ASM Clermont opened its campaign Champions Cup by a clear victory 28-0 against Treviso at the Stade Marcel-Michelin. Despite this flattering score and an offensive bonus won, the manager Christophe Urios strongly criticized his team's performance, deeming the content of the match insufficient.
A domination marked by the power of the forwards
The Clermontois imposed their law in the phases of conquest, a sector where their physical superiority made the difference. Peceli Yatoauthor of two tries (9th, 76th), illustrated this domination from the first minutes. The hooker Barnabas Massaalso a double scorer (32nd, 40th), confirmed the effectiveness of the balls carried.
However, light rain and a slippery ball complicated offensive initiatives. The blunders, especially from the pair of centers Fouyssac-Belaubrecurbed the playing ambitions of the Auvergnats, transforming their attacks into simple sterile intentions.
A sterile Italian reaction
In the second half, Treviso tried to react, showing itself to be more incisive in the game. The Italians, however, came up against a solid Clermont defense and a lack of realism, wasting several clear opportunities to reduce the gap.
Clermont, for its part, continued to rely on its forwards to secure the offensive bonus point, but without producing any real collective brilliance. A situation which did not escape Christophe Urios.
-Urios: “This sport is merciless”
Despite the victory, Urios did not mince his words. “I didn't really like the content and we didn't play a good match. This sport is merciless when you don’t put things in order,” he said after the match (Le Figaro). According to him, the ASM lacked discipline and involvement, displaying complacency in the face of an approachable opponent.
The manager also expressed his concerns for the upcoming match against Leinsterone of the European heavyweights: “If we offer this kind of content, we will suffer. I hope the fear of Leinster will push us to react. »
A victory to put into perspective
Although the five points taken against Treviso place Clermont in a favorable position at the start of the competition, the club must raise its level. The technical blunders and indiscipline observed on Saturday could be costly against better-armed teams.
Marcowith him, you feel each match as if you were in the stands, the tension, the excitement, the joy of the big days. He has this unique way of telling matches, making you vibrate to the rhythm of the oval ball. Marco is our storyteller, the one who knows how to transform a match into a legend.
