Off to France we go....
Black_otter
By Black_Otter
November 9 2011
Black_otter looks forward to Exeter Chiefs trip to Perpignan
Perpignan v Exeter Chiefs
Match Preview
by
Black_otter
The trip to Montpellier was my personal highlight of last season, so I am highly jealous (and proud too) of all those dedicated supporters that are making their way to Perpignan for our opening encounter in this year’s Amlin Cup competition. And it sounds like the colourful fans/Supporters Club of USAP are putting on one helluva show of hospitality for you too – upping the ante in terms of looking after the Tribe! The south of France is truly a wonderful hotbed of rugby.
It’s been a difficult start of the season for USAP in many ways:
1. Toulouse 36
2.Clermont 35
3. Castres 31
4. Toulon 28
5. Racing-Metro 25
6. Agen 24
7.Stade Francais 21
8. Brive 19
9. Perpignan 19
10. Bordeaux-Begles 17
11. Bayonne 15
12. Montpellier 14
13. Lyon 12
14. Biarritz 10
Sitting in 9th place with just four T14 wins out of 10 reflects that they’ve had a tricky time in the absence of a number of RWC players: Mas, Marty, Mermoz, Guirado (all France), Tincu (Romania), plus newcomer James Hook (Wales), for example. But with these players back in harness, USAP pushed league leaders Toulouse all the way in their encounter last weekend, eventually narrowly losing 21-17, with Hook ominously looking settled in the 10 shirt. In addition to those already mentioned, new head coach Jacques Delmas (formerly of Stade Francais, replacing Jacques Brunel who has moved on to take charge of Italy) can draw on the experience and proven quality of the likes of Perry Freshwater in their front row, Damien Chouly in the backrow, Ryan Cross in the midfield, and Jérome Porical & electric 7’s star Farid Sid, both in the back three.
Altho their form on the road can be variable, Perpignan are always very tough at the near 15,000 capacity Stade Aimé Giral. It is difficult to guess which USAP team will take the field – I would imagine that the coaching staff will be torn between holding back their stars to focus on the T14 (and Heino rugby next year), versus playing a full squad that still needs game time to properly gel. Whichever it is, it should be a terrific game in an extraordinary atmosphere: [www.youtube.com] – as you can see, rugby is a religion!
Just to make your mouth water a little more, here’s the menu from the stadium restaurant for the match: Tartare de Saumon Frais et Saint Pierre au citron vert - Côte de Veau aux Morilles et Polenta- Macaron Gourmand Parfum de Rousquille, crème catalane légère – Café – all yours for €30!!
Happy hunting, Tribe!
Oggy, oggy, oggy, Chiefs, Chiefs, Chiefs!
If you do not already have an account Click here to Register.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2011:11:10:10:12:19 by black_otter.
I hope the Chief's Brass take note of the quality and value at Perpignan and shake things up a little back home.
Looks like RB means it!!
http://www.thisisexeter.co.uk/Tatupu-White-called-Chiefs-trip-Perpignan/story-13808889-detail/story.html
I couldn't spot an announcement on Perpignan's official site but did find an article (here) that names their 23 as: Schuster, Pulu, Mas, Thiart, Guirado, Geli, Tchale-Watchou , Vivaldi, Olibeau, Vahaamaina, Tuilagi, Le Corvec, Guiry, Tonita, Cazenave, Boulogne, Hook, Laharrague, Hume, Marty, Candelon, Plante, Michel.
I'm sure the boys will give a good account of themselves.
And hope the travelling tribe have a great trip.
I'll be glued to the radio, hoping for some uninterrupted coverage.
15 Luke Arscott
14 Gonzalo Camacho
13 Jason Shoemark
12 Josh Tatupu
11 Matt Jess
10 Gareth Steenson
9 Pat Phibbs
1 Brett Sturgess
2 Neil Clark
3 Hoani Tui
4 Tom Hayes (capt)
5 James Hanks
6 Ben White
7 James Scaysbrook
8 Richard Baxter
16 Simon Alcott
17 Ben Moon
18 Craig Mitchell
19 Tom Johnson
20 James Phillips
21 Kevin Barrett
22 Ignacio Mieres
23 Phil Dollman
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2011:11:10:19:05:26 by 50pointer.
I think Rob fancies this one, I know Perpignon have not been doing too well but they have their RWC players back now....gonna search for a stream or at least tune in the Radiogram
COME ON YOU CHIEFS
6:50 start at Exeter and arrived at hotel 21:00 (20:00 in real money). French trains are magnifique. Beer and wine taken plus a very good meal with Wild Tooth and loadofeathers (good to put faces to the names) and Tony at 1902. Just woken up by my WORK alarm - why do I forget to reset when I am on holiday?
Looking forward to meeting up with Oggy and zymurgy and the other 92+ Tribe Members and exercising my vocal chords.
Not looking forward to my head tomorrow.
Give us an O etc etc
East Terrace Central
Our roads are paved with hope, and there are no stop signs.
"COME ON EXE!"
Bonjour from Perpignan