MHR – Ospreys: the Challenge, a useful competition for Montpellier? “Yes”, promises Joan Caudullo

Let’s be completely honest. The Challenge is a competition that leaves one quite indifferent. “Ah, it doesn’t matter, it’s just the Challenge” or “don’t get excited, it’s just the Challenge”we can easily say or hear depending on the result.

But if we take a step back, the second division of European competitions is far from being a burden for the teams, even the French ones, who are so preoccupied with the Top 14. The MHR is well placed to talk about it. “Just look at our history. We won it twice (2016, 2021). It relaunched us the year before the title. Then if we finish in the first places, we can receive in the eighth, or even the quarters. , even in the half. It allows us to have people at the stadium, revenue, and to convey a good image. Letting go of this competition is not an option.”thunders Joan Caudullo, the manager.

Sportingly, his interests are multiple. First, create a dynamic of victories. This group cannot do without it. Winning your two Challenge matches will give you a little more peace of mind before hosting Racing 92 next Saturday, December 21, in the championship.

With Hogg and Moorby

Then, it makes it possible to recreate emulation within the workforce. By winning under the deluge of Newport last week (14-18), certain players were able to show themselves. The young people from the training center (Akrab, Barreau, Soucouna, Veyrier) and those lacking playing time (Martins, Tabarot) reminded us that they could claim more. “Morning meetings to do team compositions are a little more difficult”appreciates Caudullo.

This Saturday, the Hérault staff will take the opportunity to continue testing players (Akrab, Martins, Barreau). But not only that. “The Ospreys look like what we face in the Top 14. We want to give momentum to players who will certainly play the upcoming block of three championship matches”assures the Montpellier manager. The return of Hogg at the opening, the first start of Moorby, Nouchi in third row after a few days of vacation… The Ospreys are the starting point for the rest of the championship.