Not the most brilliant match, but four points that will count. Aviron Bayonnais wins the standoff against Stade Français (21-13) this Sunday, December 1, at the end of the 11th day of Top 14. After a balanced first act, the Ciel et Blanc focused on conquest to widen the gap against a timid Parisian threat. A success which allows Rowing to anchor itself in fifth in the championship, before the start of the European Cup next week. Find the reaction of Baptiste Chouzenoux, Bayonne captain for the first time
How do you view this victory?
Batpiste Chouzenoux : Yes, it confirms that we will play at the top of the table, but the main objective was to win here, at Jean-Dauger, and to continue our series at home. It’s done, so we’re happy. But there's still a long way to go, we're not even halfway through the season. I think we will be able to better position ourselves at that point to know where we really stand. We received more times than we traveled, which also affects our place in the standings. We are happy, but we keep our objective in mind and we will see what happens next.
How did you experience this sometimes choppy match?
Yes, it was complicated. A choppy match, not necessarily very nice to see, I imagine… But in terms of intensity and fight, we responded, and that was the main thing against this team. Stade Français is a team that is very strong on men, especially when it comes to winning. We managed to compete with their density, especially in the ruck zones, where we had to be very precise. We knew they were going to contest the balls a lot, and that's what happened. As expected, there was war in that area. There were people everywhere, but we knew how to adapt. We tried to make the balloons clean, even if it wasn't always perfect. The game slowed down, and it became a little choppy, but we managed to escape from this trap.
What do you think made the difference?
We held possession better, we tried to get out of our camp cleanly, especially in the second half. In the first half, they were given points too easily, which kept them in touch. Afterwards, the idea was to stay present in the fight and score when the opportunities presented themselves.
Giovanni Habel-Kuffner was decisive in defense, notably on his defensive return on Léo Barré in the 69th…
Yes, Giovanni has huge matches! He saves us in many situations. His ability to come back and save this try is class action. He didn't give up, bravo to him!
And this action where you almost scored before passing to Carreras (at the same time, Capilla's try in the 48th minute)?
(Laughs) Yes, I remember… It could have been the test of my career! When I was younger, maybe I would have tried. But there, I saw someone in a better position, so I made the pass. I don't regret it, but hey, it sure could have been a great action to finish…
First time rowing captain, a special emotion?
Yes, it was the first time for me, and obviously, it's better to start with a victory than with a defeat! It was a great experience. Frankly, it was important to me, because even if the group has only known me for a few months, I have done all the categories at the club.
How did you manage this role of captain?
I remained myself, discreet, without forcing myself. I'm not usually the type to talk a lot, except on the sidelines, where I give instructions. This was a slightly more global role, but I really thank the guys. They ensured and allowed me to stay in simple conditions. I gave simple, precise instructions, without overdoing it. It worked well.
“We take an interesting break on the soft stomach”, Grégory Patat
Grégory Patat, manager of Aviron Bayonnais, said he was satisfied with the result, without avoiding areas for progress. “Tonight, it was a trap match. We had lost last week, so we had to get back to winning ways. The result was essential, even if, in terms of content, there is a lot to complain about. We were too fragile in the 22 meter zones, whether out of camp or under pressure. We will have to do better. […] We have 15 injured at the moment. Despite this, the substitutes did the job, especially in the scrum, and allowed us to stay in their camp, even if we were unable to achieve success. Being in the top 6 at this stage is satisfying. We have 30 points and an interesting break on the soft stomach. The championship is homogeneous and very physical. If we want to stay in this dynamic, we will have to continue to progress and avoid missing out at home.”
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