After a successful first half (led 12-9), USAP sank in the second, reduced to 14. But that allowed it to try things.
The Catalans left Toulouse very disappointed on Saturday evening. A sixth defeat (41-9) in ten matches, with still the impression that there is not yet the possibility of turning things around in the right direction. For six days, USAP has won at home then lost away. She remains condemned, for the moment, to navigating between 9th and 13th place. When it loses far from Perpignan, the teams in front will escape. When she wins at Aimé-Giral, she will come back into the game and give herself some breathing room in the red zone.
If she cannot yet unblock the counter outside, she must continue to stay the course by remaining in control at home. This is the next challenge that presents itself to the Catalans: achieving a sixth consecutive success at home. And it's going to be tough against a Toulon team which will arrive in good shape after winning with the offensive bonus against Bayonne (39-19).
But the USAP will recover people. Hooker Ignacio Ruiz, left prop Giorgi Beria, right prop Pietro Ceccarelli, number 8 Joaquín Oviedo and fly-half Tommaso Allan while the staff hopes to be able to count on second row Mathieu Tanguy, third row Patrick Sobela and center Eneriko Buliruarua. Unfortunately, flanker Alan Brazo is seriously injured in his right knee and could suffer from a ruptured cruciate ligament. His season could therefore already be over if this first diagnosis is confirmed.
Additional bad news for the USAP staff, who hoped for everything except returning from Toulouse with additional wounded. Especially when it affects, again, an important member of the workforce. And that announces, once again, a long-term absence.
Max Hicks, a key solution
In any case, in the second half on Saturday at Ernest-Wallon, the staff already seemed to prepare for the arrival of Toulon. The second line Adrien Warion, victim of a concussion (32nd), did not return to play. And he was replaced by the New Zealander Max Hicks, who played his first match with the USAP. He alternated between the second and third line with Sootala Fa'aso'o depending on the form of play. It is obviously too early to form an idea of the player, but he finished the match with 3 races, 8 tackles ( out of 11 attempted) and above all 5 touches captured. With the absences of Orie, Van Tonder and now Brazo in this sector, the former Highlanders player has qualities to showcase in the air. Now, to see what position Franck Azéma will line up against the RCT.
The staff also gave playing time to young Gabin Kretchmann. The 18-year-old fly-half, who did not have the opportunity to come on against Vannes three weeks ago, this time had the opportunity to speak. Entering in place of Antoine Aucagne in the 34th minute, the Illiberian showed initiative. 5 races, 1 defender beaten, 4/5 in tackles, and his first successful penalty attempt (37th). From there to saying that Kretchmann is applying for a place ahead of Aucagne against Toulon there is perhaps still a gap. But in recent weeks, the one who appears in the little papers of France U20 for the next 6 Nations Tournament is scoring points. His potential is noticed by the staff, and this first undoubtedly calls for many others.
While waiting to achieve its first victory away from Perpignan, USAP can congratulate itself on launching promising young people who do not often disappoint. As long as she continues to win at home…
