The composition of the USAP rugby team, set to take on La Rochelle at the Marcel-Deflandre stadium on Saturday, May 31, at 16:30, has been officially unveiled. This announcement comes after a challenging match against Clermont, where USAP faced a significant setback, losing 31-13. In an effort to rebound from this defeat, the Catalan coaching staff has implemented \u00a0seven crucial changes\u00a0 to the starting XV, signaling a strategic approach to their forthcoming encounter.<\/p>\n
One of the most notable adjustments is the complete overhaul of the \u00a0front row\u00a0. The left prop, \u00a0Giorgi Tetrashvili\u00a0, will take on a starting role, while the right prop, \u00a0Kieran Brookes\u00a0, returns from a recent concussion. However, the standout change occurs at hooker, where \u00a0Mathys Lotrian\u00a0, just 21 years old and weighing in at 110 kg, will make his Top 14 debut. This decision comes as a result of the \u00a0injuries\u00a0 to Ignacio Ruiz and Victor Montgaillard, both sidelined and unable to contribute to the team’s efforts.<\/p>\n
The return of \u00a0Adrien Warion\u00a0 and \u00a0Max Hicks\u00a0 further reshapes the lineup, leading to a reorganized back row. Notably, Jacobus van Tonder will move to the number 6 position, with \u00a0Patrick Sobela\u00a0 shifting to number 8\u2014a position he hasn’t started in since November 5, 2022, when he played against Lyon.<\/p>\n
On the backline, the return of \u00a0Tom Ecochard\u00a0 to the scrum half position is a welcomed boost for the team. Ecochard had been absent for two months due to a shoulder fracture suffered during a match in Vannes. \u00a0Tavite Veredamu\u00a0 is also back on the wing, leading to a reshuffle that sees Lucas Dubois move to the left wing and Alivereti Duguivalu shift to center.<\/p>\n
The bench will include several regular starters like left prop \u00a0Giorgi Beria\u00a0, lock \u00a0Mathieu Tanguy\u00a0, and back-row players \u00a0No\u00e9 Della Schiava\u00a0 and \u00a0Lucas Velarte\u00a0. The half-back pairing of \u00a0James Hall\u00a0 and \u00a0Valentin Delpy\u00a0 rounds out the series of replacements.<\/p>\n
It’s essential to note the key players that remain absent from the match due to injuries. The hookers Victor Montgaillard (elbow) and Ignacio Ruiz (pubalgia), along with the flanker Joaqu\u00edn Oviedo (foot), center Apisai Naqalevu (suspended), and winger Ali Crossdale (knee), will not be a part of the team’s quest for victory against La Rochelle.<\/p>\n
Promising players who were initially included in the announced group, such as left prop \u00a0Bruce Devaux\u00a0 and hooker \u00a0Nemo Roelofse\u00a0, as well as newcomers in the back line like Gela Aprasidze and Eneriko Buliruarua, have also been dropped from the final matchday roster. This underscores the challenges faced by the coaching staff with regards to injuries and match fitness.<\/p>\n
For context, La Rochelle has been a formidable contender in the Top 14, showcasing a blend of tactical skill and physical power. Their lineup features key players such as \u00a0Brice Dulin\u00a0 at fullback and \u00a0Gr\u00e9gory Alldritt\u00a0, the captain, who operates effectively in the number 8 position. With \u00a0Antoine Hastoy\u00a0 at fly-half and the dynamic backline players like \u00a0Jack Nowell\u00a0 and \u00a0Ulupano Seuteni\u00a0, La Rochelle presents a significant challenge for USAP.<\/p>\n
La Rochelle’s Confirmed Lineup:<\/strong> The \u00a0substitutes\u00a0 for La Rochelle include: 16. Pierre Bourgarit, 17. Thierry Pa\u00efva, 18. Judica\u00ebl Cancoriet, 19. Levani Botia, 20. Thomas Berjon, 21. Dillyn Leyds, 22. Jonathan Danty, 23. Uini Atonio.<\/p>\n The upcoming match is a \u00a0pivotal\u00a0 moment for USAP, not only in terms of standings but also in building momentum as they strive for a comeback. With the strategic player changes and a renewed sense of determination, USAP aims to secure a win against La Rochelle, showcasing resilience and tenacity on the field.<\/p>\n
15. Brice Dulin \u2013 14. Jack Nowell, 13. Ulupano Seuteni, 12. Jules Favre, 11. Hoani Bosmorin \u2013 (o) 10. Antoine Hastoy, (m) 9. Tawera Kerr-Barlow \u2013 7. Matthias Haddad, 8. Gr\u00e9gory Alldritt (cap.), 6. Paul Boudehent \u2013 5. Will Skelton, 4. Thomas Lavault \u2013 3. Aleksandre Kuntelia, 2. Nika Sutidze, 1. Reda Wardi.<\/p>\n