On Friday, it was partly thanks to its physical and mental resources that Stade Toulouse defeated La Rochelle in a match that was poorly started. At the end of an interminable season but perfectly managed internally, between competition and regeneration, the Rouge et Noir are eighty minutes away from a new historic double.
The unfortunate Cyril Baille, seriously injured in the ankle (see opposite)confided a few hours after the Champions Cup coronation on May 25: “This group is incredible. And it’s not over, we still want Brennus.” Feeling shared a few moments later, at London airport by Romain Ntamack: “The best thing is to come back each season with as many weapons as possible to compete in both competitions.” Here is the bet still successful, whatever happens in Marseille. If Baille cannot be on the field, his partners will be responsible for satisfying an appetite that will never be satisfied.
However, imagine how simply “human” it would be to relax. Once, at least. These guys have won everything at the club and have a CV as long as Meafou’s arm. Three Shields since 2019, two Champions Cups, a double in 2021 and records in spades… Dupont, Ntamack, Cros, Baille, Mauvaka, Marchand, Ramos and company have already marked the history of this sport and the institution the most successful player in world rugby. They have the prize list, the glory, the advertising contracts and no longer know the stress of knowing if they will appear on a list of Fabien Galthié for a long time. Arguments more than sufficient to lower your guard, even unconsciously. But not them. And this is undoubtedly, in addition to its talent, what sets this golden generation definitively apart.
“We focused on workforce management”
For most, this season like no other began on July 2, 2023 in Monaco, just two weeks after their victory in the championship final against La Rochelle, on the first day of the World Cup preparation camp. Almost a year. And to the natural physical wear and tear, was added the trauma of the quarter-final lost against South Africa, the biggest disappointment experienced by all the Blues in their career. So how, eight months after this dark October 15, did the Toulouse troops manage to overthrow all these mountains to find themselves eighty minutes from a new double? “It’s very good to be in the Top 14 final, after attacking on July 17 and leading a full European campaignexplains Ugo Mola. We focused on freshness and workforce management.”
Fifty-nine players used this season. And thirty-seven different try markers, not counting penalty ones. The ingredients of an exercise which turned into a demonstration in terms of mastery, since Toulouse finished in first place in the regular phase while it racked up the “cards” in the Champions Cup. Also the fruit of a huge questioning after the defeat in the semi-final of the Top 14 against Castres in 2022, when the Rouge et Noir appeared washed out. The management then decided to go further in rotations and regenerations. From words to actions…
“Thanks to this emulation…”
The staff did not wait for Galthié’s complaints on the subject to regularly offer weeks of vacation and weekends off to its internationals. By placing his trust in an astonishing youth team, which ended the period of doubles with the best record at the end of the Tournament, he knew how to spare his managers and maintain competition. Subtle and decisive cocktail. “We all play for the same objective, whether we are a starter, a substitute or not in the groupsays Juan Cruz Mallia. Everyone “challenge” all week to earn their place and that’s what makes this team grow. Thanks to this emulation, we can still get a double.” Emulation at its peak in recent weeks, since Thomas Ramos – who was injured at the wrong time – went through the final stages of the Champions Cup as a substitute.
“Places are expensive, we have to accept it”, he said. Friday evening, he started and Matthis Lebel (Toulouse’s top try scorer this season) paid the price. Like Julien Marchand or Paul Costes, he was on the bench, Peato Mauvaka and Santiago Chocobares being preferred. Strong but profitable choices, which echoed the recent words of the Argentine center three-quarters: “In Toulouse, you have to earn the right to play.” And Mola puts things into perspective after the victory against the Maritimes: “It’s easier to explain that when we’ve won. I’m not going to do mass while the same match, without a red card… I’m not sure we would have talked about our choices. You have to know reason keep.”
“We will never get tired of winning”
Nevertheless, during a season worth a thousand, it was still a vital lever for freshness, particularly mental. Like Antoine Dupont’s 7-a-side, which allowed him to release his frustrations from the World Cup and clear his mind. Like also Romain Ntamack who returned from injury even stronger and hungry. Two players who, according to Toulouse players, are “stratospheric” currently, even in training. Before the half, Ntamack had not played since the Champions Cup final and Dupont’s last start in the Top 14 dates back to the end of March… Surely crucial in a poorly started match on Friday, when it was necessary to find resources in the heads, bodies and coaching. No panic, only solutions.
“The staff, at the end of the season, kept the organizations running and regenerated, notes the opener. It worked for this half, hoping that it also pays off in the final. This group has given itself the means to arrive as fresh as possible. […] We will never get tired of winning. We become addicted. This team wants to win one more title. There is the opportunity to do it, playing a Top 14 final remains a wonderful moment.” And, in the aisles of the Matmut Stadium, Mola insisted: “I am happy but not satisfied with the level displayed.” As if to leave his troops on alert for another week. What works, according to a leader of the group: “So much the better, it will serve as a lesson for us before the final.” Pride in the service of ambition.
