The seventh day of Top 14 offered us its share of intense matches and twists and turns. Between notable home victories and surprises, the teams showed that nothing was over. A look back at the highlights of the weekend.
Perpignan resists Lyon
Perpignan won a valuable victory against the LOU (29-26) in a tense and contested match at Aimé-Giral.
The Lyonnais, despite their combativeness, were penalized on numerous occasions, which cost them dearly, especially at the end of the match when they received two yellow cards in quick succession. Leading the score in the 64th minute, Lyon found themselves 13 against 15, and this allowed Straight Sauce to score a decisive try. The LOU still leaves with a defensive bonus.
Clermont masters Vannes with an offensive bonus
At home, Clermont took over Valves in a meeting marked by an offensive festival (55-33).
The Auvergnats, in good form on home soil, won a third offensive bonus in four home games. Despite a great reaction from the Bretons in the first period, Clermont was able to impose its game in particular thanks to its domination in conquest, scoring several tries on carried balls. Vannes, too undisciplined, did not know how to capitalize on his good moments.
Castres surprises Stade Français
Castres dominated the French Stadium (35-13) in a match where the Parisians, despite having a numerical superiority for a large part of the match, failed to reverse the trend.
Reduced to 14 after expulsionAdrea Cocagi from the 20th minute, the Castres were nevertheless solid and even hit the nail on the head at the end of the match with a try of Gautier Maravat. The Stade Français, too clumsy in the scoring areas, was never really able to worry the Tarnais.
Toulon revives against Montpellier
After two consecutive defeats, Toulon returned to victory at home against Montpellier (30-17).
The match was close, with the Varois trailing at the break (6-10), but the entry into play of Baptiste Serinauthor of a decisive interception, allowed Toulon to make the difference in the second half. A test of Teddy Baubigny then an individual action of Call yourself Wainiqolo sealed the victory for Toulonnais, who thus consolidated their place in the Top 6.
Bayonne wins against Racing but misses the offensive bonus
Bayonne scored a second consecutive victory at home by beating the Racing 92 (32-15).
After their great success against La Rochelle, the Basques confirmed their form with a solid performance, led by a Cereal Master once again on fire, author of his sixth try of the season. Bayonne dominated, but a relaxation at the end of the match allowed Racing to reduce the gap and deprive the Basques of the offensive bonus. Despite everything, this victory allows Bayonne to climb into the first half of the table.
Toulouse strong against Pau
In a duel Hamlet Stadiumthe Toulouse Stadium stood out against the Paloise section (22-14), thus ending a series of three years without a victory in Pau.
The people of Toulouse, led by a Antoine Dupont holder, quickly took the advantage thanks to tests of Jack Willis (4e), Julien Marchand (34e) and Peato Mauvaka (64th). Opposite, Pau tried to come back to the score with achievements of Daniel Bibi Biziwu et Thibault Daubagnabut the Toulouse ogre mastered the encounter. This success allows Toulouse to consolidate its position at the top of the championship.
I grew up in a family where rugby was at all times. I was at the edge of the pitch when Castres beat Pau and joined the elite, I was in the Stade Pierre Antoine facing Gary Whetton when he did his Haka to celebrate the 1993 Brennus and I was always rocked legends of this sport. Now, it is with XV Ovalie that I intend to extend the adventure. #TeamCO
