Clermont Hooker Benjamin Kayser returns to practice in preparation for Clermont’s trip to Montpellier.
37 time French Cap Benjamin Kayser made his return to practice this week for Clermont in preparation of their upcoming contest against Montpellier. Kayser was the starting hooker for Clermont through a large portion of last year’s regular season. During this time Clermont led the Top 14 tables. His season ended early due to tearing his right bicep muscle during warm ups before the Pau game in May.
Team doctors have stated that “Benjamin Kayser is not far off and makes his return to the group this week pending for continued competition.”(Translated from French ASM-rugby.com)
Kayser’s 15 years of club as well as international experience will be an essential boost for a Clermont side that struggled last week in the scrum. Their scrum play tended to be uninspired and undisciplined. This lack of discipline eventually led to a penalty try for wheeling the scrum. That penalty try led to a draw against La Rochelle to open the season. If Kayser is healthy enough to play, his leadership will be an important addition to battle against the perennially strong Montpellier front eight.
Clermont will also be looking for another impressive performance by Arthur Iturria. Iturria led the league with 20 tackles and scored one try in his first start in Top 14 competition.
#stats Arthur Uturria, meilleur défenseur du match #ASRASM et de la 1ère journée de #TOP14 avec 20 plaquages réussis pic.twitter.com/sDe2tOBXrt
— ASM Rugby (@ASMOfficiel) August 23, 2016
In both of Clermont’s match ups against Montpellier they lost by five points in each game. Iturria’s additional help will be a great help in this style of game.
Montpellier are readying themselves for their season opener with some festivities. These festivities have allowed fans their first glimpse of last year’s semi finalists.
Beaucoup de monde pour l'entraînement ouvert au public qui ne devrait plus tarder à commencer! #TEAMMHR pic.twitter.com/98xmHUTUkT
— Montpellier Rugby (@MHR_officiel) August 23, 2016
Montpellier expect great things from ex Crusader Nemani Nadolo.
After having an amazing second half of last season to make the playoffs, Montpellier struggled last week on the road in Toulouse. Montpellier did not operate well offensively, finishing the day with zero tries and only a handful of penalty kicks. MHR will be hoping for additional help from former Crusader and Fijian international star Nemani Nadolo. Nadolo should be a wonderful improvement to a squad that is primarily known for their defensive performance. Nemani Nadolo played for the Crusaders for three years amassing a total of 40 tries during his tenure. His debut year he even tied Isreal Folau for top try scorer in Super Rugby. Although a quiet first week with his Top 14 club, expectations are very high for this fast and exciting Fijian winger.
Clermont vs Montpellier is probably the highlight match from the first two weeks of Top 14 play. Both sides have issues from week one that need to be fixed. Montpellier have the advantage of playing at home. Ultimately though a return of Benjamin Kayser and repair of the scrum may give a sizable edge in this clash of last year’s semi-finalists.
“Main Photo”
