“I would like to consolidate our third place,” assures Charly Malié, the ASBH fly-half, before Montauban's visit to Béziers.

Charly Malié will once again wear the captain's armband. Midi Libre – Michael Esdourrubailh

This Friday, December 13 (7:30 p.m.), at the Raoul-Barrière stadium, the ASBH captain is playing his 150th match in the colors of Béziers against Montauban. He takes stock before the arrival of the Sapiac guys.

What is your state of mind about playing this last home game of the season ?

Even if there were some hitches at home, at the start of the season, this first part of the championship, we want to finish it in the best possible way. But there is no more pressure than usual. The only pressure we have is because we are hosting a big team that is having a very good start to the season. I feel the group is very motivated, focused. As with any home game, we all want to do well in front of our friends, family and supporters.

Do you consider that some of the club's new owners, like Andrew Mehrtens, Robert Skinstad and maybe Eddie Jordan, will be at this game?

Not really. We are actually looking forward to meeting them because we haven’t had the chance to see them all yet. It will, of course, be interesting to talk to them. They will be there, that’s great. But we’re not thinking about it. Our only goal is to make everyone who will be at the stadium happy.

Given that some of your former teammates, like Maxime Espeut or Clément Bitz, are playing in Montauban, doesn’t this match have a special flavor?

Of course, but I will go even further since my best friend Fred Quercy is in this team. I also know Kévin Gimeno who was trained in Béziers. This will, in fact, create quite a few strong bonds opposite. We will be friends before the match. During the match, we will respect each other, knowing that there will be a lot at stake for each of us. Then, at the end of the match, we will meet up with great pleasure and it will be an opportunity to have a drink together.

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How do you explain the fact that these matches against Montauban are always tough? ?

Having spent a brief stint in Montauban (the 2014-2015 season, Editor's note), I know the environment around this club. It has a great history, it is a very rugby land, with passionate people who never give up. We find values ​​similar to those of Béziers. There are also former ASBH coaches who left for Montauban and the rivalry between the two structures has grown. But today, there is no more pressure to host Montauban than another club.

Has your team set itself a ranking objective at the halfway point of the championship? ?

We each have our personal and collective goals. However, I would be lying if I said that we are not aiming for the Top 6. Even if, for my part, I do not hide the fact that I would like to consolidate our third place.

What are the strong points of this Montauban team ?

It is a very complete team that relies on a strong defense and produces effective rugby. It is a team that was built in difficulty and its start to the season says a lot about it. Strategically, they will have to be strong and rely on a big defense since they are a mobile team.

At 7:30 p.m., at the Raoul-Barrière stadium

BÉZIERS: Lorre – Courtaud, Recor, Tupuola, Tuimada – (o) Malié (cap.)- (m) Marques- Benoy, Abescat, Koen- Eru, Dodson- Arroyo, Boulassel, Trauth. Substitutes: Gonzalez, El Maslouhi, Ancély, Pauta, Añon, Gontineac, Van Bost, Judge.

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