Although he only stayed one season at CA Brive (in 2017-2018), Mike Tadjer is still very attached to CAB, even on the eve of an already crucial match for the maintenance of his club, USAP. . “When the calendar came out, we saw that we had the reception of Brive at the end of the second day, so it’s a bit of a loan for a return. Last year, they received us on the first day , we receive him in the second this year, so it’s an important game” summarizes the hooker.
Even if, like the Brivistes, Mike Tadjer believes that this match is important like the others, the fact remains that the two teams remain frustrated by their first home match. Especially USAP who led six minutes from the end of the match against Pau. “We had a somewhat complicated end to the match and not to our advantage, so we came away very frustrated from this match in Pau. For them, it doesn’t go very far against Lyon too. I think they are frustrated with the result and they will be keen to play a big game this weekend in Perpignan.”
No reunion on the ground with Saïd Hirèche
For the former Brive hooker, finding his former club is special. “I really liked the club there. The atmosphere, the environment, the supporters, it’s been a good year for me. So yes, obviously, it’s always special to play against Brive, even if I think that my little Saïd will not be there. He told me that he was still recovering” says Mike Tadjer. He is full of praise for the Brive captain, speaking of a “great guy, great player and great captain”.
As for the Brive team, which has changed a lot since 2018, the Catalan hooker has a very clear opinion: “they’re going to be boring to play. They’re going to arrive armed, in addition, given the context, they’re playing the same maintenance championship, they lost at home, they’re going to be wound up like clockwork. It’s still a great team, with backs who play rugby well, strong forwards with a great conquest and a great scrum.”
Aimé-Giral, a boiling atmosphere
But now, the match will take place in Perpignan, inside the Aimé-Giral stadium. One of the hottest arenas in modern rugby, according to Mike Tadjer. “I who have known a few clubs (note: eight), it’s true that it’s special. The Catalan public is very very very present. It’s an incredible public” summarizes the hooker. Is it more than in Brive? “Yes, I admit it, replies Mike Tadjer, even if I played matches against Clermont where Domenech was full, it was very tough. I had played a play-off with Grenoble and I have this memory of a heavy atmosphere, it was filled with black and white…”
Mike Tadjer is delighted to play for USAP now. At 33, the one who has Portuguese sports nationality has recovered from his heavy injury last season. He will not miss this match which is close to his heart. “I still have contact with supporters and I know that some will come down for the game” explains the hooker.