“A derby is always crucial”. Saïd Hirèche, the Brive captain, does not dawdle. Brive is preparing to receive Clermont with the desire to redeem itself after the heavy defeat inflicted by Racing 92 last week. “Even players who haven’t played are aware that this type of performance is not acceptable.” recalls Jeremy Davidson, who underlines that “for them, it is very important that they show another face against Clermont”.
The heavy defeat is now far behind. Moreover, Captain Saïd Hirèche, who was not on the trip to Nanterre, did not disperse in long speeches. “There’s not a lot of words to use right now” he confides, “We don’t spend our time making big speeches, everyone knows the importance of this match.” A serene captain, “at least in appearance” he smiled.
A rocking match concerning the maintenance in the Top 14
The stakes are simple: win the first of three CA Brive receptions in February. “It would allow us to take a little more distance on 13th or even 14th place” underlines Saïd Hirèche. With a significant advantage for Brive: 11,000 people in the public. “I know that they will push very hard, that they will give energy. When we play at home, there’s a lot of positive energy coming out of the fans, and we’re going to need that!”
“This month of February will condition the end of our season” – Said Hireche
When outside, CA Brive has a string of defeats, at home, it performs rather well, and shows an almost exemplary commitment. “We won against Biarritz with a lot of pride and solidarity, 13 against 15 for several minutes in the second half” recalls Jeremy Davidson. Facing the CAB, a team from Clermont which is also looking for points and victories. “They will want to reassure themselves in the fight at home” emphasizes Enzo Sanga.
Eighth in the Top 14, Clermont must regain strength in a stadium that is doing quite well for it. “The derbies are mixed” underlines, pensive, Saïd Hirèche. It must be said that in the last eleven meetings, Brive has lost eight times. The last victory at the Stadium dates from September 2019 (28-21). But this year, Clermont has won only once away against Montpellier…
Many ex-clermontois on the lawn
This Brive-Clermont is also a derby. He remains so despite the situation of the two clubs. It will even be the first with the public for the rear Setareki Tuicuvu. “It’s my second season here, and my first derby with supporters” underlines the Fijian, who evolved in Clermont in Hopes. “I know some players, yes, but also my girlfriend and her family who is from Clermont” Seta smiled. “There will be good friends, family in the stands” also warns Enzo Sanga. The former Clermontois (2006-2017) will start in the scrum. “It will definitely be a special match for me” tell the one who arrived this year, “but when you start a career, it’s for these kind of matches that you play”. Anyone who has met Brive a lot with the yellow and blue jersey knows the importance of the derby for both teams.
“We know that they are targeting this game and this trip” – Enzo Sanga
The Brivists will be keen to make a good match. They will nevertheless be deprived of essential players: Nico Lee, who suffers from his foot, Stuart Olding absent for family reasons and Paul Abadie, injured in the ankle last week. Opposite, no Damian Penaud (in the France team), nor Morgan Parra or Camille Lopez.