Perpignan delivered a commanding performance against Section Paloise on Sunday, securing a 40-24 victory in their rescheduled Top 14 match at Stade Aimé-Giral. The win, confirmed by multiple sources including Le Figaro and Rugbyrama, marks a significant step forward for the Catalans as they climb the league standings.
USAP manager Laurent Labit expressed his satisfaction with the team’s display, highlighting both the execution and the underlying spirit. “We’ve been working extremely well for the past two weeks,” Labit stated, as reported by La République des Pyrénées. “We wanted to move towards a second phase of our rugby, modifying what had been done before. We focused on forward play, applying pressure with minimal risk and today we brought the players towards more movement.”
The victory is particularly timely for Perpignan, who have been building momentum in recent weeks. Labit believes this win could be a pivotal moment in their season, stating, “Yes, it’s a strong statement. It’s part of our construction, our evolution.” He also acknowledged the challenges that lie ahead, particularly the need for consistency away from home, with a potential playoff match on June 13th likely to be played on opposing territory.
Dominant First Half Sets the Tone
Perpignan’s first half performance was described as “almost perfect” by Labit, with the exception of some difficulties with receiving kickoffs, which conceded points to Pau. Rugbyrama reported that Perpignan scored 30 points in the first half, fueled by strong performances from their backs. The team capitalized on early opportunities, with Alivereti Duguivalu opening the scoring in the 4th minute.
Focus on Internal Improvement
Despite the comfortable win, Labit emphasized that the team remains focused on internal improvement rather than solely on their position relative to competitors like Montauban. “Sincerely, we don’t appear at twelfth or fourteenth place,” he said. “We must work on ourselves, and later we will of course look at what we need to do.” Areas for improvement include defense against mauls and handling kick-off receptions.
The team faced late changes to their lineup with Sama Malolo ruled out due to a medical issue and Posolo Tuilagi sidelined with a knee problem, as reported by Le Figaro. Labit stressed the importance of the team and the club as a whole, praising players like Mathys Lotrian, who stepped up despite having been sidelined in recent weeks.
Looking Ahead
With this victory, Perpignan continues to build a buffer against relegation, but Labit remains grounded, emphasizing the unpredictable nature of the Top 14. The team’s focus will remain on consistent performance and internal development as they navigate the remainder of the season. The next challenge for USAP will be maintaining this momentum as they face upcoming opponents.
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