Perpignan plays its future in the Top 14 this Sunday against La Rochelle. A crucial match for the Catalans who absolutely must win at home to ensure their survival. Kick-off at 6 p.m….
This Sunday, the Aimé-Giral stadium in Perpignan will be the scene of a decisive meeting for the maintenance in Top 14. USAP, currently 13th in the ranking, hosts Stade Rochelais, 5th, for a match which promises to be already crucial. The Catalans no longer have a choice: a victory is imperative to avoid falling towards relegation.
USAP Backs to the Wall
With only 5 victories in 13 days, Perpignan is having a complicated season. The Catalan club is in a worrying 13th place, with 3 small points ahead of the red zone. In this context, every match is important. And the reception of La Rochelle this weekend is all the more important as it could allow the USAP to gain some air in the ranking if successful.
In the event of defeat, however, the men of Patrick Arlettaz would find themselves in a more than perilous situation. Maintenance would then become an increasingly difficult objective to achieve. Perpignan supporters still have in mind the last defeat conceded at home against Toulon a few weeks ago. A 12-17 setback which leaves one with regrets, as USAP had the means to win.
We have to win this match, it's a question of survival for the club.A close friend of the Catalan locker room
A major challenge facing the Rochelais
If the situation is complicated for Perpignan, it is also because today's opponent is formidable. La Rochelle, currently 5th in the Top 14, is having an excellent season. Semi-finalists last season, the Maritimes are clearly aiming for a place in the top 6 this year. With 8 victories already on the clock, they are well on their way to achieving their goal.
The teammates of Grégory Damn it remain on a nice improved victory against Bayonne and intend to continue in Catalonia. A victory would allow them to consolidate their 5th place, or even climb the rankings depending on other results. There is no doubt that they will put all their strength into the battle to bring back the 4 points from Perpignan.
USAP Must Raise Its Game
Faced with such an opponent, the Catalans will have to pull out all the stops. Too often feverish this season, they must reduce the number of errors and mistakes which cost them dearly. The scrum, the traditional strong point of the USAP, must be impeccable. It is a key sector who can turn the match around.
Another point of improvement: attack. With only 20 tries scored in 13 matches, Perpignan has one of the worst attacks in the championship. The three-quarters blood and gold will have to be more sharp and realistic to hope to win. The opening Jake McIntyre will be eagerly awaited to boost the kicking game.
Finally, the support of Aimé-Giral's public will be essential. Supporters must mobilize en masse to push their team to victory in this important match.
We'll need everyone. The players of course, but also the public who can transcend us in difficult times.A leader from Perpignan
Notable Absentees on Both Sides
For this crucial match, both teams will have to deal with significant absences:
- Perpignan side, the second line Tristan Labouteleyinjured, will be missing. A hard blow as he is so valuable in the lineup.
- In La Rochelle, the scrum half Dave Kerr-Barlowhit in an ankle, is uncertain. His experience might be lacking.
Absences which could reshuffle the cards in a match where all the details will count. You will also have to monitor the weather, which is often capricious during this period in Perpignan. Rain and wind could disrupt the proceedings and favor the team that can best adapt to the conditions.
Answer this Sunday from 6 p.m. on the Aimé-Giral lawn. A large victory could completely relaunch the USAP in the race to maintain itself. A defeat, on the other hand, would further darken the club's future in the Top 14. The Catalans are playing very big. They no longer have the right to make mistakes.
Notable Absentees on Both Sides
For this crucial match, both teams will have to deal with significant absences:
- Perpignan side, the second line Tristan Labouteleyinjured, will be missed. A hard blow as he is so valuable in the lineup.
- In La Rochelle, the scrum half Dave Kerr-Barlowhit in an ankle, is uncertain. His experience might be lacking.
Absences which could reshuffle the cards in a match where all the details will count. You will also have to monitor the weather, which is often capricious during this period in Perpignan. Rain and wind could disrupt the proceedings and favor the team that can best adapt to the conditions.
Answer this Sunday from 6 p.m. on the Aimé-Giral lawn. A large victory could completely relaunch the USAP in the race to maintain itself. A defeat, on the other hand, would further darken the club's future in the Top 14. The Catalans are playing very big. They no longer have the right to make mistakes.
