USAP ended its series of three defeats in the Top 14 in style by dominating La Rochelle (21-13). A success which allows the Catalans to be eight points ahead of last Vannes and a small one over Lyon, USAP's future opponent next Saturday.
Louis Dupichot, USAP rear:
“It was important to advance in the standings, to continue to try to progress compared to the match at Stade Français. We are trying to find what was our strength last year and that is where we are dangerous. In terms of the scrum and the mauls, we have to congratulate the big guys because it was a very big match on their part. We took four points and that's the most important thing. There were still actions in the match. 'we need to have better control, but we have taken some pleasure to put our game back in place. It was really important for us to have fun on the pitch. There is a big match in Lyon which will be decisive for the rest of the season. victory, but we will get back to work to prepare Lyon.”
Lucas Velarte, USAP third line:
“There was good opposition against us, with a competitive team. They were strong in defense. We were efficient from the start and offensively, we had fun. There was more continuity in our game , but yes, we have to improve some areas, like the finishing We were prepared for this fight against a strong team We were on AC since the start of the season, this time there were more details on the. releases on the rucks and if we manages to set this pace, we have a great offensive weapon. It's up to us to improve from match to match, to be more demanding of ourselves and we will find solutions. There is no euphoria this evening. “.
Gérald Bastide, defense coach:
“Since the time we haven't won here, we've found the state of mind again and that's nice. We've found a successful conquest again, we've scored on a maul, played fast rucks and duels. We could have taken one or two more attempts, but we produced a good copy. We held on to our level of commitment for 80 minutes. The important thing is to have found the sequences. It's up to us to correct the negative points to prepare. Lyon is never easy. to find consistency Tonight, we were quite consistent and that's a positive point.
Ronan O'Gara, coach of La Rochelle:
“The Top 14 is merciless. How can you start a match like that and expect victory? It's a disappointment, but I'm receiving clearer messages than before. I see the depth of the group, the choices of certain positions and the opportunities that some players did not take The team was ready in the head for the fight, but on the pitch, it was different. At half-time, some players spoke up, the second half. time was better, but it was too late, especially at outside. We were too slow and legible and we were not there in the engagement. Were we afraid when a big USAP warrior arrived in contact? -We weren't up to par? It's my responsibility The match could have taken a different path if we applied the rule. Joel Sclavi's injury. (right pillar, Editor’s note) is serious (knee) and the gesture is prohibited in rugby, but for the referee, it was a playing accident. There is no debate, it is prohibited and now we have an injured player and when you see the decisions on the scrums in the second half, we have to accept that, but…”
Judicaël Cancoret, third row of La Rochelle:
“Either we manage to move correctly and turn a corner, or we arrive like this evening and we leave with regrets and a lot of bitterness and frustration. We cannot be disciplined and ultimately, the USAP It was fed by our mistakes and it scored quickly. USAP played the game it needed to win. We got off to a bad start, we suffered a lot and we struggled to reverse the trend. don't like talking too much in the heat of the moment, but it's always the same frustration and it makes… We exposed ourselves in our camp, we had difficulty getting out and as soon as we came out, we found touches on our 22 and so, we had to defend again, we didn't give up, but we played between our 22 and our 5 meters. We spent the second half in our camp, we have to digest. We knew where we were going to land and the team facing us, but we were still surprised we weren't completely at 200% to start a match like that and if you take the time to start, it's because you are. already behind and after that, it’s much more complicated to catch up.”
