An eye on the Pro D2 with Vincent Etcheto: “Oyonnax’s reaction is expected”

Eighth at the end of the first block, Grenoble took first place in the ranking. A complicated start but these Grenoblois definitely seem to be launched?

I believe that this Grenoble team had difficulty starting the season because it was marked by its defeat in the Top 14 access match against Montpellier. They are beaten but can believe it until the end. Ultimately, there is always a moment of latency and questions that arise. Despite everything, this is a team that has confidence in itself. There was this first complicated block but we knew they were going to come back. We had to take time to digest. Today, they have regained their cruising speed to be in the top 6 and even better. Given the content and continuity that there is in this team, it is not a surprise to see them here.

Once again, the FCG showed all its character…

They have built their character through play. It is a team that plays very good Rugby. There is a very good state of mind. Internally, things have changed but the message is getting through and the players are responding. They have character but not only that.

At the edge of the top 6 at the end of the first block, the USM continued its momentum and is now in second place in the championship. Isn’t that the Nice surprise of this second block?

To see Montauban in first place in the championship throughout this block is a surprise because we mostly saw teams like Brive or Oyonnax at the start of the race. The arrival of Sébastien Tillous-Borde and his staff was good. There is great potential among the players. This is a vengeful team. There are two players that I have always liked. Jérôme Bosviel and Fred Quercy. These are veterans who are the image of this team. They are intelligent, pragmatic with a lot of temperament. A player like Jérôme Bosviel is very important. He knows how to make people play around him, he is reassuring for his team. And in Pro D2, you need this kind of opener with a powerful forward pack.

Do you think that these Montalbanais have the shoulders to play leading roles until the end of the season?

Of course, Montauban can play for the top 6. With what they have shown at the start of the season, they have not stolen their place. There is content and a new breath. At the top of the table, a few teams have stood still. There is still Dax who confirms, Oyonnax is missing who could join the race so you will still have to be careful because places are expensive…

Among the teams expected to be at the top of the table, there is Provence Rugby which alternates between heat and cold and does not really settle into the top 6…

Provence Rugby is going to have a good season but for the moment I’m having trouble identifying this team. She has qualities but in terms of identity, it’s true that I can’t seem to mark her. There are good players, good staff but this team is capable of everything, good, bad… I have difficulty identifying them.

Conversely, do you consider that Oyonnax is the big disappointment of these first two blocks?

I think it’s rather surprising. Disappointing… We would have to wait a bit. Does the detachment of Joe El Abd have an impact on the group? I don’t know. It’s a fairly discreet team but what is certain is that the quality is there, whether within the staff or among the players. They had a good season in the Top 14 despite the decline. It’s still early to say that this team is in danger but what is certain is that they are not gaining confidence… In my opinion, they have the potential to come back. They started badly but they were perhaps also surprised by the level of Pro D2. During their last season in this championship they dominated the debates but in the meantime Pro D2 continued to evolve and progress.

On the Nevers side it’s not joyful either… Isn’t this the end of the cycle for the USON?

I know Xavier Péméja well and I have a lot of respect for him, but I actually think that there is perhaps an end to the cycle for Nevers. They lost big players and missed many chances in the finals. You have to be inside to know more but this team is a bit disappointing, it’s true.

Nice is still in last place in the ranking but is hanging on and seems to have serious arguments to stay…

Nice is a hard-working team that plays a very offensive game. This team is dangerous because it is very complete in its game. It did not have success at home but they showed that they had great qualities. I think they will hang on, they are still in the thick of it to fight until the last moment.

Béziers is having a complicated season off the field, to say the least. In the long term, can extra-sporting affairs have a negative effect on the athlete?

I believe that the Biterrois are mentally strong. There is a good state of mind with personality. They are irregular with this somewhat flamboyant rugby which sometimes leads to initiatives which do not pay off or to indiscipline. The potential is there, I’m not worried.

What will be the challenges of the next block?

I don’t worry about the teams at the top. On the other hand, Oyonnax’s reaction is expected. Before Christmas, it is essential to be well positioned, the players know that. Climatic conditions will change. The upcoming period is crucial for the future. If we start the final sprint late in January, it becomes very complicated.