One step forward, one step back. As the final sprint in Top 14 approaches, ASM Clermont Auvergne is looking for consistency and regularity. Fifth in the standings with a five point lead over its main pursuers for a place in the top 6, the Auvergne club will challenge in its lair Toulouse, fresh European champion. Like a life-size rehearsal of the final stages to come. A poster that makes your mouth water and a serious test for Auvergnats who have had a chaotic season, made more lows than two highs. “Nobody knows what can be going on behind it. We still have our destiny in hand and must ensure that we do not have to rely on anyone, warns Clermont manager Franck Azéma.We must have the ambition to get as many points as possible this week and the next to validate our ticket for the final stages. ”
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Top 14: big stakes on all floors
The problems in Clermont can be explained mainly by the cascade of injury that fell on the Jaunards throughout the exercise.
The infirmary has been in full swing this season.
Last blow to date: the end of the season announced for Sébastien Vahaamahina, who suffers from a herniated disc.
For this trip to Ernest-Wallon, Franck Azéma nevertheless recorded the returns of Paul Jedrasiak in the second row and Sébastien Bézy in the scrum.
The latter will be associated with the hinge at Tim Nanai-Williams, in the absence of Camille Lopez who should return very soon.
Apisai Naqalevu and Tani Vili will make up the pair of centers against the Reds and Blacks.
Rabah Slimani, after having repaired on the left, finds his position as a right pillar.
Morgan Parra will be a replacement and George Moala is spared.
Toulouse still at the party?
The big question is to know in what state of mind will be the Toulouse, who celebrated as it should their fifth continental coronation before switching back to the Top 14. Sébastien Bézy, former of the red-and-black house, is on his guards.
“We know very well that they will move on quickly.
They want to secure a place in the first two and fully understand their deadlines and the challenges, ”he warned on the club website.
“The Toulouse pack is very strong and we should not try to face them head-on. The more solution is always on the move ”
Sebastien bezy
The number 9 Auvergne is wary of the power of Toulouse forwards who managed to overcome those of Stade Rochelais, last week, at Twickenham: “Their pack is very strong and we should not try to face them head-on.
The more solution is always in the move.
Even if it's easier said than done because you have to stay one step ahead and stay very clean in the ruck areas.
We sometimes succeeded in our first two encounters. ”
At the start of the season, ASM had won by a hair in Michelin against Toulouse (33-30), before losing in April, at home, in the quarter-finals of the Champions Cup (12-21 ).
One everywhere, ball in the center.
A conquest to settle
Two days from the end of the regular season, Clermont must gain consistency. The Jaunards have just conceded three losses in their last five outings, in all competitions. More worrying, and recurring this season, the conquest pitched regularly. When it is not the scrum that is jostled, it is the touch that shows signs of weakness. And indiscipline regularly erases the Auvergne copies. So many concerns to be resolved quickly, before the playoffs, the last for Franck Azéma who will leave ASM at the end of the season. The fight is so close at the top of the standings that the gaps can be quickly closed. Especially since ASM, after having challenged Stade Toulousain, will tackle the other best team in Europe, La Rochelle, but at home this time. Two major tests."The final stages have started," we repeat rightly on the side of Clermont.
#CompoASM Paul Jedrasiak - Peceli Yato in the team against Toulouse! # STASM # YellowArmy
4⃣ changes after the victory against RCT
https://t.co/OFBtOMVDdzpic.twitter.com/lzxOGYRfNA
- ASM Rugby (@ASMOfficiel) May 28, 2021
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