“This match against Toulon is one of the most important” of the CA Brive season. Argentinian winger Axel Muller does not think so well. The CAB, 11th in the ranking, receives an RCT more than ever plagued by doubt, with irregular sporting performances and significant extra-sporting pressure. But above all, Brive must confirm the good results chained the last two weekends. The Corrèze remain on an important victory in the derby against Clermont (27-20) and a cruel but not negligible draw against the second in the championship, Montpellier (16-16).
In front of the stadium audience, put discipline in the scrum
Going three games in a row with home advantage is ultra-rare. “Playing in front of our supporters makes us happy” confirms Axel Muller.“Here, I think we play better, so this game against Toulon is very important” emphasizes the Argentinian. Even if the crowd for the last match was not the greatest (8,500 spectators), the supporters also prepared gifts for them, such as this tifo which will unfold just before the match, prepared by the Afeciouna.
The Brivists will therefore have to put envy and aggressiveness into this meeting. They will have to erase the difficult performance of last week, especially in the scrum. The poor pillar Simon-Pierre Chauvac had paid the price with four penalties in the first half. _”At the moment, we are targeted by the referees, even if the opponents make the mistake, we are the ones who are penalized”underlines Goderzi Shvelidze, the Brive scrum coach.“Rough Decisions”also confirms English mainstay Hayden Thompson-Stringer. The message this week from the staff was to go and win back the fray. “We are moving forward little by little, we are working at 100% and I hope that this will switch to our side”_underlines the forwards coach.
The return of two Georgians and the tenure of Stuart Olding
Goderzi Shvelidze still had a big surprise: that of the return of two Georgians. Vasil Lobzhanidze and Luka Japaridze were due to play this Sunday against Russia in Tbilisi. The match, in view of the war between Ukraine and Russia, was postponed. The two players did not train with the group this week but will be lined up as finishers. “This week without the Georgians and without Pietro (Ceccarelli, started with Italy against Ireland), without important players, it’s a bit hard” acknowledges the coach. However, coach Shvelidze can count on Soso Bekoshvili, holder against Clermont. Also note the return of Stuart Olding: the Irishman will be associated with Enzo Sanga at the hinge.
Facing them, the RCT and its cast of internationals on all floors : Du Preez, Parisse and Isa in the third line in particular. “It’s very strong Isa” recognizes Retief Marais, third line Brive, “Parisse is a very technical and experienced player. We just have to do our job” points out the South African. The objective was three victories, it will not be completely fulfilled. But this success this Saturday evening would come to make the pass of three… good performances of the CAB. And would look more up than down.