the essential
During the round of 16 of the Coupe de France, this Sunday, the Commingeois will challenge Carcassonne, defending champion, while the Toulouse residents will face the leader of Elite 2, Ille-sur-Têt.
> Saint-Gaudens-Carcassonne, Sunday, 3 p.m.
For those nostalgic, a poster between Saint-Gaudens and Carcassonne refers to the 1973 final where that year, the Commingeois won the first of their three French Lord-Derby Cups. On a Sunday in May, Saint-Gaudens dominated Carcassonne (21-8) in its home at Domec. Half a century later, Carcassonne has become the specialist in the Coupe de France, of which it is both the double holder (2023, 2024) and record holder of the event (17 victories).
Sunday, Saint-Gaudens has a big challenge to face against an opponent who dominated them in the championship (40-16) during the fifth day. A Carcassonne team which is currently marking time in the championship. The Audois are certainly leaders, but remain with two consecutive losses (Albi at home and Pia). At home, RCSG will try to achieve the feat. Let us remember that impossible is not Commingeois.
> Ille-sur-Têt (Elite 2) – Toulouse Élite, Sunday, 3 p.m.
As a wink from history, the Toulouse reserve goes to the country of Jean-Galia, the founder of the XIII in France and of Toulouse Olympique subsequently. For this trip with the sweet scent of memory, Sébastien Raguin's protégés will be confronted with an opponent playing at a lower level, but particularly tough. The Illois were crowned French Elite 2 champions in 2023. Closer to home, they occupy first place in the championship. To date, they have only experienced one setback in Carpentras (20-30). Once again, the young people of Toulouse will have their work cut out for them.
France
