Castres vs. Montpellier

Castres see themselves as the keeper of the flame of French rugby, bastions of tradition against the money men of the big cities. From their fortress of the Stade Pierre Antoine, Castres have enjoyed another successful season turning over the so called more glamorous clubs, and stand a well deserved 4^th, squeezed between the well heeled Toulon and their opponents on Friday the wealthy Montpellier. They know that they have given themselves a good chance of winning the Boucleir de Brennis, and traveling the 50 miles to the Ernst Wallon stadium will hold no fears, it’s a place they always do well.

Their opponents Montpellier were only born in 1986 and see themselves as a modern cosmopolitan side, representing the most glamorous city in South West France. Exactly the type of opposition that Castres and their supporters like to conquer. Fabien Galthié, the Montpellier coach has at his disposal a team of internationals, capable, massive and pacey. But there is a hint of softness about them, they are too keen to blame others when things go wrong, and that goes for their fans as well. Castres enjoy playing them, and have done the double over them this season and will be relishing this challenge. Montpelier though will recall last season and their victory over Castres by one point at the same stage in the competition.

Castres are a self contained outfit. Coaches Labit and Travers have them playing a brand of rugby that is fast, exciting and natural. Occasionally there are mistakes and the impossible pass tried, but as a team they support each other and work for each other, whatever the risk. On the wing Andreu is a slippery customer, he makes things happen. At 10, Teulet is a clever player, plays what is in front of him. Up front Castres will field a pack of menace, power and skill. When their off loading game is on song they are impossible to stop; Toulon can vouch for that; when Castres came back from 22-6 down at Toulon to draw 25-25.

Montpellier’s most recent outing exemplified both sides of their game. At Toulouse, a game they thought they had to win to make the play-offs there was a mass brawl that resulted in their talisman the Georgian forward Gorgodze being sent off. They were simply too indisciplined and that could cost them dearly on Friday night. Fortunately for Montpellier, Gorgodze was given a paltry 10 day ban and is available for this game. But, they also lost their excellent scrum half Tomas to a broken rib in the Toulouse game and his replacement, Paillaugue is capable, but callow, and will be mercilessly targeted by the speedy Castres back row. Montpellier knows that for them to enjoy any success they need Gorgodze at his rampaging relentless best and the link with French outside-half Trinh-Duc to work well. Trinh-Duc has an excellent temperament and he will keep his head whatever is going on around him, but without the ball he will be helpless.

The key clash will be between Masoe, the ex All Black and Gorgodze. Masoe moves to Toulon next season, he has been a model professional for Castres a superb captain and an inspirational player. Without doubt he will not want this to be his final game for Castres and will be looking to produce another massive performance. His pace and tackling power, keep opponents honest, and very wary. The collisions between Masoe and Gorgodze will be seismic and worth the price of admission alone. Gorgodze is the mercurial source of Montpelier’s success and if Masoe subdues him then Montpellier’s game plan will fatally falter.

Castres will need no second bidding to be up for this game. The prospect of revenge for last year, and the chance of a semi-final against local rivals Toulouse is a sufficient incentive. They have the momentum and mental strength to close out what is certain to be a fierce game and take their worthy place in the Top14 semi finals.

Published on http://www.therugbyblog.co.uk