Julien Sarraute concedes that the players lacked determination. The head coach expects more before receiving the SUA for the last game of the regular phase.
Can we explain this defeat in Bourg-en-Bresse by the extra soul of the USBPA, engaged in the fight to maintain it?
In view of the results, most certainly. There was a little extra soul in this team which was determined to survive. On our side, we did not know how to cause the right rebounds. We lacked efficiency on our opportunities. We were countered and we lost the battles of the ground game and the kick game. We have played too often in our camp.
Offensively, we had the feeling that Colomiers never had a clear opportunity to score, except for the ball carried concluded by Youssef Saaidia. What is your take on this?
Despite everything, we had some interesting sequences, but without putting in the right gestures. Perhaps, indeed, because there was this extra soul in front. And I don’t like to say that. The rugby that I like, the one that must stick to the skin of Colomiers rugby, is that no matter what is at stake, we must play all the matches with the same determination.
Was the absence of Thomas Girard detrimental to the occupation, an area where Colomiers fished?
I don’t want to mourn the absent. But it’s a fact: we weren’t effective or relevant in the occupation kick game. It’s a reality. Now, we will have to be much more effective and efficient on Thursday evening. But only. We lacked intensity and enthusiasm in our technical gestures. The difference is not only in the technical correctness but also in the conviction. Even if you shouldn’t throw everything away, that there were interesting moments, it was not enough. We can’t deny the fact that we took 35 points when we had the opportunity to write a different story. I am disappointed but determined.
What is your message for the last match against Agen?
I am disappointed with the result. I’m expecting something else on Thursday evening. We were correct defensively, rather in place, but the game requires more passion, determination, more desire. I want to see players who are hungry. I want to see rugby made of passion. We missed some things of this type in Bourg-en-Bresse. We are going to prepare to show another face. This is what I personally expect. I will prepare myself and I expect the players to do the same and prepare for this deadline.
Do you have any regrets when fourth place was achievable with the defeat at Nevers?
I want to be master of our destiny. By losing, we are no longer for 4th place, but we are still for the qualifying place. We might as well cling to this objective at all costs.
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