The third day was marked by several firsts. Antoine Frisch finally discovered the great Top 14 while Vannes won the very first success in the history of Breton rugby in the elite. This weekend also confirmed the offensive inclinations of all the teams in the championship. Here are the statements that should not be missed this weekend.
I liked our classy moves… at times. And everything else I didn’t like.
The season has started off rather well at Michelin. The Auvergnats are on the podium, after their bonus success against Aviron Bayonnais (26-10). Capable of authentic exploits, like Alex Newsome’s try in the first half, ASM is positioned as one of the teams in form at the start of the championship. However, Christophe Urios was not fully satisfied with this weekend’s performance: “I liked the result, the offensive bonus and the fact that we didn’t have any injuries. I also liked our high-class movements… at times. And I didn’t like everything else. We’re still getting used to it. We’re so far ahead of the game that we shouldn’t be scared. We lost four balls in the scoring zone and that’s not possible! And that’s called being demanding.”
It’s weird, it’s been three years since I was last in France.
It was a small event, Sunday evening, on the lawn of the Jean-Bouin stadium. After a long exile in England, then in Ireland, Antoine Frisch discovered the Top 14 with the Rugby Club Toulonnais jersey. A dream come true for the new international, ignored by the teams of the French championship, before exploding abroad. The three-quarter center was one of the great architects of RCT victory on Parisian soil (10-14)Speaking to Canal +, he returned to this particular moment: “I’m really happy, it’s a good first. It wasn’t a great match to watch, but there was a victory and that’s the main thing. It’s weird, I hadn’t been in France for three years. I can’t wait to play more matches now.”
The teams will come here less on vacation
This is a big first for RC Vannes! Winner of Lyon at La Rabine (20-10)the Bretons won their very first victory in the Top 14. A moment that will remain in the memories, but above all the way to launch the season and collect precious points in the race for survival. Because, the Vannetais are not there to make up the numbers as the third row, Karl Château, explained after the match: “The hardest part is ahead of us, the hardest part is now! We will perhaps be a little more respected and the other teams will come here less on vacation. It will be harder for us. Tonight, we played a great game in commitment and in combat. We are supported by an entire city and an entire territory. But as I said before, there are many articles, in Midol, etc., on the nice public, on how each club will travel to Brittany. We have the impression that everyone comes on a pilgrimage to have fun and we don’t just want to be Breton folklore but a really great team.“
Now I’m all fired up to get back to it
This is a return that brings a smile. Eight months after his knee injury, Anthony Jelonch put his boots back on for Stade Toulousain’s victory in Montpellier (20-11). Substitute, the third row came into play in the 51st minute of play. Without apprehension, he quickly found all his sensations on the field, chaining percussions and tackles as he knows so well how to do: “I was able to work on some of my weaknesses, I worked my upper body well, I protected my shoulders well and now I’m all fired up to get back into it. It feels like my last rugby match was only two weeks ago, it’s weird. In reality, it was eight months. It all happened naturally, but I’m very happy to be back competing.”
You come out of a maul, three-quarters score in the corner, it feels good!
The revolution is underway in La Rochelle. Since the beginning of the season, Ronan O’Gara has decided to evolve his game system towards more attacks and This was seen during the crushing victory against Section Pau (49-25). This new style seems to delight everyone within the maritime squad, even the massive pillar Uini Atonio: “You come out of a maul, they score in the corner, it feels good! No need to run to play again (laughs). Teddy (Thomas) and UJ (Seuteni) were very strong last week. We are starting to feel a team that wants to play the ball, and continue to make it live after scrums and carried balls. We are still the “La Rochelle” where we try to dominate everyone up front.“
After three days, the Top 14 is off to a flying start.
