The Top 14 has a new leader at the end of this weekend! In a poster at the top of the French championship for the close of this 23rd day, Stade Toulousain largely won on its land against Stade Français (49-18). Author of six tries against the best defense in the championship, the Rouge et Noir confirmed their ambition to achieve a double at the end of this 2023-2024 financial year by lifting the Brennus Shield and the Champions Cup. Opposite, the Pink Soldiers gradually gave in to Toulouse’s offensive attacks. A good omen before the European Cup final against Leinster in two weeks…
To find the trace of a victory for Stade Toulousain in a Classic, we had to go back to October 2021. An eternity for a club of such stature, incapable of overthrowing the Parisian collective in four matches (three victories and one draw) and logically eager to reverse the trend in an Ernest-Wallon stadium which was only waiting for a convincing victory to shift into euphoria. This arrived this Sunday evening thanks to impressive collective mastery, a week after having won their ticket for the Champions Cup final. In less than ten minutes, the locals managed to find the fault in the opponent thanks to Mathis Lebel, well assisted by Thomas Ramos at the foot (9th, 10-0).
A double from Meafou to validate the bonus
If the strength of Lucas Peyresblanques to penetrate the Toulouse defensive line and the precision of Joris Segonds against the posts allowed the visiting team to quickly return the favor (21st, 10-10), Ugo Mola’s men passed the higher speed to definitely leave his opponent in the rearview mirror. Before the break, Paul Graou’s converted try (30th, 17-10), well helped by an excellent Ange Capuozzo, put Toulouse in a position of strength. Scorers Ramos and Segonds added points to the result when they returned to the locker room (40th, 20-13).
In the second period, Pita Ahki (44th, 27-13) then eight additional points from Ramos (56th, 35-13) quickly ended the suspense over the winner of this Classic. And if Lester Etien stood out to reduce the gap with a second Parisian try (59th, 35-18), Emmanuel Meafou took on the role of executioner with a double to ensure the offensive bonus point for his team (80th, 49-18). Although the speaker repeated to respect the opponent, the Toulouse public did not hesitate to criticize their Parisian rival. Before perhaps finding themselves in the final of the Top 14, it’s fair game.
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