With only two points brought back from its trip to the Rhône, Stade Toulousain left its place as leader of the Top 14 to UBB. Manhandled on the sidelines and in the absence of their executives (Dupont, Ntamack, Ramos and Willis on rest), the Toulouse residents can consider themselves happy with this result. In the last 15 minutes, Léo Berdeu twice had the opportunity to give LOU victory but his attempts each time fled the posts.
The big blow of the day is to the credit of UBB. Yannick Bru's men brought down the previously undefeated Castres at home this season (3-13). However, the Bordelais presented themselves in the Tarn with a reshuffled team due to numerous injuries or the rest granted to Bielle-Biarrey or Tameifuna. But the satisfactions are numerous with a touch which continues to stabilize and a closed scrum which has several times dominated that of the Castres. UBB could finish the first leg at the top of the championship for the first time since 2019.
Top 14: the Bordeaux-Bègles Union sent a message
While its scrum was mishandled, its starts random and its indiscipline too marked, the UBB rectified the situation to win against Castres who had until now been invincible at home (3-13). With, in addition, a reshuffled workforce
To do this they will have to beat RC Toulon next Saturday (9:05 p.m.) at Chaban-Delmas, and put an end to the Varois' series of six consecutive victories, still impressive against Pau this weekend (56-25).
Bayonne, Clermont and La Rochelle widen the gap for the Top 6
Always surprising, Aviron Bayonnais is starting to become a serious candidate for the Top 6 after its clear victory on Breton soil against RC Vannes (27-21). Solid at home as they have become accustomed to since their return to the Elite, the Ciel et Blanc are finally able to export themselves and remain on five victories in the last six matches in the Top 14. They could finish the first leg at 3rd place next week.
Behind them, Clermont and La Rochelle are there despite a checkered start to the season for the Maritimes. Neck to neck throughout their opposition this weekend to Marcel Deflandre, the Rochelais were able to breathe when Clermont preferred to settle for the defensive bonus point on the siren (20-15). Especially since it was the Clermontois who dominated the match, collapsing three times in goal without managing to win. But La Rochelle knew how to do what was necessary to seek victory, notably by responding to the physical challenge of a very intense meeting (6 yellow cards).
It's tight at the bottom of the rankings
A little lower in the standings, Montpellier is breathing easier thanks to its success with a short lead over a Racing 92 team that is still disappointing (21-17). Despite Fickou, Tuisova, Habosi and Le Garrec, the Ile-de-France residents still cannot meet expectations, seem without a solution in the game and are only 9th in the championship.
