Particularly manhandled during a half, the extremely rejuvenated and reworked Toulouse team was still able to improve after the break. Hats off…
It was well worth a special celebration for the Toulouse residents who left, in the wake of the final whistle, at the Ernest-Wallon bodega. An improvised and pleasant moment, commensurate with the relief of a troop who had gotten off to a bad start an hour earlier. In the absence of more or less an entire starting XV, without the internationals “blocked” at Marcoussis or the various injured, the Rouge et Noir – extremely rejuvenated and reworked – began their doubles of the Tournament with a reception which had all the trap against a Montpellier in great form.
“We felt the players were under pressure before the match, because it was the start of this period against a dense team, well placed defensively, confident and difficult to maneuver”explains Clément Poitrenaud. A danger materialized at the break, since his team was trailing (0-3), they were having difficulty converting their intentions and the MHR had just been refused a try… “The first half was quite choppy in rhythmsays Roumat. Our opponent hurt us in scrum, and also in touch. In the intensity and desire, we were present but we couldn't capitalize on the few opportunities we had because we were losing ammunition.”
They have an appetite
Everything was there to doubt, and fall into the trap before going on vacation… But, despite the rain, Ugo Mola's men were able to offer a marvelous second half. First by looking for more progress in the axis, in particular thanks to sharp races in this area.
-“We played smarterinsists Poitrenaud. We tried complicated things in the first half. We don't really like these conditions but we know how to adapt. We needed a more direct game around the rucks, to be more connected. The strategy is quite simple but does not prevent you from taking risks and creating turnovers.” The proof with three sublime essays, on sequences from the Toulouse camp. Even without the bosses, this group is still amazing.
“It’s very nice to coach these young playerscontinues the three-quarter coach. They have an appetite. Everything is not perfect but they compensate with the bonds that unite them and with their energy.” And Roumat concludes: “The way the club works allows them to train and play early with us. They are calibrated, since they were 14 or 15 years old, to win. They adapt quickly. Over the last two years, which has helped us allowed to win titles at the end of the season, it is these periods Some have two, three, maybe sometimes four years of experience of doubles So we saw above all a team full of qualities And in a rugby which n. is not necessarily the ours, we managed to show strength of character.”
