This Friday, April 3rd at 7:30pm, Biarritz Olympique (11th, 43 pts) travel to Oyonnax (6th) for Round 25 of Pro D2. The coaching staff made 12 changes to the starting lineup — a bold move balancing squad management with a bet on youth, with six rounds left in the season.
Twelve changes. The number hits hard, like a statement of intent. With six rounds to go, the red and white coaching staff chose to rotate heavily for the trip to Oyonnax, keeping fresh legs for a match deemed more critical: next week’s home game against Nevers. Only three players keep their spots from the win in Aurillac (24-27): Aston Fortuin in the second row, Nicolas Elissondo on the wing, and Joe Jonas at fullback.
Facing an Oyonnax side fighting for playoff contention, the Biarrots will have everything to prove — though they can take confidence from three consecutive wins over their opponents this season.
Eliott Arandiga, 22, handed the keys
The headline of the evening is Eliott Arandiga. At just 22, the young fly-half is set to play only his fourth match of the season, but he has clearly impressed the staff with his work ethic and positive cameo appearances. With Retiere rested, Dolharagaray returning from concussion and Selponi nursing a hand injury, the decision is partly forced — but the player had already made his case before the absences.
His cameo in Brive was very impressive. He keeps sending us positive signals. We hope this weekend will be another strong performance.
Sebastien Buada, backs coach
Also noteworthy: Alban Placines earns his first start of the season in the second row. At 32, the former Toulouse player — who spent six years at Stadium before returning to the Basque Country last summer — finally gets his chance. A symbolic moment for a player coming home with top-flight experience in his boots.