Fabien Galthie and Eric Bechu will be relying on a mixture of youngsters and older players for Friday evenings TOP 14 game against newly promoted Bordeaux- Begles. KO 20.00.
Eric Escande will keep his place at scrum half and will have Academy team mates Yann Perez, Llian Perraux Kelian Galletier and Mikheil Nariashvili either on the bench or starting the game as all are including in the squad for Friday’s game. While other clubs are paying big salaries for overseas players Montpellier are using their junior ranks and Academy players to the utmost of their ability, by giving them the chance to shine against the TOP 14’s elite, if you add to that list Kevin Kervarec, Mickeal Demarco, Nems Leleimalefaga and Geoffrey Doumayrou, all either just turned Pro or still in finishing class, that is 9 players from 25 which certainly brings the average age of the team down to Baby Blue standards, for the future of the club this could hardly be surpassed by other members of the Elite.
Obviously a tremendous opportunity for these youngsters, but also a huge amount of pressure on their shoulders if they are to get on the park on Friday. Up to now all who have had that chance have not disappointed, even though they badly lack in TOP 14 experience, they have certainly made that up with their enthusiasm and physical input. With the likes of Thibault Privat, Joan Caudullo, Drickus Hacke and Remy Martin alongside these youngsters we have the experience necessary to guide our Baby Blues through any hardships that they make encounter.
We are going through tough financial times and every club more or less have their purse strings tightly closed including Montpellier, so home grown talent is a massive bonus for the club and also sets up an excellent future for the club if these youngsters are going to continue in the same vein.
Friday’s match will certainly have youth on its side but can the youth with a little help from the more mature players bring the first success of the season to our Blue and whites? That Ladies and Gentlemen you will have to get your match tickets and be there to witness the event and hopefully see our Baby Blues kick start Montpellier’s season with a 4 point victory and if everything goes well, maybe the first attacking bonus point of the season and the full 5 points.

Anything is possible when you have youth on your side!!!

Steve Whittell.