Top 14 – Xavier Garbajosa’s column: “Bayonne a la “Patat””

“I could have told you about Toulon and its orgy of play. A team which, offensively, constantly finds solutions, especially in the corridors. And I like it. I could also have mentioned the pragmatism of the UBBwinner on the lawn of Castres where it is never easy to win. Amazing maturity training, despite many absentees. However, I quite like the idea developed today at Aviron Bayonnais of a club which does not make noise, but which works well. The numbers bear this out: twelve matches, already eight victories. A record worthy of the Toulouse Stadium. Anything but trivial.

Winning in Vannes is not the greatest achievement of the Bayonnais. But if you look closely, the performance is real. Forte. Marking. Look at the scenario of this meeting. The Basques were sanctioned twenty-four times. A pharaonic figure, punctuated by two yellow cards during the first forty minutes. And what about occupation and possession? Two sectors to the advantage of RC Vannes at 61%. Despite everything, Rowing won. For what ? Quite simply because Vannes spent 8 minutes 30 in the Bayonne 22 meters for only two tries when Grégory Patat's players only needed 2 minutes 32 to score three. Do you want some hyperrealism? Difficult to do better.

“Patat, A listening boy who feeds off other people's rugby”

The action which best illustrates this point is the first try signed by Lucas Martin in the 6th minute. First, a high kick from Joris Segonds. Breton fullback Paul Surano finds himself under pressure from Paulos and Maqala, the latter (best scorer but also one of the best scorers in the Top 14, by the way) recovering the ball quickly exploited by Machenaud. First foray, first try. Without having done anything yet. It calls out. The sign of a team which is confident and which has gained in maturity, in particular because of the quality of its recruitment. From now on, Bayonne has a depth of bench which allows it to compete over time. When the Machenaud-Segonds hinge starts the match, the Rouet-Lopez duo finishes it. One example among others. And that's not nothing.

A second action highlights the realism of Rowing: the attempt by Sireli Maqala (34th). At this moment, the Basques are for the second time numerically inferior. They have already been riding Breton waves continuously for more than a quarter of an hour. Without giving in until then. Only one opportunity to score after a carried ball on which Machenaud decides to take advantage. And bingo. Joris Segonds inherits the ball, sails a little waiting for the defensive choice of Costossèque who will come out of the line, offering the Bayonne opener the possibility of serving Tiberghien who came with a returning run. And the latter only has to play two against one for the Fijian's try. Great art. One chance, one more try. All in numerical inferiority. Hat.

The construction and progression of this team appeals to me. They are the image of his manager. Grégory Patat is a man of few words. No big declaration, no sensational media release. The less we talk about him, the better he is. An Auscitain with a noble sense, with strong convictions forged on his land. Character mixed with an essential roundness in this profession. A listening boy who thrives on other people's rugby. And a humility to his credit. Perhaps the secret of Bayonne’s success. Quite simply.”