Jackson’s Perpignan bid for maiden win against Grenoble

PARIS: Newly-promoted clubs Perpignan and Grenoble remain winless and rock bottom of the Top 14 table, though the two sides face off Saturday in the hope of a first victory.

Both Perpignan, marshalled by ex-Ulster and Ireland fly-half Paddy Jackson, and Grenoble have played four, lost four, looking light squadwise in comparison to their biggerbudget rivals.

Grenoble lost their opening three games (against La Rochelle, Toulouse and Pau) by a combined total of just 13 points, before going down 29-13 to champions Castres last week.

Perpignan were thrashed by Stade Francais, before suffering narrow defeats by Agen and Lyon, and then most recently folding in the second half in a 37-10 defeat by La Rochelle.

“We know that every match brings satisfaction even though the results aren’t there,” insisted Perpignan coach Christian Lanta, whose side beat Grenoble three times in the ProD2 second division last season.

“We respect Grenoble... Saying we must win is all very well, but I’m looking at what ingredients we need to help boost results.

“We work a lot on individual efficency in a bid to rid ourselves of individual errors.

“If that is present, we know we have the chance of getting a good result against Grenoble.”

Lanta added: “I’ve read some pessimistic things about us. Let them write and say what they want. We’re only at the fourth weekend of the season.”

Perpignan welcome back flanker Mamea Lemalu and centre Afusipa Taumoepeau, both rested for the 3710 defeat by La Rochelle last week.

Grenoble, however, are still missing flanker Clement Ancely, Australian scrum-half Ben Lucas, fly-half Franck Pourteau and winger Lucas Dupont through injuries. - AFP