MHR – Ospreys: the Challenge, a useful competition for Montpellier ? “Yes”, promises Joan Caudullo

The MHR is playing its second Challenge match this Saturday, December 14 (2 p.m.) against the Welsh Ospreys, with the intention of maintaining the momentum created a month and a half ago.

Let's be completely honest. The Challenge is a competition that leaves people quite indifferent. “Ah, it doesn't matter, it's just the Challenge” or “don't get carried away, it's just the Challenge”, can easily be said or heard depending on the result.

But if we take a step back, the second division of European competitions is far from being a burden for teams, even the French ones, who are so preoccupied with the Top 14. The MHR is well placed to talk about it. “Just look at our history. We won it twice (2016, 2021). It gave us a boost the year before the title. Then if we finish in the top spots, we can host in the round of 16, or even in the quarter-finals, or even in the semi-finals. That allows us to have people at the stadium, revenue, to convey a good image. Giving up on this competition is not an option”, thunders Joan Caudullo, the manager.

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Sportingly, its interests are multiple. First, to create a winning dynamic. This group cannot deprive itself of it. Winning both Challenge matches will allow them to have a little more peace of mind before hosting Racing 92 on Saturday, December 21, in the championship.

With Hogg and Moorby

Then, it allows emulation to be recreated in the squad. By winning under the deluge of Newport last week (14-18), some players were able to show themselves. The youngsters from the training center (Akrab, Barreau, Soucouna, Veyrier) and those lacking playing time (Martins, Tabarot) reminded us that they could aspire to more. “The morning meetings to make the team lineups are a little more difficult”, appreciates Caudullo.

This Saturday, the Hérault staff will take advantage of it to continue testing players (Akrab, Martins, Barreau). But not only that. “The Ospreys are similar to what we face in the Top 14. We want to give momentum to players who will certainly play the block of three league matches that is coming”, assures the Montpellier manager. The return of Hogg at fly-half, Moorby's first start, Nouchi in the third row after a few days of vacation… The Ospreys are the starting point for the rest of the championship.

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