Top 14 – Clermont in search of its favorite pair of centers, before facing Vannes

Wesley Fofana – Jonathan Davies. This was the pair of centers that were to reign over Europe, between 2014 and 2016, with Clermont. At the moment to celebrate the retirement of one of the greatest Welsh number 13sASM supporters undoubtedly look with regret and nostalgia at the compilations of “Fox”, destroying defenses with the XV du Poireau, but without having had the same performance in Auvergne. Ten years after the advent of a duo that promised to be star-studded, Clermont is today looking for its ideal pair in midfield.

A defect for the Clermont staff who have already tried four tandems in six days. To date, Lucas Tauzin and Léon Darricarrère have had the preferences of Christophe Urios (three associations: against Pau, Racing and Toulon), but the ASM coach continues to scratch his head. The former Toulouse player was tested with George Moala against Bayonnewithout this pair being transcendent, while the son of David Darricarrère was aligned with the Tongan in Perpignan, in the middle of a messy encounter. Finally, the Clermontois manager decided to relaunch Irae Simone with Moala last Saturday against Toulouse, for the result we know.

Simone absent for two months, Moala is no longer indisputable…

So why so many tests? “The centers reflect our game. We haven’t yet found the right formula for the moment. We’re looking for a lot of associations and to bring players up to speed, but to date, we’re groping a bit. little it’s true” replies Frédéric Charrier, the three-quarter coach of Clermont. “George (Moala) was our safe bet last season, but he had a checkered preparation during the summer, he is struggling to find his level. Léon (Darricarrère) is starting his second season and remains a young player , Irae (Simone) has barely returned from his knee injury, Lucas (Tauzin) arrives from Toulouse and Pierre (Fouyssac) was injured for many months. If Clermont knew how to be diabolical at home (three victories including two bonuses), the animation of the three quarters left something to be desired. Lucid, Frédéric Charrier wants to see his team offer an attractive game around the center of the field. Main reason for satisfaction, Lucas Tauzin performed interestingly in midfield and could little by little become a clear starter in the eyes of Christophe Urios.

The converse is less true for George Moala, who is not as destructive as last season, in particular, but who is gaining momentum. Against Toulouse, his powerful percussion certainly allowed the Jaunards to advance, but the Jaunards never managed to find continuity in their game. “Our game is not yet in place, and it is not only the fault of the centers. But obviously if we had a 12-13 association which was running at full speed when it managed to find itself, it would be better! But It’s the same situation at all positions, the forwards and the hinge in particular. All this means that we don’t have an efficient game.” concludes the coach of the Clermont attack. Against Vannes, at home, the pair of centers will be worth following very closely to finally launch the cavalry that the Yellow Army demands. One thing is certain, Irae Simone will not be there. The Australian injured his knee again and suffered a sprain. The former Wallaby will be out for two months.