Figures to remember before MHR – ASM – Clermont-Ferrand (63000)

3

It is little to say that Montpellier does not succeed in Clermont. In the last 10 meetings of Top 14 between these two formations, the ASM has won only three small games. Last season, the "yellow and blue" had lost, for example, in the first leg (28-24) and on the return leg (29-30). On the other hand, the last victory of Franck Azéma in the Hérault is not so old. It goes back to the 2016-2017 season (22-26): Noa Nakaitaci and Peceli Yato scored a try each.

37

With its improved win against LOU last weekend, the ASM broke its points record after 10 days (37) since the creation of the Top 14 (2005-2006). A win in Montpellier and Clermont will beat his record after 11 days (40 points in the 2012-2013 season) but not the Top 14. In the 2006-2007 season, Stade Français had reached 45 points! That year, the capital's players finished first in the regular phase and shone the Brennus Shield …

2

If it reached the final of the Top 14 last June, the MHR does not seem so sovereign this season. The men of Vern Cotter have already conceded two defeats at home against direct competitors. Castres (20-25) first, which had caused them so much harm a few months earlier in the final, then the Racing then (13-27). But beware, Montpellier has not lost all its rugby. The current runner-up of the ASM, Stade Toulousain, has for example made the costs late September (66-15). La Rochelle has also seen this to a lesser extent (36-14).

15

Compared to the team that moved to Montpellier last year, Franck Azéma made 15 changes! The rejuvenated team of last season gives way to a five-star group. Only Falgoux, Ulugia, Zirakashvili, Van der Merwe, Timani, Lee, Toeava and Uhila were traveling in Herault last season.

4

Side of Montpellier, the starting XV will also have the "mouth". And the four returns recorded for receiving the ASM gives it only more pace. Louis Picamoles and Benjamin Fall are directly back after a few weeks of absence because of their selection in Blue during the November tour. Touches on the ankle against Toulon, Johan Goosen returns to competition at the center of the attack Herault. But the most anticipated man will be Yacouba Camara who returns after eight months of absence due to a rupture of a cruciate ligament of the knee.

Vincent Balmisse