Planet Rugby

Preview: Toulouse v Montpellier

09th November 2012 06:26

jean bouilhou

Machine: Jean Bouilhou

Veteran flank Jean Bouilhou will make his 376th appearance for Toulouse in Friday's Top 14 clash with Montpellier at Stade Ernest Wallon.

The 33-year-old, who has two caps for France, set a new record for appearance for French champions in last week's win over Racing Metro, surpassing the previous mark set by lock Hughes Miorin.

Bouilhou also holds the French record for appearances in the Heineken Cup with 82 games for les Rouge et Noirs.

Toulouse have won the last seven both games between these sides, including both last season, 20-13 at home and 45-25 on the road.

Third-placed Toulouse are missing 15 players through the call of international duty or injury.

For young Toulouse flanker Sylvain Nicolas, it is a window to showcase his talents.

"It's a situation that the club is forced to manage," he said of the absence of players.

"Everyone pulls together. With the international players away, it's up to us to show that we are there.

"Montpellier will also be missing some senior players like Fulgence Ouedraogo and Francois Trinh-Duc. However, what we've seen on the video clearly shows that Montpellier remain a team that can perform.

"They have an impressive squad, which can easily play in the play-offs. It's up to us to show that we exist."

In team news, the hosts welcome back former Springbok hooker Gary Botha back from injury on their bench while Gael Fickou, who was released from the France squad, is at 12.

With François Trinh-Duc on international duty in Paris, Montpellier have named Santiago Fernandez, who isn't in the Argentina squad, at fly-half. Scotland number eight John Beattie is at number eight and former England centre Shontayne Hape is at 12. Loose forward Mamuka Gorgodze shifts to the second row.

Rugby Union betting odds

The teams:

Toulouse: 15 Clement Poitrenaud, 14 Yves Donguy, 13 Yann David, 12 Gael Fickou, 11 Timoci Matanavou, 10 Luke Mcalister, 9 Jean marc Doussain, 8 Gillian Galan, 7 Sylvain Nicolas, 6 Jean Bouilhou, 5 Romain Millo Chlusky, 4 Gregory Lamboley, 3 Yohan Montes, 2 Virgile Lacombe, 1 Jean batiste Poux.
Replacements: 16 Gary Botha, 17 Cyril Baille, 18 Pierre Maurens, 19 Edwin Maka, 20 Luke Burgess, 21 Jean bernard Pujol, 22 Yannick Jauzion, 23 Antoine Guillamon.

Montpellier: 15 Michael Ladhuie, 14 Pierre Berard, 13 Timoci Nagusa, 13 Thomas Combezou, 12 Shontayne Hape, 11 Yohann Artru, 10 Santiago Fernandez, 9 Benoit Paillaugue, 8 John Beattie, 7 Alex Tulou, 6 Alexandre Bias, 5 Thibaut Privat, 4 Mamuka Gorgodze, 3 Maximiliano Bustos, 2 Erasmus Jansen van vuuren, 1 Yvan Watremez.
Replacements: 16 Mikheil Nariashvili, 17 Hendrikus Hancke, 18 Kelian Galletier, 19 Eric Escande, 20 Martin Bustos moyano, 21 Lucas Gonzales amorosino, 22 Barry Faamausili.

Date: Friday, November 9
Venue: Stade Ernest Wallon, Toulouse
Kick-off: 20.45 (19.45 GMT)
Referee: Sébastien Clouté

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