Black_otter

By Black_Otter
November 9 2011

Black_otter looks forward to Exeter Chiefs trip to Perpignan

Perpignan v Exeter Chiefs

Match Preview

by

Black_otter 

The trip to Montpellier was my personal highlight of last season, so I am highly jealous (and proud too) of all those dedicated supporters that are making their way to Perpignan for our opening encounter in this year’s Amlin Cup competition.  And it sounds like the colourful fans/Supporters Club of USAP are putting on one helluva show of hospitality for you too – upping the ante in terms of looking after the Tribe!  The south of France is truly a wonderful hotbed of rugby.

It’s been a difficult start of the season for USAP in many ways:

1. Toulouse 36

2.Clermont 35

3. Castres 31

4. Toulon 28

5. Racing-Metro 25

6. Agen 24

7.Stade Francais 21

8. Brive 19

9. Perpignan 19

10. Bordeaux-Begles 17

11. Bayonne 15

12. Montpellier 14

13. Lyon 12

14. Biarritz 10

Sitting in 9th place with just four T14 wins out of 10 reflects that they’ve had a tricky time in the absence of a number of RWC players: Mas, Marty, Mermoz, Guirado (all France), Tincu (Romania), plus newcomer James Hook (Wales), for example.  But with these players back in harness, USAP pushed league leaders Toulouse all the way in their encounter last weekend, eventually narrowly losing 21-17, with Hook ominously looking settled in the 10 shirt.  In addition to those already mentioned, new head coach Jacques Delmas (formerly of Stade Francais, replacing Jacques Brunel who has moved on to take charge of Italy) can draw on the experience and proven quality of the likes of Perry Freshwater in their front row, Damien Chouly in the backrow, Ryan Cross in the midfield, and Jérome Porical & electric 7’s star Farid Sid, both in the back three.

Altho their form on the road can be variable, Perpignan are always very tough at the near 15,000 capacity Stade Aimé Giral.  It is difficult to guess which USAP team will take the field – I would imagine that the coaching staff will be torn between holding back their stars to focus on the T14 (and Heino rugby next  year), versus playing a full squad that still needs game time to properly gel.  Whichever it is, it should be a terrific game in an extraordinary atmosphere: [www.youtube.com] – as you can see, rugby is a religion!

Just to make your mouth water a little more, here’s the menu from the stadium restaurant for the match: Tartare de Saumon Frais et Saint Pierre au citron vert - Côte de Veau aux Morilles et Polenta- Macaron Gourmand Parfum de Rousquille, crème catalane légère – Café – all yours for €30!!

Happy hunting, Tribe!
Oggy, oggy, oggy, Chiefs, Chiefs, Chiefs!

Off to France we go....

Discussion started by thechiefstribe.com (IP Logged), 09/11/2011 18:20

thechiefstribe.com
09/11/2011 18:20

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Moorsman
09/11/2011 20:24

thanks Black_otter another great preview

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black_otter
09/11/2011 20:30

Moorsman, you're very welcome. On reflection, I'm not sure that fancy menu compares to the giant-sized pasty? Wonder what Rob's selection strategy will be - rest key players or go for at least an LBP?



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2011:11:10:10:12:19 by black_otter.

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Little Plums
10/11/2011 04:52

Blimey! The French know how to put on a reasonably priced spread - £25! Compare and contrast with £5.50 for a Hog Bap complete with styrofoam tray and paper napkin. Or £6.00 for a small curry in a cardboard box with wooden cutlery. Again delicious as it is, haute cuisine, it's not

I hope the Chief's Brass take note of the quality and value at Perpignan and shake things up a little back home.

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Little Plums
10/11/2011 04:56

Oh and Black Otter, thanks for the pre match review. Up to the usual high standards!

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ExTeddChief
10/11/2011 09:52

Not able to see the article for some reason.

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Dawlish chief
10/11/2011 10:47

There are two changes to the starting line up from last week. Tatupu replaces Sereli and Ben White starts and TJ drops to bench. Article does not mention who is on the bench is the spot for the promoted tatupu.

Looks like RB means it!!

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Newton Chief
10/11/2011 11:11

Interesting to see TJ on the bench, RB says he has not been dropped but wants him to make an impact later in the game, no place for Budgie!



http://www.thisisexeter.co.uk/Tatupu-White-called-Chiefs-trip-Perpignan/story-13808889-detail/story.html

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Dawlish chief
10/11/2011 12:02

Offy site now up, Dolly on bench !

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Try Again
10/11/2011 12:40

Well that team shows some intent, doesn't it?

I couldn't spot an announcement on Perpignan's official site but did find an article (here) that names their 23 as: Schuster, Pulu, Mas, Thiart, Guirado, Geli, Tchale-Watchou , Vivaldi, Olibeau, Vahaamaina, Tuilagi, Le Corvec, Guiry, Tonita, Cazenave, Boulogne, Hook, Laharrague, Hume, Marty, Candelon, Plante, Michel.

I'm sure the boys will give a good account of themselves.

And hope the travelling tribe have a great trip.

I'll be glued to the radio, hoping for some uninterrupted coverage.

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black_otter
10/11/2011 13:20

James Phillips takes Bentos's place on the bench too:

15 Luke Arscott
14 Gonzalo Camacho
13 Jason Shoemark
12 Josh Tatupu
11 Matt Jess
10 Gareth Steenson
9 Pat Phibbs
1 Brett Sturgess
2 Neil Clark
3 Hoani Tui
4 Tom Hayes (capt)
5 James Hanks
6 Ben White
7 James Scaysbrook
8 Richard Baxter

16 Simon Alcott
17 Ben Moon
18 Craig Mitchell
19 Tom Johnson
20 James Phillips
21 Kevin Barrett
22 Ignacio Mieres
23 Phil Dollman

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Two Moons
10/11/2011 13:20

Good to see Ben White get a start - fully deserved.

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ExTeddChief
10/11/2011 13:35

Certainly won't be an easy one - let's see what happens.

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50pointer
10/11/2011 18:37

As Black Otter says, I am also so jealous of those who are able to make the trip for this game, but so proud as well of what I understand to be a sizable away tribe, I think someone said there were over 100 going! Not sure about that menu though, sounds a bit foreign to me! Just hoping that I can find a live stream tomorrow night, glad to see BW starting.



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2011:11:10:19:05:26 by 50pointer.

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Chief in Hobbiton
10/11/2011 18:52

Nice one Black Otter, enjoyed your review. Not sure I'd like any of that food though......Pasty and a few Otters will suffice! Good turnout from the Tribe 100+...I am envious but also feel proud knowing they will be giving it their all and chopping with vigor
I think Rob fancies this one, I know Perpignon have not been doing too well but they have their RWC players back now....gonna search for a stream or at least tune in the Radiogram

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fisher
10/11/2011 22:09

Really jealous of the Tribe on this one and I am sure they will give a good account of themselves(the tribe that is) and as a lot of us will, I hope to find a commentary somewhere in the ether!
COME ON YOU CHIEFS

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Chief Redwine
11/11/2011 05:44

Bonjour mes amies!

6:50 start at Exeter and arrived at hotel 21:00 (20:00 in real money). French trains are magnifique. Beer and wine taken plus a very good meal with Wild Tooth and loadofeathers (good to put faces to the names) and Tony at 1902. Just woken up by my WORK alarm - why do I forget to reset when I am on holiday?

Looking forward to meeting up with Oggy and zymurgy and the other 92+ Tribe Members and exercising my vocal chords.

Not looking forward to my head tomorrow.

Give us an O etc etc

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black_otter
11/11/2011 08:07

Croissant for petit-dejeuner, Chief Vin Rouge?

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clalan
11/11/2011 08:29

Have a great time chaps, cheer the boys on the way I know you can, wish I was there getting a sore throat. Safe journey back after.

East Terrace Central
Our roads are paved with hope, and there are no stop signs.
"COME ON EXE!"

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Kernowbabs
11/11/2011 09:15

Wishing all the Tribe a great trip and give the lads an extra big cheer for all of us not fortunate enough to be able to make the game! C'MON CHIEFS!!!

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black_otter
11/11/2011 12:39

Some photos on the offy site already - look at that sunshine, I remember what that looks like, I think!

Bonjour from Perpignan

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