Top 14 – The Oscar of the week: David Ribbans, Mayol's favorite

The most ardent Toulon supporters criticized him, probably rightly, for a certain discretion at the start of the season. We must believe that for David Ribbans it was simply a matter of digesting his remarkable first season in the Top 14, as the English international second row has been gaining momentum since the arrival of winter… Sparkling during of the last two weeks Champions Cup, the player who played for the Stormers and Northampton was once again omnipresent in touch (3 blocks alone), in defense (6/6 in tackling) and in the running game, proving particularly decisive on Gabin Villière's try, where he picked up the ball in a ruck initiated by the Palois. Better, at the end of the game, Ribbans added an assist to his already almost perfect copy, crossing his arms for his compatriot Kyle Sinckler.

A remarkable action which offered the offensive bonus to his team, and allowed Pierre Mignoni to remove his valiant soldier before the end of the match so that he could benefit from a well-deserved standing ovation from Mayol. A tribute quite similar to those granted before him to a certain Bakkies Botha, with whom he shares the enviable status of darling of the Toulon public. “He’s a guy who does exceptional work for the teamadmired his trainer Maxime Petitjean. He has chained the last three matches with monstrous performances and brings confidence to the group. As an Anglo-Saxon, he has a slightly different vision of what we can have in France, but he sets great standards for us in training and in daily life. It's all good to have him with us. When he shows that face, he's not far from being among the best second lines in the championship.” Honestly, at the table of Skelton and other Meafou, the new favorite would not stand out among the guests…