Ligue Des Opens More Sport : Preview – Clermont saison 5 #3

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To finish this series of previews, we end with Pool C, a 100% female category featuring eight teams. At the top of the standings are the experts of the national teams: the Masters F (23 points), followed by the U24F (19 points). Completing this provisional podium are the Tentacools with 16 points.

In this pool, the Masters F are largely dominating the competition with matches controlled from start to finish. Their experience at the highest international level allows them to set the pace and maintain their physical edge, especially against younger teams. However, they haven’t reached perfection yet; there are still crucial points to fix, such as reducing stick fouls and ensuring faster transitions in the backline when the play widens. These points were specifically highlighted by the assistant coach, Maximilien Habersztrau.

Behind them, the performance of the U24F needs to be put into perspective. Although they hold a solid second place, this result is below our expectations for such a squad; we expected them to take the top spot, especially in a World Championship year. The real question is this: will their lack of composure continue to hold them back against the Masters or the Tentacools? The latter—a mix of players from Dinan and Clamart—are showing a solid level and great progress compared to their fourth-place finish last season.

One must also watch out for Fontenay & Co, a « trap » team that includes reigning world champions like Cécile Virgitti. This experience poses a significant challenge for the younger players, such as the Bluettes. Although the Bluettes have the lowest average age—including two 15-year-old players (Louise Castella and Lucie Buytet)—they are doing more than well. They can rely on the experience of Mila Fauqueux and Lola Simon (2024 World Championships) to solidify a well-deserved 5th place.

The Clermont stage looks perilous for the bottom of the table. Diderot, following a weekend of seven losses, will have to fight hard to avoid another collapse. The mission will be just as difficult for La Rochelle F and Pessac F, who are currently struggling to compete against a global level that is too high for them. For the Pessac F players, who are discovering the Ligue des Opens More Sport, the goal will primarily be to keep learning in a competition that offers no breathing room.

Between the Masters’ quest for perfection and the struggle for survival at the bottom, this Clermont stop is set to be decisive. At the Coubertin pool, every second of possession will be a battle to shake up a hierarchy that is waiting to be overturned. All eyes will be on the top of the table: will the U24F manage to fix their mistakes and dethrone the Masters? Or will the veterans impose their will on the youth once again?

Master F  

U24 F  

Tentacools   

Fontenay & Co  

les Bleuettes 

Diderot 12 Asnières  

Pessac F

La Rochelle F