The All Blacks XV, the reserve team of the illustrious All Blacks, is preparing to face Georgia this Sunday, November 10 at the GGL Stadium in Montpellier, thanks to the initiative of Mohed Altrad and his company. With headliners such as Finlay Christie and unwavering support from their coach Clayton McMillan, this meeting promises to be unforgettable. On the Georgian side, a strong Montpellier presence announces a captivating duel, marking a unique moment for the city of Montpellier.
New Zealand arrives in force
The All Blacks XV bus has finally reached Montpellier, and the whole city is preparing to welcome them for a rugby meeting full of promise. This Sunday, in the heart of the GGL Stadium, the New Zealanders will do battle with the Georgia national team. This meeting, the result of a long negotiation led by Mohed Altrad, president of Montpellier HĂ©rault Rugby, marks an important turning point. Altrad was able to convince the New Zealand teams, of which it has been the sponsor since January 2022, to come and cross swords in France, offering a spectacle worthy of the biggest sporting events.
Finlay Christie, a valuable asset
In the ranks of the All Blacks XV, all eyes are on Finlay Christie. With 23 caps for the All Blacks, he represents an undeniable force for this so-called “B” team, which contains within it a harmonious blend of promising youth and seasoned experience. Christie, asked by the MHR to join their ranks and fill the void left by Cobus Reinach, preferred to continue his adventure with the Auckland Blues, promoting the development of his talent in his native land.
A warm welcome to the MHR
The GGL Stadium not only opened its doors to the New Zealand team, but offered them a warm welcome. The president of the MHR spoke in English, sharing his astonishing journey and the history of his club, under the watchful eye of coach Clayton McMillan and his deputies Cory Jane and Jamie Mackintosh, former legends of New Zealand rugby. In addition to the usual polite expressions, an All Blacks jersey was offered to Mohed Altrad, symbolizing this friendship and this exceptionally sincere collaboration between the two parties.
Montpellier, epicenter of rugby this month of November
The spotlight is on Montpellier. The city, which has a reputation for being lively and welcoming, sees a plethora of rugby talents coming from the antipodes for this annual engagement. New Zealand captain Du Plessis Kirifi, enthusiastic about discovering the charms of the city, is delighted with this extraordinary experience. He also takes the opportunity to take the Montpellier tramway to reach the stadium, symbolizing this enriching cultural and sporting exchange.
Georgia in force under the leadership of Richard Cockerill
On the Georgian side, there is no shortage of experience and determination. With players like Nika Abuladze, Vano Karkadze and Luka Japaridze, the first line could well be entirely Montpellier, under the direction of Richard Cockerill. This match therefore promises a clash of titans on the Montpellier stage, witness to the talent and expertise that international rugby can offer.