Thomas Ramos and Romain Buros emerge among the best backs in the Top 14. But they do not electrify the backs of their respective teams alone. In their initiatives, they can count on the support of leading wingers. An observation particularly supported in the Bordeaux ranks.
The trio Louis Bielle-Biarrey (21 years old, 11 caps), Romain Buros (26 years old), Damian Penaud (27 years old, 53 caps), completed in the squad rotations by Madosh Tambwe (27 years old), is the one of the most prolific in the championship. Whether in the number of crossings – Tambwe (18, 1.3/match), Penaud (16, 1.06/m) -, or that of defenders beaten – Penaud (35, 2.3/m), Buros ( 36, 1.6/m) – or that of the attempts scored.
Beyond the status of second best scorer in the championship held by Damian Penaud (14 in Top 14, 18 in all competitions), Madosh Tambwe (7 in Top 14, 10 in total), Louis Bielle-Biarrey (5 in Top 14, 11 in total) and Romain Buros (5 in Top 14, 10 in total) have demonstrated their effectiveness.
Limited freedoms
The result of an animation highlighting their ability to dezone to find the most fragile defensive zones. “They have freedom but with responsibilities,” conceptualizes Noel McNamara, in charge of offensive animation of the UBB. “You have to look for opportunities: the worst defenders are generally found in the center of the field. »
This freedom, however, is expressed within a well-defined framework, continues manager Yannick Bru: “They have the authorization to dezone within the precise framework of our offensive circulation. There is a frame on long possessions, another when the 15 must replace the 10 in the closed side. We give them the freedom to work, but the framework remains precise. »
The result so far has been convincing. “We have good complementarity,” believes Romain Buros: “It’s certain that Damian would tend to play a lot. Louis, for his part, has a full-back background. It’s very easy to communicate with him, we don’t really need to talk to each other to understand each other. They are two incredible players. When I try something, I know that I will be easily supported. Even that the actions will be embellished by these two wingers. »
And in this comment, the fullback does not mention his role as game leader, when replacing number 10, or even his prerogatives in terms of kicking play, in occupation as in camp outings.
The people of Bordeaux are equipped. But the people of Toulouse are just as much. In the game promoted by Ugo Mola, they also play their part by rezoning. The two tries scored against the Rochelais by Juan-Cruz Mallia, twice, and Blair Kinghorn, also recall their qualities when concluding the actions. And this even if they do not present statistics as flashy as their future opponents.
A downside, however, for the manager of the reigning champions: Matthis Lebel, Toulouse’s top scorer (10 tries in Top 14, 16 in total), is uncertain after having blocked his back in the semi-final in Bordeaux. Ugo Mola, however, has no shortage of solutions. In addition to Juan-Cruz Mallia, Ange Capuozzo is in reserve.
