The Lyon Rugby players host Perpignan this Saturday at 4:30 p.m. for the 14th day of TOP 14.It is a key match, the first of the return phase, which should help us to set in motion a dynamic against a direct competitor for maintenance. It’s a crucial match, a pivotal match, even if there will still be a lot left behind“, explained Arnaud Héguy in a pre-match press conference.
The scrum coach, who expects a “collective victory“, predicts a real war of possession: “They have very good high-level players. If we let them hold the ball, we will be in trouble“, he warns.
The match will also be played on “conquest and commitment“, remarks Steeve Blanc-Mappaz, who sees this meeting”the opportunity to climb the ladder to switch to a positive series“.
After two victories in the Challenge Cup then two draws in the TOP 14, the Lyonnais, currently 13th in the championship, want to continue their momentum with the objective of overtaking their opponent in the rankings. To do this, we must not repeat the same errors that led to the defeat, 29-26, during the first leg last October. “We re-watched the match to use our mistakes“, assumes Arnaud Héguy.
The Rouge et Noir will also be keen to win since it will be Xavier Mignot’s last appearance in the colors of LOU: “Eight years spent at the club does not leave one indifferent. The best outing will be to put in a good performance“, promises the winger who will then fly to the United States.
