Toulouse wins its semi-final against La Rochelle with a score of 39-23! After a nice battle, Ugo Mola’s players managed to make the difference in the second act, helped by La Rochelle’s indiscipline. The red cards of Uini Atonio and Reda Wardi were too great a handicap for the valiant Maritimes until the end, in the wake of Will Skelton. The people of Toulouse will meet with the final in Marseille next Friday!
A long-awaited duel as revenge a sumptuous final won last season by Toulouse. The setting of Matmut Atlantique was ideal for this confrontation within the rules between the Stadistes seeking the famous double and the Rochelais in the quest for a much sought-after Brennus shield. Ramos opened the scoreboard by sanctioning an opposing offside position almost at kick-off, and setting the tone of the match (3-0, 2nd). The response was not far away, the Rochelais taking advantage of a school ball, sufficiently generating progress to send Latu behind the line (3-7, 11th). An important event then occurs with the yellow card received by Nowell for a cynical foul near his line (19th). A fatal inferiority on the spot with a try from Kinghorn with the boulevard which was offered in front of him (10-10, 22nd).
Toulouse insisted on going wide, did not hesitate to take the game into its own hands, like its opponent in fact. After an acceleration from Dupont in the axis, it was Mallía who was called upon in his lane to effectively finish a major action right into his lane (15-10, 31st). It was the moment chosen by the Rochelais to raise their level of play. More alert on the ground, Ronan O’Gara’s men compiled numerous penalties. Hastoy first reduced the score with good possession in the Toulouse half of the field (15-13, 35th), but especially after the yellow card from Willis before the end of the first act (38th), with a new demonstration of strength from its forwards, with Alldritt propelled behind the line following fierce undermining work by the former European champions (15-20, 40th). Everything was restarted, and the scenario left room for real uncertainty upon returning from the locker room.
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Top 14 – Toulouse – La Rochelle notes: Ramos and Mallia show the way, Dulin in hell, Atonio and Wardi guilty
Red cards too expensive
A notable event occurred quickly, with a shoulder tackle without attenuating circumstances from Atonio to Flament who was punished with a red card by Mr. Trainini (44th). Mallía will again take advantage of this sanction with a try at the end of the line by eliminating Dulin near the line (22-20, 48th). The ax will fall a few moments later with Chocobares’ counter on the unfortunate Dulin, countered without his kicking game. The Argentinian went solo for the test (29-20, 52nd). An altercation between Marchand and Wardi will result in a yellow card for the hooker (62nd) for provocation but another red card, for the left-hander, author of a headbutt. The one too many. The break was made even if Hastoy reduced the score with a penalty, Lebel will conclude the evening after a perfect delicious diagonal from Ntamack at his place (39-23, 80th).
So, who will find Toulouse in the Top 14 final? \ud83e\udd14
Response Saturday evening at the end of the semi-final which will pit Stade Français against UBB… pic.twitter.com/QrW1zgP8M8
— RUGBYRAMA (@RugbyramaFR) https://twitter.com/RugbyramaFR/status/1804248094370124249?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw
The Haut-Garonnais once again showed their know-how in the final sprint of this season. Always as decisive when we expect them, the Toulouse residents remain the masters of the game when it comes to living up to the event and taking advantage of the elements. By putting the Rochelais on the back foot following their indiscipline, the Stadistes offer themselves a new final with an irresistible quest towards a potential double after the title of European champion.
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Top 14. Toulouse – La Rochelle – A player in the match: Thomas Ramos had a message to convey
Concerning the Maritimes, the step was a little too high. The disappointment is still immense as the belief of a reversal of an irregular season was within reach. Put under the spotlight by his opponent of the day, a real nemesis now for several seasons, the Rochelais did not manage to take their revenge for the legitimate frustration born from a final that was let slip away at the end last season. Another failure for Stade Rochelais.
