Top 14 Bouclier de Brennus

The famous Bouclier de Brennus is up for grabs tomorrow evening at the Stade de France where Montpellier Hérault Rugby Club take on Stade Toulousain in the final of the Top14

Stade are firm favourites,having held the top spot for a major part of the season;MHRC,the outsiders, have had a strong year and were in the top 3/4 all season before fading and then annihilating Toulon in a memorable last game of the season in a "winner takes all"situation.

It will also be a confrontation of the top 2 French head coaches,Guy Novès,who brings ST to their Nth final, and Fabien Galthié,widely tipped to succeed Lièvremont after the announced disaster in New Zealand.

Whatever, a great game in perspective.

Teams

Montpellier :
Thiery ; Nagusa, Mirande, S.Fernandez, Bustos Moyano ;Trinh-Duc, J.Tomas ; Gorgodze, Matadigo, Ouedraogo (cap) ; Fakate, Hancke ; Jgenti, Rofes, Figallo

Reps : Caudullo, Leleimalefaga, De Marco, Bost, Paillaugue, Berard, Rees, Thiart.

Toulouse :
Heymans ; Médard, Poitrenaud, Jauzion, Caucaunibuca ; Skrela, Doussain ; Dusautoir (cap), Picamoles, Bouilhou ; Albacete, Millo-Chluski ; Johnston, Servat, Human.

Probable Reps : Lacombe, Poux, Maestri, Nyanga, Bézy, Fritz, Clerc or Delasau, Falefa.

Gonna be a cracker of a game. I was personally surprised to see Montpellier get so far but in fairness if you get to the final you deserve a shot.

The Top 14 has grown year on year, and the average attendances have risen by 8% on last year.

True to say, France is now the true powerhouse in club rugby.

I can't wait for this one Mick. I am 100% behind Montpellier, I think they are a shining beacon for all clubs out there who are not traditionally amongst the best or richest in their leagues.

They will have it all to do, and in particular Ouedraogo and Trinh-Duc will need to be on top form. having said that they all will against a star studded Toulouse outfit.

Heres hoping it's a cracker.

Discipline will be important,Pete.MHRC are young and headstrong, with a tendency to get one or two binnings per game;against Toulouse that will be punished;but if they remain as XV, then they have a chance,albeit very slim.

Would be a real shame if they lost due to indiscipline, but maybe a big lesson to them to take forwards into next season.

Is Ouedraogo in Lievremeont's squad for New Zealand. I rate him very highly and would have him in the French 7 shirt every day of the week. He will have to lead his side well.

If they can hang in there and still be in touch with Toulouse going into the final 10-15 minutes I can see them causing a real upset late on.

Is Ouedraogo playing with his broken hand? The principles on which MHRC are built are a wonderful example to all clubs - allez les Heraults!!

Yep, Fulgence is in the squad of 32

Asbo,he has injured his hand, fractured metacarpus,got it stood on last Saturday,and he's been cotton-wooled all week.

Bon chance. Deux equipe de Rugby tres, tres bien. Stade Toulousain c'est le grand homme ancien de Rugby Francais et Montpellier est une petit garçon. David et Goliath. Malhereusement pour Goliath, David pouvoir victoire.

Et en Anglais
Good luck. Two very, very good Rugby teams. Stade Toulouse is the grand old man of French Rugby and Montpellier is a young turk. David and Goliath. Unfortunately for Goliath, David for victory.

Been harping on about Montpellier for a few years since staying there and I'm so happy for the club, especially given the struggles they went through just before Galthié took over.