Rugby – Top 14: in Mayol, an undisciplined then overwhelmed Paloise Section

The fact: back to reality

Exiting the red zone after its success against Lyon at Le Hameau during the 11th^e day and reassured by the European parenthesis, the Paloise Section moved on to the revealing Toulon, launched on a series of five victories in a row. It did not pass the crash test, dominated in the long run: 56-25, 7 tries to 3. Sébastien Piqueronies has not yet won his first point on Var soil. And the 20-year mark since the last victory at Mayol is getting closer (2006).

Above all, it is a sixth away defeat this season which sends Pau back close to the red zone. In 12th place while waiting for the curtain to drop on this 12th day on Sunday evening between LOU and Toulouse.

The scenario: until the breakup

Unlike what was done against Lyon, this time they did not respect the requirements. At the heart of the Pau plan to storm the RCT liner, there were three priorities, first and foremost discipline. Three penalties conceded in 7 minutes, that was surely not the idea. At the idea, the RCT was already leading thanks to Serin (3-0; 8^e).

The RCT was confident and was not going to go off track. Chased, Daubagna let the ball escape: Lucchesi launched a counter with Domon and Dréan in relay. Luc was overwhelmed, Maddocks saved the homeland but the game rebounded and Le Corvec passed between Daubagna and Credoz (10-0 after Serin's transformation; 10^e). If Simmonds closed the gap (14^e ; 10-3), the RCT would bring the Palois closer to the breaking point. On a play at the foot of Fainga'Anuku, Maddocks covered but under pressure from Villière conceded a throw-in. The resulting maul was brutal: in front of Lucchesi, Daubagna sacrificed himself but gave in and the 2^e Zegueur blade arrived too late (17-3; 16th).

The Pau conquest did not allow us to raise our heads. Fortunately, there was the mischief of Daubagna who had integrated the instruction to gain speed: on a penalty quickly played after a good race from Manu, he resisted Tolofua and Halagahu (17-10; 24^e).

Toulon had no reason to panic yet. A foul from Reece Hewat allowed them to return to the scoring zone. Pau put up a crazy resistance but on the goal kick, the RCT attack hit the mark. Simmonds trapped at the end of the line by his daring climb, Dréan was heading to the promised land (30^e ; 24-10). The brilliance was just dampened at half-time by a penalty from Simmonds (24-13; 40^e). At that moment, it wasn't necessarily a high price.

And Pau was even able to regain hope, helped by massive coaching: the half-time entries of Auradou, Kpoku and Seneca. A joy for the conquest with ammunition finally stolen and an undeniable momentum on the attack balloons. If a Tagitagivalu missed an opportunity in front of the line, the Section then struck a blow with a first-hand try. Put into orbit by a colossal Manu, Luc remembered the good memories of his ex (24-20; 51^e). Alas, the indiscipline hurt: two mistakes (Credoz and Gailleton) gave two ammunition to Serin (30-20; 60^e). At 14 against 15, the Palois cracked a little more. On a well-used recovery ball and in front of Joe Simmonds who was not very comfortable at the end of the line, Gabin Villière hit the mark (37-20; 62^e). The response signed by Maddocks after a major action was not strong enough: Villière served by Enzo Hervé passed between Kpoku and Seneca after a touch, went with his double (42-25; 67^e). Kyle Sinckler's try then finished burying the last hopes (73^e ; 49-25). Before that of Dréan (77^e ; 56-25) be deposed as a humiliation.

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The turning point: inferiority complexes

It was a sequence that hurt a lot: the yellow card inflicted on Émilien Gailleton (59^e). Severe unless we consider that the captain paid for the repetition of mistakes by his team. Especially since in the continuity of the action, Zabala was severely tackled in the back. Inferiority, the Palois broke twice. The match was over.

The key: (again) fatal conquest

Four touches lost in the first half, five in total to which must be added the three penalties conceded in scrum, the Section Paloise was too shaken up on the fundamentals. The entry into play of Hugo Auradou showed to what extent inconsistency plays tricks. When the ammunition is there, Pau has arguments to put forward, like his first-hand essay signed Luc and started with a winning touch. Absences are unforgiving.

The man: Manu worked

If one is needed, it will be him: Tumua Manu positioned on the wing did everything he could to carry the Paloise Section against Toulon. Involved in two tests, vigilant in defense, the Samoan gained credit on Var soil. For his 17 tackles inflicted, only one missed, Reece Hewat, did not lose any.

The number: 14

Discipline had to be won, the Palois lost it. 13 penalties conceded against 11 at the RCT, it was far too many. Especially with two yellow cards: Gailleton (59^e) and Kpoku (75^e). The two inferiorities cost three attempts.

Next: High pressure valves

After the obligatory holidays, the Paloise Section will meet on Thursday for an internship on the Basque Coast preparatory to the last meeting of the year 2024: the reception of Vannes at the Hameau, closing of the curtain of the first leg scheduled for Saturday at 2 p.m. (on Canal+). Vannes which has just lost at home against Bayonne (21-27) but which has already taken 6 points away.