Above the rest in all sectors, Stade Toulouse crushed Union Bordeaux-Bègles in Marseille to win the 23rd Brennus Shield in its history. A crushing 59-3 victory for the Rouge et Noir, who at the same time achieved the Champions Cup – Top 14 double. The UBB was never able to compete.
In the boiling Orange Vélodrome in Marseille, literally and figuratively, this unprecedented final between the two teams from the South-West was promising in many ways. Toulouse, with its experience and its ability to take on this kind of meeting, against Bordeaux-Bègles, untouched by any experience at this point in the season, was able to take advantage of a certain euphoria to win the bet. The scenario was quickly opened, with Dupont taking advantage of a major advance in the axis in order to credit his team after a quality incursion (7-0, 6th). While Tatafu received a yellow card on the action for a high tackle, the Unionists could not have started worse. If Lucu reduced the gap in the process following a launch of fine quality (7-3, 10th), it remained too insufficient at this moment to compete against the Toulousains.
Better in offensive production, more conquering in static and mobile phases up front, the Girondins regularly suffered the assaults of Ugo Mola’s men. Ramos would add three additional points first for an offside by Cazeaux (10-3, 14th), before the Haut-Garonnais decided to accelerate more frantically. Mauvaka, well helped by Mallía in his corridor, would be propelled into the promised land after a remarkable confiscation action near the 22 meters of the UBB (15-3, 20th). Dupont then played with an entire waiting defense, with a brilliant overhead, and a clever recovery to go and score the double and score between the posts (22-3, 24th). The scoreboard could have been a little heavier as Mauvaka stole a touchline mistake from Bordelo-Bèglais, without managing to score in the final seconds of a one-sided first half.
Toulouse, then the others
What to say next? A collective demonstration imbued with strength and total collectiveness in its production. The Toulouse first did the work with Ramos at the foot (25-3, 44th). Then the recital got underway, Ramos (62nd), Marchand (68th), Kinghorn (70th), Ramos again (74th), Ainuu (79th) and Capuozzo on an incredible 100 meter recovery came to correct a UBB floored in all compartments. Toulouse’s offensive range was heightened, breaking a points record by far in a championship final. The last from Capuozzo is surely the most beautiful expression of total rugby, cheerful and flying over the debates in an immense way on these debates. Almost surreal and yet.
The Red and Blacks remain as competitive as ever during major events after such a unique and insane performance. A historical know-how, a certain accustomance to success that has not been out of place for decades. The victory against Bordeaux-Bègles is only an additional illustration of a tenacious hegemony over French rugby. With this 23rd Brennus shield brought back to Haute-Garonne, not only has Stade Toulousain won another double after the European title, but it has also further displayed its supremacy over French rugby.
The Bordeaux-Bègles Union did not exist in this final, as the gap was too significant. His journey which took him to the final deserves great respect, synonymous with certain growth for the future since the union was ratified in 2006. For its first final in its history in Top 14, the Girondins will have been able to see all the tricks to master to become master of the championship and obtain real recognition at this level. Nevertheless, the disappointment is legitimate as the Grail seemed accessible, but it is perhaps only a learning process to come back even stronger at this level of the competition.
