ASM season feels like a roller coaster.
After a sluggish start to the year, the Clermontois had regained color during the international window and a breathless attacking game.
End of the galleys?
Not really since Clermont has just conceded three defeats in his last four outings.
Worse, the Jaunards remain on two losses at home: against Montpellier (15-21) in Top 14 then against Munster (31-39), during a meeting where they led 28-9 after 26 minutes.
Before collapsing completely.
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And on Sunday, it is another big European, Racing 92, vice-champion of Europe, which travels to Michelin.
Obviously there will be bad memories on the Auvergne side: the Ile-de-France residents came to win mid-September in Auvergne (27-36) in the quarter-finals of the last Champions Cup.
A one-sided match, dominated head and shoulders by the Henry Chavancy gang.
“We must not forget that they came to us to win this quarter-final of the European Cup.
Personally, I do not forget that.
You have to use it, ”recognizes hooker Etienne Fourcade.
So what face will the Clermontois show this Sunday against Sky and White accustomed to traveling well (four away victories)?
“Racing is heavy, warns Franck Azéma.
We know this team well, they have a great capacity to hold the ball, to undertake.
She is also able to put a lot of pressure on her opponents and to slow down the balls in the rucks phase where they move very quickly. "
"We must be annoyed by our defeats at Michelin against Munster and Montpellier"
Franck Azéma
The Auvergne technician expects a reaction of pride from his players.
“We must be annoyed by our defeats at Michelin against Munster and Montpellier, he thunders.
Say to yourself: "Stop, now it stops. And what do you put on to be able to display another face?"
It's being consistent and winning at home. ”
Last weekend, in Toulon, the Clermont manager had rotated his workforce.
And, despite the defeat (27-9), he wanted to salute the attitude of his troops.
“We saw it as an opportunity to see players who could not express themselves and who give a lot to training.
I am proud of the guys because they have made a commitment.
Until the last second, we tried to undertake and not give in in defense.
It's part of the learning of these young players, ”he insisted.
Rediscover the impetus and offensive enthusiasm
For this Sunday night's poster, Franck Azéma - who has to face a hecatomb in the second row (Vahaamahina, Timani, Jedrasiak) - nevertheless records the return of Japanese rear Kotaro Matsushima and the Blues winger, Damian Penaud , who had arranged for the trip to Toulon.
He will align his typical team to stop this negative spiral.
Only eighth in the standings after the success of the UBB on Saturday in Toulon, the ASM must move forward.
Rediscover the energy and enthusiasm which had enabled him to sweep the Stade Français (41-27), Pau (50-29), Castres (14-40) or even Bristol (38-51).
Franck Azéma is impatiently awaiting this shock: “We have the opportunity to play a big Racing.
That's why you play rugby and train every day.
You have to prepare accordingly and surrender completely. ”
It remains to be seen whether his players will have evacuated the appetite and the spectacular efficiency that had disappeared recently.
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