In numerical superiority for more than an hour, the MHR conceded to La Rochelle a sixth defeat in nine days. Only 12th in the standings, the Mohed Altrad club worries.
One hit yes, a lot of no hits. This season, Montpellier is unable to string together good performances. Before the first European window – marked by setbacks against Leinster (14-35) and among Wasps (33-14) -, the MHR had nevertheless struck hard by going to win in Clermont (15-21). The return to the Top 14 was brutal Sunday for the Hérault, beaten Sunday in La Rochelle (22-9). Another setback in the league, the sixth in nine days. More than worrying for a team with colossal means (29.1 M € budget, the 5th of the elite), supposed to play the leading roles. With certainly three games late, the club Mohed Altrad is only 12th in the standings.
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Bitter observation of manager Xavier Garbajosa: “In terms of state of mind, we were completely absent. There was nothing. We cycled next to the bike. We did not give a good image. It annoys me … A lot. When you’re not there, it’s not forgiving, even more against La Rochelle. ” Especially since his players have evolved more than an hour in numerical superiority after the expulsion of Australian second row Will Skelton for a dangerous charge on Paul Willemse. “For a month it wasn’t bad. There had been some good signals. Today, everything is to be thrown in the trash, ”plague Garbajosa.
Impotence and indiscipline
A lack of desire and aggressiveness that paid off in cash against a solid Rochelais stadium that is sure of its game. Quite the opposite of MHR. “We give them too simple balls, and it should not happen like that, can only see the center of the XV of France, Arthur Vincent. We take a completely cap test and then we had to move on. Above all, it was important not to disperse. In a match like this one, rugby takes place in values. Unfortunately, this is really annoying. I am frustrated with this non-match. ”
As often happens in rugby, the outnumbered team rallied together, was galvanized and ended up winning. Louis Picamoles, who was making his return as holder, has trouble finding explanations. “I don’t know if we thought it would be done alone, but we lacked consistency in the occupation, in the possession of the ball, he says. We went through a lot… ”Impotence and indiscipline.
“What’s frustrating is that there is no explanation. We have to keep that deep inside ourselves to make a good preparation before Toulouse ”
Arthur vincent
And already looming the reception – under tension – of the Stade Toulousain, impressive Sunday against Bordeaux-Bègles (45-23). Since the start of the season, the MHR has been looking for itself. Philippe Saint-André, the director of rugby, approached the field. Recently, President Mohed Altrad renewed his confidence in Xavier Garbajosa. Except that the staff of Hérault does not manage to gain consistency. Since the start of this exercise, Montpellier has only chained two consecutive victories once, during the receptions of Agen and Brive, two teams fighting for maintenance.
Against the Red and Black, no room for error. To hope – finally – to take off from the bottom of the ranking, to find real momentum. “What is frustrating is that there is no explanation, notes Arthur Vincent. We have to keep that deep inside ourselves to make a good preparation before Toulouse. ” Louis Picamoles is waiting for his team to wake up: “A great match awaits us next week. We will try to start 2021 better than we ended 2020. ” It would be difficult to hurt more …
