Rugby – National: five days before the derby between Carcassonne and Narbonne, what is the state of form of the two teams?

Hopeful returns to Carcassonne

If this mini-competition break should have been exclusively devoted to preparation for the derby, it has, and this was not expected, allowed for a reorganization within the staff. Indeed, the duo Jean-Marc Aué / Éric Escribano dismissed following sporting results below objectives, and while awaiting the recruitment of a head coach in charge of the forwards, it was decided to entrust the management of the team professional to Méhadji Tidjini as well as to André Ursache who will continue to train the scrum specifically.

After seven lively first days, this week of preparation for the Classic Aude will in any case be decisive regarding the squad and more precisely possible returns from injuries. As such, all eyes have been on team executives in the infirmary lately. We are thinking in particular of the second row and captain Romain Manchia (shoulder), the scrum half Gaëtan Pichon (back) and Tomas Munilla (shoulder), but also the centers Seka Naïvalu (thigh) and Lukas Doyenhard (fingers) and why not the third Scottish international row Gary Graham (knee). Just as many important players who weigh on the squad and therefore undeniably on its performance.

Narbonne with Bosch and Chauvet?

On the side of Racing Club Narbonnais, and after four days of rest this week, the players resumed training this Sunday morning. They were not alone, a strong sea wind accompanied the players on the annex pitch of the Sports Park. For Friday’s derby, the “orange and black” staff hope to empty their infirmary somewhat. The openers Gilles Bosch (meniscus) and Tom Chauvet (acromio) could thus make their return on Friday in Carcassonne, even if the first of the two seems closer to a recovery. Either way, the two players will test themselves at the start of the week.

Another return should do good in the “orange and black” ranks, that of third row Charles Malet who is applying again. On the other hand, Mehdi Boundjema, Dennis Visser, Nicolas Mousties, Pablo Barbaste, Sébastien Giorgis and Baptiste Tsague remain in the infirmary. Other information, third row Arthur Christienne will not return to competition until February due to repeated concussions. He was arrested for three months.