Already qualified for the round of 16 of the queen of club competitions, the Varois play a decisive match in Sale, Sunday afternoon, in the hope of retaining the place of leader of group 4. But, beyond this shock, Pierre Mignoni and his staff also have a watchful eye on the reception of La Rochelle, just before the break, one of the direct competitors for a place in the final phase of Top 14. Enough to scratch your head before making the composition team.
From the start of this exercise, Toulon had indicated its desire to play hard in both competitions in the hope of winning a title. A little more than halfway through the season, the Rouge et Noir did not lie. Ideally located before the last day of the Champions Cup with three successes including one bonus (1st, 13 points), David Ribbans’ partners also had a good run in the Top 14 with a place on the podium (3rd) and nine points. advances on Montpellier (7th).
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In full euphoria, the Mediterranean women experienced the first pitfalls over the previous two weeks. During the success against Racing 92 (36-24), as part of the 14th day of the championship, the club struck by thrush suffered damage. Ollivon, victim of a ruptured cruciate ligament in his right knee, has already finished his season. Tuicuvu, who had surgery on one hand, will miss several weeks of competition. Baubigny (calf) and Fainga’anuku (finger) could only return after the break. Last week, after the victory against Harlequins (33-21), it’s Kyle Sinckler who joined the infirmary. The England international fractured his right forearm. This tile, combined with Gigashvili’s troubles (thigh), does not come at the best of times.
Vengeance in Sale… with a five-star bench!
In the suburbs of Manchester, Pierre Mignoni and his staff made the decision straight to the point. Behind Emerick Setiano, to the right of the scrum, it is the young Davit Mchedlidze who will make his third professional appearance. Daniel Brennan, who has versatility on both sides of the building, will remain in the stands. Returning a week in advance of what had been scheduled, Jean-Baptiste Gros will start, according to our information, just like Swan Rebbadj or Selevasio Tolofua. At the back, to rest Marius Domon, confidence was given to Rayan Rebbadj. The Olympic rugby sevens champion has not appeared on the field since November 30.
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Still with a view to distributing playing time, Baptiste Serin, always delicate with one finger, will have an important role to play as a finisher just like Dany Priso and David Ribbans, who played a lot in previous meetings. Toulon will, at that time, have all the cards in hand since Glasgow, the main opponent for the place of leader of group 4, will travel to Harlequins the day before. Leinster, competitors for the final table which will determine the teams which will host at home, will also play on Saturday. Among the Red and Black as elsewhere, it will be a question of throwing the last forces into the battle before taking advantage of a well-deserved truce.
Senegal
