Gironde vs Charente Maritime: duel between neighbors
At a press conference on Tuesday, Christophe Urios, the manager of UBB said that his players did not feel the notion of the derby enough when it came to playing against La Rochelle. So UBB Stade Rochelais derby or not derby? The answer of President of the Mérignac club, David Darquier
In the youth teams, if I play like a derby, it always has been. It is certain that today in the Top 14, we no longer have the same notion of derby. Rugby has changed but for us fervent supporters, defenders of the colors of Bordeaux-Bègles, yes, we see it as a derby. I think we want revenge and with a real desire to crush them in turn. It’s also and above all a game to finish second, so whoever the team is, victory is essential – David Darquier
This idea of the derby is also one more string pulled by the communicator Christophe Urios to tickle his players and recall the two defeats of last season in the Top14. This is the feeling of the former third line of Brive and Pau, Vincent Forgues
When we hear him speak, he says we were crushed in Chaban, we were crushed there, we are preparing a match like the others, while they are preparing it like a derby. He stings his players a little, saying La Rochelle may be preparing him as a particular rivalry, each time, we go there with a gun, we get screwed! But after the derby, it’s often the stands, it’s often the supporters. It’s nice because, in addition, when you know the public of Bordeaux and that of La Rochelle, I find that there will be a particular emulation and it will be nice to go to the stands – Vincent Forgues
Do not forget the two defeats of last season
Beyond this notion of derby, Bordeaux and La Rochelle have become strongholds of French rugby in recent years, growing under the wing of the two presidents Laurent Marti and Vincent Merling with fairly similar methods. But the maritimes have taken a very small lead according to David Darquier
Both of these teams are on the upswing. La Rochelle has proven itself, I think more than UBB over the past five to six years. Because despite everything, the results were more there. Today, two teams are equal, so who will be the first to be champion of France? David Darquier
This is the real question! Will the shield of Brennus wander first on the old port of La Rochelle or on the quays of Bordeaux along the port of the Moon? In Bordeaux, true connoisseurs of rugby already have the answer. A good derby is like a good wine, it should be enjoyed at room temperature.