Drama in the Top 14! Bordeaux takes the reins, Pau sinks into the depths of the ranking while Bayonne makes a breathtaking start to the season. Find out who are the winners and losers of this 12th day full of suspense…
The 12th day of Top 14 kept all its promises in terms of spectacle and suspense. At the end of a thrilling rugby weekend, the ranking of the French championship was completely turned upside down, with its share of surprises. Bordeaux takes the lead, Pau slides dangerously towards the relegation zone while the promoted Bayonne continues to surprise everyone. Deciphering the issues of this pivotal day.
UBB Takes Command
The great satisfaction of the weekend is to be credited to theUnion Bordeaux-Bègles. Winners on the Castres pitch in Dantean conditions (3-13), Christophe Urios' men seize first place in the ranking, taking advantage of Toulouse's misstep in Lyon. Solid defensively, opportunistic in attack, the Girondins were able to demonstrate mastery to achieve a valuable success away from home. This victory confirms the ambitions of a club which has continued to progress in recent seasons.
Toulouse Cale, Toulon in Ambush
The Toulouse Stadiumleader before this day, was hung on the LOU lawn (17-17) in a wild match. Despite a thunderous start, the Rouge et Noir gradually gave up in the face of Lyon's fury. Trailing at the break, Toulouse came back with better intentions in the second half, without managing to make a difference. This draw costs first place to the reigning French champions, who fall to second place in the standings, tied on points with UBB.
Behind this leading duo, the RCT is in ambush. Winners with the offensive bonus against Brive (41-19), the Toulonnais carried out an excellent operation in the ranking by consolidating their third place. Carried by the sharpness of their three-quarters and the power of their pack, the Varois send a strong message to the competition. This success confirms the revival of a club which is finding color after a few complicated seasons.
Bayonne Confirms, Pau Sinks
Promoted to the Top 14 this season,Rowing Bayonnais continues to surprise everyone. Thanks to a sluggish but valuable success at home against Racing 92 (20-15), the Basques climbed to an incredible fourth place, just three points from the podium. Solid in their fundamentals, heroic in defense, Yannick Bru's protégés prove week after week that they will have to be counted on in the race for the final stages. A start to the season that commands respect!
Conversely, the Paloise section crosses a very delicate pass. Beaten at home by Montpellier (16-22), the Béarnais suffered a fifth consecutive defeat in the championship and slipped dangerously in the standings. Penultimate with only 10 points on the clock, the Palois will have to react or risk experiencing a difficult season. Maintenance is still a long way off, but we will have to stop this negative spiral as quickly as possible to avoid sinking.
A Championship More Undecided Than Ever
A third of the way through the regular season, this French championship confirms its incredible density and great homogeneity. Behind the untouchable leading trio, six teams are separated by just four points! Bayonne, Clermont, La Rochelle, Montpellier, Racing and Stade Français can all claim qualifying places. In the soft belly, seven clubs are separated by only six points. In short, the suspense is total!
This 12th day of Top 14 kept all its promises, completely redistributing the cards in the rankings. If the UBB asserts itself as a serious contender for Brennus, Toulouse and the RCT will not give up. Behind this trio, the battle rages to grab the right wagon. At the bottom of the table, Pau is in danger but can still hope for a comeback. One thing is certain: this championship is more thrilling and indecisive than ever. Looking forward to the sequel!
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