This Saturday, Aviron Bayonnais faces Stade Rochelais in Anoeta. Between the beginnings of Manu Tuilagi Under its new colors and Bayonne’s quest to break the curse of Saint-Sébastien, the match promises to be thrilling.
Tuilagi in the Bayonne starting XV
Manu Tuilaginew Rowing recruit, will start for the first time. He will form a formidable pair in the center with Cereal Master. On the La Rochelle side, Grégory Damn it makes his return after a day of rest, and will take the captain’s armband.
Bayonne :
- Cormenier, 2. Bosch, 3. Tatafu, 4. Iturria (cap.), 5. Paulos, 6. Habel-Küffner, 7. Capilla, 8. Cassiem, 9. Machenaud, 10. Segonds, 11. Carreras, 12. Tuilagi, 13. Maqala, 14. Callandret, 15. Tiberghien
La Rochelle:
- Wardi, 2. Latu, 3. Kuntelia, 4. Lavault, 5. Douglas, 6. Cancoriet, 7. Dillane, 8. Alldritt (cap.), 9. Kerr-Barlow, 10. Hastoy, 11. Leyds, 12. Danty, 13. West, 14. Favre, 15. Children
Breaking Anoeta’s Curse
Bayonne has made San Sebastien its territory for regular relocations. But so far, the balance sheet Anoeta is dark: two matches, two defeats. For Joris Segondthe Bayonne opener, this is not inevitable. “Two defeats are nothing. We just have to play our rugby,” he explains in South Westdetermined to reverse this dynamic.
At home, the Basques are formidable, with 22 victories in 24 matches at Jean-Dauger over the last two seasons. But this Saturday, it is on the Anoeta pitch that they will have to face a La Rochelle team full of confidence.
A duel at the top
La Rochelle, led by Grégory Damn itcomes with serious arguments. The expected duel between Manu Tuilagi et Jonathan Danty in the center will be one of the highlights of this meeting. The power of the England international could be decisive, but against a well-established La Rochelle team, every meter gained will be a battle.
With a full stadium and the expectation of a first victory at Anoeta, Bayonne will have to pull out all the stops to bring down the Rochelais. For their part, the Maritimes will look to confirm their status as a strong team in the championship.
This clash between Bayonne et La Rochelle could well mark a turning point in the season of these two ambitious clubs. The kick-off is scheduled for 16h30an event not to be missed for rugby fans.
I grew up in a family where rugby was at all times. I was at the edge of the pitch when Castres beat Pau and joined the elite, I was in the Stade Pierre Antoine facing Gary Whetton when he did his Haka to celebrate the Brennus of 1993 and I was always rocked legends of this sport. Now, it is with XV Ovalie that I intend to extend the adventure. #TeamCO
