Rattled Montpellier look to reignite old passion in Top 14

Former France back row forward Remy Martin wants to see last season's surprise Top 14 finalists Montpellier rediscover their form and fire against Stade Francais on Friday after a terrible start to the season. Martin was one of the big name arrivals in the summer but has yet to experience that winning feeling after two games of the campaign with last weekend's 28-12 reverse against Brive showing them how far they have fallen in such a short time. They currently lie bottom of the table having failed to register even a bonus point. Although they are missing key players such as France duo, club captain Fulgence Ouedraogo and fly-half Francois Trinh-Duc, Martin doesn't see why the remaining players can't raise themselves to the levels of last term. "In this match in Paris, it is especially important that we rediscover some pride and our passion," said Martin, who will be up against one of his former clubs. "We don't yet have the knife at our throat, but it's complicated. "We didn't lose against Brive because the World Cup players weren't there but because we simply didn't turn up," added the 32-year-old, who won the last of his 23 caps in 2009. Montpellier at least will be boosted by the return of centres Paul Bosch, who has recovered from a thigh injury, and Geoffrey Doumayrou, who has been out since March with a shoulder injury. Eric Bechu, joint coach with former France captain Fabien Galthie, said that they had worked hard during the week on putting things right. "We are looking for a positive reaction," he said. "We have to be more focused in what we do out on the pitch, because up until now we haven't done a lot. "We have analysed everything intensively. We have spoken to the players and changed certain things." Leaders Racing-Metro don't play until Saturday, away at champions Toulouse, so 2010 champions Clermont will be hoping to take charge at the top when they host newboys Bordeaux-Begles on Friday. However, Vern Cotter's side have been hit by several high-profile absentees through injuries with international wing Julien Malzieu out with tendinitis in an Achilles tendon. In addition, young Scottish back Mark Bennett has a twisted knee and former France international fullback Anthony Floch is a doubt with a groin problem. Meanwhile, Bordeaux, who unlike fellow newboys Lyon have at least got a win on the board, are missing six players on World Cup duty. Without the resources of the bigger-budgeted clubs, they are being forced to blood more inexperienced players straight away. As a result flanker Louis-Benoit Madaule and full-back Laurent Ferreres should make their Top 14 debuts while fly-half Camille Lopez and either one of two props Patrick Toetu or Ricky Davies will also have their baptism of fire having previously been used as replacements.