This Friday (9 p.m.), the Montois are playing their final game of the regular season against Rouen. In contention for the final stages, Stade Montois can go directly to the semi-finals or play a play-off at home if they win with an offensive bonus.
Second, third or even worse? The final ranking of the 2022/2023 regular season of Pro D2 will be announced tonight. Currently third, two points behind the runner-up, Grenoble, Stade Montois is aiming for the semi-final or the play-off at Boniface. Nothing else. But for that, several elements come into play, including an imperative victory to be won against Rouen (twelfth) during this final day.
“We will only get what we deserve”
The fight for the play-offs and the semi-final is tight. Only three points separate Grenoble, second (83 points) and Nevers, fifth (80 points). Everything is still playable for Mont-de-Marsan. “Whatever happens, we need five points. If we only take four, we could be tied”, notes Mons manager Patrick Milhet. In the event of an improved success against the Rouennais, Stade Montois would finish at least in third place. Which would mean: barrage at home.
If Grenoble loses against Vannes (fourth with 80 points), the Landais could even climb to the second step of the standings, synonymous with the semi-final… If Grenoble wins, it would take a victory for Mont-de-Marsan, without Nevers pocketing the offensive bonus against Montauban, to stay on the podium. The worst scenario for the Yellow and Black would be defeat, improved or not, since the teams of Vannes and Nevers could pass him. Thus, the barrage would be performed outside.
The final order is of crucial importance. The third and the fourth of Pro D2 face the sixth and the fifth respectively. In the semi-finals, the winning team between third and sixth will avoid the current championship leader, Oyonnax (107 points). “The Oyonnaxiens will be formatted for this match. The team that will go there will need a little courage”, recognizes Christophe Loustalot, the Mons scrum-half. Courage will be needed tonight. Patience too.
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