Dragons – MHR: first for Youssouf Soucouna, return of Thomas Darmon, the Montpellier composition to start the Challenge

First start of the season for Mohamed Haouas who will supervise the young Tabarot (left) and Soucouna (right). Midi Libre – SYLVIE CAMBON

The Montpellier staff has chosen to line up a significantly rejuvenated team for the first day of the Challenge, this Friday, December 6 (9 p.m.) on the pitch of the Welsh team of Newport. The opportunity to discover some of the club's gems.

For his first professional match sheet, third row Youssouf Soucouna (20 years old) will be lined up as a starter alongside Marco Tauleigne. Having arrived from Biarritz during the close season, he will not be the only hopeful lined up on Friday evening by the Hérault staff.

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Indeed, several hopefuls will also start the match since hooker Lyam Akrab and fly-half Aurélien Barreau will be lined up. Pillar Luca Tabarot and flanker Jules Veyrier will start on the bench.

A first for Haouas

In this rejuvenated formation, Joan Caudullo will also revive flanker Nicolas Martins, who arrived this summer from Soyaux Angoulême (1 match against Paris, this season) who will be a starter or the Fijian center who arrived from Aurillac Christa Powell, a substitute on Friday. First start of the season for Mohamed Haouas who has only played 6 matches so far, each time as a substitute.

A team in which Thomas Darmon returns to the center, associated with Arthur Vincent. They will be assisted by Madosh Tambwe and George Bridge on the wings, with Julien Tisseron keeping his place at the back.