Mont-de-Marsan and Perpignan face each other this Sunday (5:45 p.m.) for accession to the Top 14. Humiliated against Bayonne, the Montois will have to sublimate themselves against confident Perpignanais.
The wasps will want to sting the harlequins. This Sunday (5:45 p.m. in Mont-de-Marsan) a decisive match is being played for accession to the Top 14. The Stade montois, first in Pro D2 over the regular season, welcomes USA Perpignan, 13th in the Top 14.
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Authors of a good season in spite of everything (nine victories and 43 points obtained), the Perpignanais start as favorites in this jump-off. Especially since the teammates of Mathieu Acebes, captain of the harlequins, remain on a good dynamic (two successes in a row at home, against Brive then against Bordeaux Bègles).
“We are not really favourites. It would be a trap to fall into this analysis. »
Mathieu Acebes, USAP captain
The rear of the USAP nevertheless remains cautious. “We are not really favourites. It would be a trap to fall into this analysis. They lost against Bayonne, of course, but above all they had an excellent season in the league. They have no flaws in their game. Rugby is never played in advance, especially in a single play-off match. Especially since the climate will be hostile (Mont-de-Marsan receives Boniface). We are in our bubble, determined to win, but it will take a great Perpignan to overcome Stade Montois. assures Mathieu Acebes to Figaro.
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Where the shoe pinches for the USAP, it is at the level of the statistics. Out of three Top 14 accession jump-offs, it was always the Pro D2 who won…
Wasps aren’t crazy…
Everything will be played over 80 minutes. But the Montois are aware of it, beating USAP would be a feat. “Perpignan is Bayonne times three”, says Stéphane Prosper, coach of the Stade montois, at the Midi Olympique. And when we see the result obtained in Montpellier against Aviron… Finally, let’s not talk about it any more, the Montois will tell us.
This week between two dams was placed under the sign of remobilization by the staff. But fear still roams the yellow and black ranks. “We know we are going to play an ogre. In terms of aggressiveness, it’s yet another level…” reveals Patrick Milhet, team manager.
In Boniface this Sunday, Mont-de-Marsan will therefore try to remain undefeated, while continuing to honor the Pro D2 in the play-offs. USAP, meanwhile, hopes to confirm its status as favorite to stay in the elite and add a line to the history of the club. Without forgetting the last of Damien Chouly.
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