Elite 2. This semi-final (4:30 p.m.) of the championship between Villegailhenc and Ille promises more butter than bread.
In the fragile building of memories, when going to Villegailhenc, there will always be this semi-final lost last season against these same Audois (34-24). Until a half to run after the score, for lack of discipline, of rigor. And even if the Varl will be, favorite today of this meeting, nothing is said. Because this group has something different from its predecessor: solidarity. The victory over Lescure (25-8) came to consolidate the one on Pamiers (18-10). Despite the absences of Victor Capillaire (Pouce), Audric Le Cam (knee), Julien Batlle (shoulder), the group breathes this chance of playing a new semi-final.
We will have to sublimate, erase the slag of the match against Lescure, because against the Varl, it will not pass. “We are a player, we like to circulate the ball and necessarily sometimes there is waste which we do not expect. That is harder to manage. We know that it is a risk, but we take it”, explains coach Alex Pagés. And add: “The main objective was to be in the first six, since we redone the group at 70 %. We are in the semi-finals and we are not going to leave our place like that.”
And the market gardeners know what to expect: “It will be in the same style as last season, a harsh, hard match, but pleasant to play. These are good rugby matches, with rhythm. A Varl team that really has a strong pack, which plays clean, which has a hinge in place, with elite players”.
Throughout the season, it’s 50/50, with a first leg victory (23-16) and a loss on the return (31-18). “We will really have to build the match, be patient, keep the showdown, impose rhythm because they will want to impose it too. I think we have about the same profile, except a few less experienced experiences, but it’s the same style”.
