The Toulouse Stadium left no chance Clermont by winning 48 to 14 during the 6th day of the Top 14. After this heavy defeat, Christophe Urios, the ASM manager, recognized that the gap between the two teams was considerable. This setback adds to a black series for the Jaunards, who conceded 81 points during their last two trips.
An overwhelmed Clermont defense
Toulouse quickly took the upper hand, imposing a pace that the Clermontois were never able to follow. From the first minutes, Antoine Dupont showed all his talent, scoring three tries in just seven minutes. The Clermont defense, in difficulty, was suffocated by the Toulouse offensives. Urios recognized the superiority of the adversary: ”When you only defend against Toulouseit’s very complicated. With 19 faults, it was impossible to compete” (Le Figaro).
This defeat is part of a worrying trend for Clermont, which had already been mishandled during its previous trip.
With 81 points conceded in two away matchesthe ASM shows signs of fragility, particularly in its defensive organization.
L’impact d’Antoine Dupont
Although Toulouse were impressive collectively, it was once again Antoine Dupont who shone. Author of three tests in record time, he was the executioner of Clermontois. Christophe Urios recognized Dupont’s impact without dwelling on his case: “When their bench came in, and I’m not just talking about 9 (Antoine Dupont), it made the difference” (The Team).
Clermont facing its limits
This series of setbacks raises questions about Clermont’s ability to compete with the big teams in the championship. Urios was lucid: “There is a big gap between us and Toulouse, but I knew it before this match” (Le Figaro).
The chronic indiscipline of ASM, with 19 faults against Toulouse, also contributed to these heavy defeats. Despite a combative group, the Jaunards do not seem to be at the level of the title contenders this season.
A week to recover
After two nightmarish trips, Clermont will have to react quickly. The reception of Valves next week could allow the team to get back on track, but Christophe Urios knows that the road will be long: “We are going to get back to work to try to beat Vannes” (The Team).
The ASM will no longer have the right to make mistakes after two defeats which revealed the glaring weaknesses of its collective, particularly away from home.
I grew up in a family where rugby was at all times. I was at the edge of the pitch when Castres beat Pau and joined the elite, I was in the Stade Pierre Antoine facing Gary Whetton when he did his Haka to celebrate the Brennus of 1993 and I was always rocked legends of this sport. Now, it is with XV Ovalie that I intend to extend the adventure. #TeamCO
