The first match of 2019 will be against the reigning French champion
The star
Benjamin Urdapilleta arrived in Christophe Urios' suitcases in 2015 and is the metronome of the Castraise team. The Argentinian half starter, who played all of his team's Top 14 matches last season, should still be the scorer (5th scorer in the championship, with 96 points, Gaëtan Germain is 3rd in this ranking with 120 points)
The ex Grenoble player
Julien Caminati played two seasons at the FCG (36 matches, 3 tries), quickly becoming one of the darling of the Stade des Alpes, thanks to his boldness and his Mammoth kick. In Castres since November 2015, the winger or rearguard has never managed to change the hierarchy in these positions (3 games, 1 start in the Top 14 this season.
The last confrontation
At the last CO game in Grenoble in March 2017, the FCG won at the last minute (21-20) against a drop from David Mélé. In the first leg, Castres beat the "Rouge & Bleu" (29-13)
The last games
The defending French champion is going through a difficult period, since he is still out of a series of 3 losses in the Top 14, including two at home (against Agen, 13-16, against Bordeaux, 13-32, at La Rochelle, 53-27). Between the Agen and Bordeaux receptions, Castres had lost at Thomond Park (30-5) before taking revenge on Munster (13-12) in his stadium.
The next games
Castres will play two Champions Cup matches, trying to get a qualification, in Exeter, then at home against Gloucester. The Castrais will then welcome Clermont before the February truce.
Auteur : FCG Rugby