Sunday evening, Stade Toulousain completed the first leg of the Top 14 with an improved success against Stade Français (38-23). “We didn't show a good face and the 38 points do not reflect the difference between the two teams. I spent more time being bored than enjoying myself,” assured a very moderately satisfied Thomas Ramos. The back of the French champions belongs to the category of complainers, winners, seekers of perfection and Stade Toulousain, it's true, probably did not deliver its best match of the season during the “Clasico”.
1. The TGV Toulousain dictates the tempo
Still, when it comes time to take stock of this first half of the championship, the figures speak for themselves. With the exception of a clash at home against Union Bordeaux-Bègles, there is little to say about the performance of Ugo Mola's players. Best attack, best defense of this edition, the Rouge et Noir are advancing at a faster pace than in the return phase last year (3.5 points per match compared to 3). And we will add that Toulouse did not even need Antoine Dupont to lead this hellish pace since the captain of the XV of France, who had the flu on Sunday, only played two matches and 34 minutes in the Top 14 this season.
2. UBB confirms but doubt persists
If this first act reinforced the feeling of Toulouse hegemony, it is also because of the quality of rugby produced by the Haut-Garonnais, the diversity of their arsenal. Which is not entirely the case for the Bordeaux-Bègles Union.
With 45 points at mid-term, eight more than last year, Yannick Bru's men are accounting for their objective – “to be in both” -. They put on a show until November with very offensive play. But if they have gained in toughness and resilience as evidenced by their successes in Castres or against Montpellier and Toulon, their pack continues to present fragilities in the phases of conquest. How will the UBB get through the winter? Will she manage to stay in the leading duo? “We are satisfied with these first six months but they do not guarantee anything,” Yannick Bru cautiously recalled Saturday evening.
3. Rowing surprises and has arguments
With seven lengths ahead of Toulon and Bayonne, the UBB has a small margin but it must be put into perspective. During the return phase, the Bordelo-Béglais will travel seven times, to the Mayol stadium and to Jean-Dauger in particular. That the RCT is in the race is no surprise. The foundations for the recovery of the Var club were laid last year. The presence of Rowing is more unexpected. “We would have signed in August to be there,” admitted Camille Lopez, the Bayonne talisman. “But there is still half a season to go and God knows the Top 14 is complicated. » As long as it remains impervious to the agitation of an environment quick to ignite, we have the feeling that Grégory Patat's group has the qualities to obtain a qualification, which would be a first in the history of the club in Top 14.
4. La Rochelle worries for serious reasons
Last year, the impact of the World Cup allowed the field of contenders for the final stages to become denser. It is not certain that we will find so many people in the spring. Even if it fell to Michelin against Montpellier on the last day, Clermont has clearly recovered. And we will undoubtedly also have to count on the Hérault residents to whom Christophe Urios awarded the “painful” label on Saturday. Which for the ASM coach is a sign of respect.
It is a name that was previously attached to the Rochelais. They are currently clinging to 6th place but their drops in tension have become too recurrent to not cause concern. Can this team re-mobilize?
5. Pau is in danger but does he know it?
If Vannes has left to experience the usual fate of those promoted by taking the elevator to Pro D2, it is difficult to say who will experience the discomfort of a barrier for maintenance. A victory separates Racing 92, 9th, from LOU, 13th. The two Ile-de-France clubs seem trapped in negative dynamics like the Lyonnais. We know that the USAP has resources. But Pau is in danger. His 10th place is an illusion. The Section only took one point on the road. She will have to travel seven times. In Béarn, it is time to sound the alarm.
