Paris was fragile against Vannes
Last weekend, the pink soldiers were up against the promoted Vannetais, and although on paper the match could have seemed unbalanced, the Bretons held their own against the men from the capital.
Paris won by only three narrow points, 34 to 31, and lost the second half 10-21. Vannes even had a possession at the end of the match to secure a draw or even victory. This Parisian victory highlighted the shortcomings of the locals, especially in defense where the absence of Ward in midfield weighs heavily.
Toulon is on a good dynamic
For the RCT, the victory was also short this weekend against Castres, 30-28, but the scenario of the match was very different. Mignoni’s men caught up with a 12-point deficit, because until the hour mark, they were trailing 13-25. Fortunately, in the last 20 minutes, the Varois scored two converted tries. They won the second half 17-11, proof of a character already very present.
In addition to this, away from home, Toulon almost beat La Rochelle at Marcel-Deflandre on the first day of the season. They lost 19-15, and showed a superb defensive face. Against Paris, this pattern could be repeated.
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Paris is not yet in the running
During the off-season, Paris lost many key players including Habel-Kueffner (Bayonne), Mickael Ivaldi (Toulon), Rory Kockott, Joris Segonds (Bayonne) and Kylan Hamdaoui (Clermont). However, it is above all the hinge that is sorely lacking in Paris’ game.
For the moment, Louis Carbonel is struggling to find his feet and his association with Gimbert or Weber is not really working out wonderfully. Against his former team, the 25-year-old fly-half could face additional pressure, and will inevitably be targeted by his former teammates.
Toulon almost won last year
Last season, the RCT returned to the harbor with a point taken in the capital, but also with regrets of not having won the game. The latter lost 23-20, and won the second act 6-17.
This time, the start of the match should be more serious for Toulon, who should not let Paris set up their game. For Toulon, the composition should not be very different, and this experience could also weigh in the balance..
With Dan Biggar and Paolo Garbisi in the Toulon ranks as fly-half, will we see Enzo Hervé leading the RCT game this weekend? It’s very likely given the first two days of Top 14. With only 24 minutes of play and four points scored, The former CAB player allowed his team to enter the defensive bonus against La Rochelle and win the game against Castres with a touchline conversion.
If the latter is not a starter, he remains a dangerous weapon on the bench, because his quality in front of the posts is no longer to be proven. If he starts, Biggar should be used as a finisher and his experience of major events should also be an asset for the RCT.
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