After three weeks of international break, the Top 14 resumed its rights with in particular the victory of the Toulouse leader against Usap and the setback of the Maritimes against the CO.
Stade Rochelais lost this Saturday on the Pierre-Antoine lawn against Castres Olympique (28-24), on the occasion of the 10th day of the Top 14. The Maritimes conceded three tries in the first half, including a double from Geoffrey Palis. Despite a start when returning from the locker room (two tries scored, 13-0 after the break), Ronan O'Gara's players conceded a fourth defeat this season away from home. Good operation from the CO which consolidates its place in the top 6 (5th).
Host of Perpignan (9th) uninspired on the road, Stade Toulousain had to cope without its internationals, whether French, Scottish or Argentinian. And the reigning French champion – who recorded the return to competition of Romain Ntamack – took time to restart the machine against Usap (12-9 at the break). Before suddenly accelerating after returning from the locker room, scoring four tries in the second half to logically win at Ernest-Wallon (41-9). The last try in this lovely string was scored by Ntamack.
Couilloud scores again but LOU loses
The good operation this Saturday was carried out by Clermont who won on the Gerland pitch against Lyon (22-30). Christophe Urios' players – who scored their first success from their bases this season – scored three tries, as many as the LOU with in particular the essential Baptiste Couilloud, who scored a double with his 7th and 8th tries of the season (best director of the Top 14 with Bayonnais Sireli Maqala). ASM climbs to 6th place after Rowing's defeat in Toulon. Lyon concedes a fourth setback in a row.
In the last match of this late afternoon, Montpellier dominated the Section Paloise (30-3), at the GGL Stadium, and gives itself a little air at the bottom of the ranking with this improved success, unlike much dull Béarnais stuck in 12th place. Pau could even find itself at the bottom of the Top 14, in the event of a success this Saturday for Vannes over UBB and a victory for Stade Français against Racing 92 on Sunday.
