One half was enough for Olympic Castres to win against Stade Rochelais (28-24). Thanks to a comfortable lead on the scoreboard of 22 points at the break, the Tarnais suffered the awakening of the Maritimes in the second act, although reduced to 14 after Kuntelia's red card. Louis Le Brun's teammates remain undefeated at home this season.
It wasn't a storm but you just had to take a look at the flags to understand that the wind would play a major role in this meeting between two teams in Top 14 form. Seventh at kick-off, the Castres had the possibility of make a good shot against the third. Already with 5 wins in as many home matches, the Blue and White had the opportunity to start with the wind at their backs. A choice which, 80 minutes later, proved right.
The break is done
With the wind at their backs, the Tarnais marked their territory from the start of the meeting. In these conditions, it was easy for them to occupy the field and push the Rochelais to make mistakes. The latter also “excelled” in this area, committing 15 in the space of 40 minutes. Thus, despite two penalties passed by Hastoy, the Maritimes returned to the locker room with a delay of 22 points over Castres Olympique who managed to score 3 tries in as many highlights. Palis twice and Séguret gave a clear advantage to their team who never doubted during the first act but who knew that everything could change during the second.
A postponed comeback
As expected, the Rochelais took over from Castres as the dominant team on the pitch. After a few seconds of play, Seuteni gave hope to the yellow and black by scoring his team's first try (28/13, 43rd). But while La Rochelle was taking stock of the encounter, an incident stopped the maritime advance. Indeed, the Georgian Kuntelia, who entered the game a few minutes earlier, was excluded from the field for a more than rough tackle on Le Brun (51st). At 14 against 15, the visitors still stayed the course but saw their efforts not be fully rewarded against a surly and tactical Tarnais. The latter certainly did not score throughout the second half but they knew how to do what was necessary to prevent their opponents from coming back to score. Lespiaucq's try at the very end of the match still allowed the yellow and black to believe in the feat but it was not to be. In the end, there was none.
Castres moves into the top 6
With this sixth success in as many home matches this season, Jeremy Dadidson's team secures its place at the top of the table. This evening, the Tarnais are in sixth place, only one point behind La Rochelle which remains third and confirms its weaknesses away. As for the results of this meeting, the yellow and black can undoubtedly have regrets with the red card received by Kuntelia which undermined Ronan O'Gara's plans. On the Castrais side, we will especially remember the offensive efficiency seen in the first period.
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