Pro D2 – Week 23 Preview

Week 23 of the Pro D2 starts today in France. In the latest round of the French second division there is to be a variety of Americas players involved. Below is a preview of what to look out for involving players from the Western Hemisphere.

The opening match of Week 23 is the only Thursday fixture. Taking place in French Catalunya will be Perpignan vs Vannes. Named in the visiting side is Eric Fry. The Californian’s return to fitness coincides with him having signed a new contract with Vannes to remain at the club until 2020. He will feature from the bench against Perpignan.

On Friday there is to be an Argentine-Uruguayan connection for Dax. Playing at home against Charente one player from either side of the Rio de la Plata will feature among the replacements. Martín Chiappesoni will cover flanker while Felipe Berchesi is to cover fly half.

Former Pumas center Horacio San Martín is another replacement. He will feature on the bench for Nevers against Mont de Marsan. Starting for the visitors will be Jerónimo Negrotto at Tight Head. Among the reserves will be Carlos Muzzio, covering prop.

In the Basque country Bayonne host Aurillac. The race to return to the Top 14, and to avoid further merger talks with Biarritz, makes this a massively important home match. Kicking goals from fullback will be former Puma Martín Bustos Moyano.

Fighting for their lives to avoid relegation are Carcasonne. This Friday they host powerhouses Colomiers. Playing second-row will be Demian Panizzo. A win for Carcassonne would see the club edging closer to escaping the relegation zone.

Bottom of the table Narbonne host the Gonzalo Quesada coached Biarritz in Saturday’s final fixture. Their situation is more desperate than Carcassonne’s. Looking to win on the road for Biarritz will be Argentine prop Leandro Mario Assi. He is among the replacements.

Completing the round will be a Sunday fixture with Grenoble at home to Montauban. Line-ups for this match will be named on Saturday afternoon.