The Basques face Glasgow this Saturday (9 p.m.) for the 2nd day. A week after their major performance in Munster.
Far from its almost impregnable lair of Jean-Dauger, Bayonne knows how to export itself. And in the land of Clover, in the bays of Thomond Park and the famous Irish pubs, a few “ the wings » or « Mauléon’s celebrations » (traditional Basque songs) resonated. Aviron Bayonnais achieved a historic first in the Champions Cup. The Basques achieved the feat of securing a draw against Munster, at home, last Sunday (17-17).
«Personally, I will remember it for a long time and I think a lot of guys will remember it. It’s great, even the supporters who made the trip will remember it too. It’s wonderful what just happened», declared Denis Marchois at the microphone of France Blue Basque Country at the end of the meeting. A major performance, which launches them perfectly into the competition. Before facing the Scots in Glasgow this Friday (9 p.m.), the Blue and White are sure of their strengths.
A top defense
What if, ultimately, the Irish from Munster had been caught at their own game? Without a doubt. Despite the absences of the powerful Ceyte and Paulos, the all-risk insurance company Rouet, the pyrotechnician Lopez, the twirling Maqala and the swift Megdoud, Grégory Patat’s men put up an impressive fight. Thanks to its pruners Pierre Huguet (24 tackles), Denis Marchois (22 tackles) and Baptiste Héguy (19 tackles), among others, the Basque club is the only team of the first day to have made more than 200 tackles during the first daytime. With this iron defense, Aviron Bayonnais can travel and receive without worry.
But the Blue-and-Whites will have to be wary. The Glasgow Warriors have formidable offensive weapons. First with full-back or winger Ollie Smith. Glimpsed during the last international events, the 23-year-old Scot is the player who, in the championship, carries the ball the most. Author of a try last weekend during his team’s defeat against Northampton (18-29), Smith will be one to watch. Same thing for winger Sebastian Cancelliere, a fast and efficient Argentinian. The solid Rory Darge, Zander and Matt Fagerson as well as center Huw Jones are also core men in the Warriors system.
Hodge, an arrival at the right time
Facing Glasgow at home, Bayonne can (already) take an important option. But then will have two difficult encounters to manage. First a trip to Northampton on January 12 (9 p.m.), a complete team that is difficult to maneuver, always led by the tireless Courtney Lawes. The Basques will host on the last day of the group stages another English club, Exeter, who defeated Toulon last week at Mayol (18-19).
But to aim higher, Rowing will be able to count on Reece Hodge, the Australian international (29 years old, 63 caps), who will make his first in the group this weekend. Injured in recent weeks, the former Rebels player arrives with more than interesting technical background in a position where Bayonne still cannot count on Gaëtan Germain. Grégory Patat can also rely on the Fijian Luke Tagi, very prominent during the last World Cup and author of a try in Munster for his first. In short, the current 10th in Top 14 has the weapons to exist. And can no longer hide.
