the essential
In this semi-final, won this Friday, June 21 by the “rouge et noir” (39-23), the Toulouse captain was the essential leader and facilitator of his team, supported by François Cros who was always just as precious in the fight. and a Juan Cruz Mallia excellent finisher.
Thomas RAMOS (3.5/5). Our analysis of the player’s performance can be read here.
Juan Cruz MALLIA (3/5). And a double for the Argentinian international, one! He showed his qualities as a finisher, because he had to finish these actions in the corridor. Each time, he was served on his right lane by Dupont (30th and 48th). He could even have considered a hat-trick when launched on his wing in the 70th minute by Chocobarès, his foot flirted with the line even though he was off on a very promising raid.
Santiago CHOCOBARES (3/5). We hadn’t seen much of him until then and then the Argentinian emerged from his box on a clearance from Dulin in his 30m which he countered and ended up under the La Rochelle posts (52nd). A try which hurt Stade Rochelais and placed it at that moment in an ideal situation (29-20).
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Pita AHKI (2,5/5). For his return to school match since the Champions Cup final, Pita Ahlki was mainly active in defense as he was little used on attacking balls. Diligent, concentrated, he delivered a clean copy. Replaced by COSTES (77e).
Blair KINGHORN (3/5). Placed on the wing, the Scottish international did not miss the first ammunition sent by Dupont while La Rochelle was 14 men down to register the first Toulouse player, on his first ball of the match (23rd). He commits a forward on a pass from Ntamack (44th) on a ball that could have hit the mark. Saves a hot ball (62nd) with a clearance under pressure. Replaced by LEBEL (77th) who signed his entry with the try which sealed the Toulouse victory. His sixteenth try in all competitions this season!
Romain NTAMACK (3/5). The Toulouse maestro did not cross the field this time but he was no less valuable. Serene, present in defense, he distinguished himself in particular by a nice extended pass for Mallia (23rd), followed by a few accelerations (28th, 36th) which did not succeed. And then there is this last inspiration, a luminous foot pass from 25m towards Lebel (79th) which did not spoil such a caviar!
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Antoine DUPONT (3,5/5). He got off to a flying start in his final, setting a strong entry tempo against the La Rochelle defense: quick ball releases, accelerations, interval shots, Antoine Dupont was not there to hang around en route. If he isolated himself on a magnificent breakthrough (17th) which earned him a penalty, he quickly redeemed himself. While the Rochelais had just been reduced to 14, with a superb pass on a reversal, he sent Kinghorn to try. Very active, he chose to quickly play a penalty against the bars. A profitable choice which allows him to once again be a decisive passer for Mallia’s try (30th). His kicking game in the second half was also very valuable in relieving his teammates and putting the pressure back into the La Rochelle camp. Replaced by GRAOU (79e).
Alexandre ROUMAT (3/5). Activity, sharp races and an ease in supporting his teammates. Penalized on touch in the 34th. He increased his tempo in the second half by pushing a few well-felt charges or by showing himself to be a valuable point of support on the sidelines.
Jack WILLIS (2/5). Not a great evening for the English flanker, penalized twice in the first half, each time with La Rochelle attempts. The first time on a maul which led to Latu’s try (12th) then again in the 37th on a new maul which earned him a yellow card for a series of Toulouse fouls. Behind, Toulouse concedes Aldritt’s try (39th) which allows the Rochelais to take the lead at the break. Still penalized for ground faults in the second half. Replaced by BRENNAN (63e).
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François CROS (3.5/5). He was where we expected him to be. Always as combative, omnipresent in hot spots, tireless tackler (around ten to his credit). With him, the Stadium can see it coming.
Thibaud FLAMENT (3/5). Valuable on returns with his acrobatic holds, he excels in the air, but he also knows how to be very effective on the ground, in close combat where his takedown was very valuable. On one of his charges, Atonio will be sent off (43rd) for a dangerous tackle. A first turning point in this semi-final.
Richie ARNOLD (2,5/5). Precious on the first touches, he worked in the shadows. In support of Dupont on the action which will lead to Mallia’s first try. Replaced by FAASALELE (49e).
Dorian ALDEGHERI (2,5/5). Injured while warming up on the scalp, he was embarrassed from the start with his protective helmet which he took off several times. Penalized twice on rucks (9th and 18th), he performed well in the scrums. Replaced by AINU’U (59e).
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Peato MAVAKA (3/5). Active upwind, he commits a forward move 10m from the line (7th) after a touch. Author of a try in the 46th minute refused for a forward pass from Kinghorn. Replaced by MARCHAND (54th) sanctioned with a yellow card (61st) after having provoked Wardi who will be expelled.
Cyril BAILLE (3/5). A lot of activity from the kick-off with several tackles to his credit to stop the Rochelais. Hit in the left knee, he had to leave the field on a stretcher. Replaced by NETI (49e).
