Is Castres Olympique favorite to win the Brennus shield at the end of the season? Winner of Perpignan on Sunday evening, the CO secured their place in the final phase of the top 14. The Tarnais could even qualify directly for the semi-finals in Nice according to the results of the last day in 10 days. With 15 victories, the CO is having a very good season and could well create a surprise. And Castres is moving forward quietly, with several ingredients that explain this. Firstly there is the impregnable citadel : the Pierre Fabre stadium where the CO has been undefeated for a year and a half. 21 games unbeaten.
Fewer internationals
And then Castres sends fewer internationals to the selection than certain teams like La Rochelle, Bordeaux or Toulouse. So there was no air pocket in the season. And the staff knew how to manage the workforce perfectly with the rotation. For example among scrum halves: three number 9s who share the same playing time or almost. Finally, at the end of the season, there remains a key element to explain the performance of Castres: a lighter calendar compared to competitors who have gone further in European competitions.
A real tight-knit team
Julien Joligard honorary president of the group of supporters Castres power believes in Brennus all the time… but this year more than ever. “Pierre-Henry Broncan did a great job. He got the team back on its feet. Above all, he succeeded in recreating a very united, very motivated team.” And he says that during the last match, after the victory against Perpignan, there was a very big atmosphere at the stadium. “There is something that happened, a spark that made us realize that we can go all the way.”
So the city of Castres begins to dress in blue and white. In all shops the flags are out. And large letters CO are displayed on the windows everywhere. Everyone starts talking only about Brennus.
Castres will try to seek its direct place for the semi-finals on Sunday June 4 on the lawn of Pau.