Posted by K. D. October 20, 2024
During an intense confrontation at the Hameau de Pau stadium, Stade Toulousain demonstrated all its power by winning a valuable victory (22-14) which allows him to temporarily take back the reins of the Top 14.
A performance all the more remarkable as it breaks a series of defeats in Pau and confirms the current good momentum of the reigning champions.
Mastery at all times
From the start of the meeting, the men ofUgo Linedespite the absences of several starters, set their pace. With Antoine Dupont orchestrating the game and the first line, notably Julien Marchandasserting its domination, the Toulouse residents very quickly took the lead.
The test of Jack Willis from the 5th minute followed by the sure-footedness of Blair Kinghornreplacing Thomas Ramosannounced the color: Toulouse had come to get the points.
Pau, despite a reaction via Daniel Bibi Biziwu and phases of resistance, was unable to stem the red and black waves. Julien Marchand’s second try just before half-time confirmed the superiority of the visitors. At the break, the score was 15-7 in favor of Toulouse.
A foolproof defense
The second half was the scene of a real defensive standoff. Toulouse maintained its advantage in the score, repelling the attacks of a determined Section Paloise but lacking precision in key moments.
The young Guillaume Cramont, offering another try following a clever pass from Dupont, dealt a hard blow to the hopes of the Section.
The last attempt of Thibault Daubagna for Pau was ultimately not enough to reverse the trend, leaving Stade Toulousain to grab a deserved victory.
A victory which rewards the intransigence of a team seeking to confirm its status as leader, and which demonstrates the preponderant role of Antoine Dupont on great nights.
Implications at the top of the rankings
This victory, the third away this season for Stade Toulousain, propels it to the top of the Top 14, underlining the importance of winning away to claim the title.
For Pau, it’s a setback and a few places lost in the championship hierarchy, but facing Toulouse like this, it could be just one setback among others this season.
Toulouse confirms its place among the elite
Stade Toulousain confirms with this solid victory in Pau its high ambitions for the current season. This is a strong signal sent to the rest of the Top 14: the champions are in good shape and do not intend to give up their crown without a fight.
With such a state of mind and the mastery displayed, the path to a final triumph seems well mapped out for the Rouge et Noir.
