national. After a lackluster performance in Aubenas, the Stado puts the heat back against the Burgundians of Dijon on Saturday evening (7 p.m.).
In terms of timing, losing to Aubenas (22-13) to complete a first block until you have enough to leave a bitter aftertaste. “We had to remove this pessimism during the recovery on Monday,” admits Fabien Fortassin. Not enough to put your head in the ranking reading bag. With two victories in three matches, the Stado occupies the first part of the table. Just like his opponent of the day, Dijon. The Burgundians have the particularity of having beaten the same teams as Tarbes: namely Soyaux-Angoulême away, and Bourgoin at home before the cut. “I do not forget that at the opening of the championship, they lost on their lawn against Albi (28-17) but by conceding two cap tries, continues the coach of the Bigourdans three-quarters. If they are three wins, there is nothing to say.”
Mistrust therefore, while Dijon was certainly burned a candle before going to Maurice-Trélut. The team, which hit the road early yesterday morning, spent the night in Lourdes and arrived in the Pyrenees without many elements (Pic, Desbordes, Quarrie, Odiete, Beaufils, Becasseau, Alonso…). The Stadium will, on the other hand, be able to rely on its No. 10 and playing master Anthony Fuertes, who has just served six games of suspension.
Despite the absences (read below), Tarbes would be well inspired to win before going to grapple with Massy on Saturday. And definitively drive out any notion of pessimism.