The 12th day of Top 14 did not disappoint with encounters full of intensity and breathtaking scenarios.
Toulon delights and crushes Pau
Toulon left no chance for the Section Paloise, with an impressive offensive display to win 56-25. If the Palois held their own for a good hour (24-20 in the 52nd), the Var machine got carried away in the last half hour. The wingers Gabin Villière et Gaël Dréan each offered themselves a double, bringing the RCT to the podium thanks to an improved victory.
For Pau, the situation becomes complicated with a 6th defeat in eight games.
La Rochelle scares itself but provides the essentials
Facing Clermontthe Rochelais had to work hard to achieve a difficult success (20-15). The match, marked by serious indiscipline (six yellow cards), put the nerves of both teams to the test. Between skirmishes and poorly controlled movements, this rough fight finally turned to the advantage of the Maritimes, still solid at home.
Clermont, for its part, leaves frustrated despite an encouraging performance.
Montpellier holds on against Racing
Montpellier showed character to win against Racing 92 in a very close duel (21-17). Reduced to 13 players at the end of the match, the Héraultais resisted enormous pressure from the Ile-de-France residents to achieve a victory which was good for morale.
Racing, although ambitious, has had one series of disappointments and is now in a modest 10th place.
Bayonne confirms, Vannes stalls at home
Rowing Bayonne continues to surprise and moves to the top of the table thanks to a controlled victory at Vannes (21-27). Despite a burst of pride from the Bretons at the end of the match, Bayonne knew how to manage the key moments to leave with the four points.
On the other hand, for Vannes, the improvement hoped for after the victory against La Rochelle did not last: here they are last, still lagging behind.
The Stade Français finds a little fresh air
Without shining, but seriously, the French Stadium beat her Perpignan to Jean-Bouin (24-7). This victory allows the Parisians to breathe a little after complicated weeks. Opposite, Perpignan is sinking into crisis with a fifth setback in a row and a last place which seems increasingly difficult to leave.
Bordeaux wins against Castres, Lyon and Toulouse waiting
In a very close match, Bordeaux-Bègles took over Castres (3-13) thanks to a solid defense and better management of weak times. It remains to follow the poster between Lyon et Toulousescheduled at the end, which could well reshuffle the cards at the top of the rankings.
A day full of surprises and confirmations
This 12th day offered a summary of what makes the magic of Top 14 : spectacular matches, confirmations and fierce fights. Toulon showed a real return to business, while Bayonne confirms that we will have to count on him this season. At the bottom of the table, the situation becomes worrying for Perpignan et Valveswho seem trapped. One thing is certain, the championship remains more open than ever.
I grew up in a family where rugby was at all times. I was at the edge of the pitch when Castres beat Pau and joined the elite, I was in the Stade Pierre Antoine facing Gary Whetton when he did his Haka to celebrate the Brennus of 1993 and I was always rocked legends of this sport. Now, it is with XV Ovalie that I intend to extend the adventure. #TeamCO
