This impression is justified since the Saristes remain to this day the only formation which succeeded in bringing down the Tourangeaux. Since then, the gap between the two Sunday opponents has widened but more is needed to discourage the forwards coach: “We only resumed training this Tuesday but we are not making the trip as victims.” In fact, the Maritimes view this trip to Touraine more as a training session.
For De Pauw, it is then that everything will be decided: “We will face teams more within our reach or big teams but at home. There will be a long marathon of seven matches for us.” So don’t panic on the banks of the Charente, we stay the course.
Tours 2nd/50 pts – Rochefort 8th/25 pts
Lieu Tours (Tonnellé stadium) Hourly Sunday, January 12, at 3:15 p.m. Arbitrator Mr. Peyrot First leg 20-16
