Postponed from 4 p.m. to 6.10 p.m. due to the high temperatures expected in Lyon this Saturday, the duel between LOU and Toulon will still be played in very high temperatures. Within the Rhone club, we prepared to play against the RCT but also against the weather during this first day of the Top 14 season.
Like many French cities and departments, it will be hot this weekend in Lyon. Very, very hot even. Scorching temperatures are expected on the banks of the Rhône but this does not prevent sporting events from taking place (almost) as planned.
Initially scheduled for this Saturday at 4 p.m., the shock of the first day of Top 14 between the LOU and Toulon was finally postponed to 6:10 p.m. A way to preserve the health of the players, especially on the synthetic Matmut Stadium. In the Lyon team, we are still preparing to play a fiery match, literally, since 38°C are expected at 6 p.m., before a gradual drop during the match.
“Throughout the week we tried to work continuous days in the mornings and not finish late, explained LOU manager Fabien Gengenbacher to the press on Friday. We know that tomorrow, in relation to the match protocol, there are things that will be put in place such as drinking breaks. We educated our players on hydration and not staying in the sun too long during the day. Obviously there is a focus that is also made with the medical staff and the physical preparation staff so that the players are in the best possible conditions. We will be concerned on Saturday that they are well hydrated before starting.
Future retiree but World Cup joker for seven games, Tobby Arnold confirmed that he expected to suffer during the match against the RCT. Fortunately, neither team will have an advantage under the Lyon sun.
“It’s going to be the same for both teams. We worked well this week, the sessions were long with the heat. But it will sting for everyone, estimated the historic rear of the Rhone club. The mental aspect will count as much as the physical. It’s good to have postponed the match but it won’t change much. It will always be 32°C or 33°C so it will sting. But you have to play.”
As worried as his New Zealand teammate at the idea of playing in scorching temperatures, Killian Geraci preferred to keep a smile on the face of this situation. If the heat will harm the organisms, it is also because the LOU evolves on a synthetic ground.
“Already, I’ll put on sunscreen I think, smiled the 24-year-old Frenchman. That won’t be bad enough. I think it’s going to be hard and hot on the synth. They postponed the match and it’s not for Nothing.”
And the second line from Lyon to specify: “Synthetic is even warmer because it brings the heat up. It is sure that in summer when we play under strong heats, it is a little less pleasant. But in winter we are very happy when there is no mud when it rains…”
Source : RMC Sport
#Lyon #Toulon #Lyonnais #scared #heat
