This Sunday evening, Stade Toulousain will close its historic year as part of the Classico against Stade Français. The perfect opportunity to illuminate the Pink City one last time before opening a new chapter.
Who better to close the 2024 French rugby guestbook? After its frustrating draw against Lyon on the 12th day, Stade Toulousain, sublime champion of France and Europe at the end of last season, welcomes Stade Français this Sunday evening in a Stadium full to bursting for the Classico.
Left to rest last weekend, Dupont, Ntamack, Ramos and several other executives will all be on the field to celebrate the new year in front of their supporters. As during the previous season (against Toulon), a nice post-match fireworks show will bring the ball to a close. Show which could well be the second of the evening, after that on the pitch.
Faced with a Stade Français in great difficulty since the start of the season, the Rouge et Noir have something to delight the followers of French rugby one last time before switching to 2025. Against Toulon at the end of October at the Stadium, Thomas Ramos and his team 'were largely imposed 57-5. Rebelote this Sunday?
A first place to recover
Because yes, this Classico, so legendary in the 2000s, has recently lost its charm, its interest and could quickly turn into a correction in favor of Ugo Mola's men. Indeed, the Parisians no longer find their magic from the previous year and are in a sad 10th place at mid-season, counting only 5 victories when they advance against the Toulouse ogre, recovering all their managers , in good shape and with the desire to perform well to start 2025 on a good basis.
Worse for the players from the capital, despite a very good first part of the championship, the Rouge et Noir are in competition at the top of the ranking at the end of the year by a formidable Union Bordeaux-Bègles and therefore have a first place to recover during this Boxing Day. “We take the two points and we will concentrate on the reception of Stade Français”, seriously affirmed Anthony Jelonch at the microphone of Canal+ after the draw against LOU. Last season, the Stadistes crushed the Soldats Roses, 49-18 at Ernest-Wallon, without the help of Antoine Dupont or Romain Ntamack.
We will be dependent on the level of Toulouse
Laurent Labit
In the opposing camp, unfortunately, we don't have too many plans for the comet. The Parisians will necessarily come with ambition but above all try to find extra-sporting solutions : “I wouldn't have time to go to Lourdes. But we're going to pray a lot around the tree.” Stade Français manager, Laurent Labit, said with humor after his players' victory against Perpignan last Saturday to Rugbyrama, before adding: “This match is at the Stadium, we know what it means when Stade Toulousain relocates to this venue. We will try to be the best we can, but like all teams, we know that we will be dependent on the level of Toulouse. A harsh observation, but still better than turning a blind eye.
Alone facing the world in 2025?
As we complete a brilliant year punctuated by a magnificent Champions Cup – Top 14 double, the second for Ugo Mola and the Dupont generation, one question remains. Will the Toulouse residents still crush the competition next year? “Our generation always thirsts for titles”affirmed Romain Ntamack just after his team's success in the Champions Cup, with Olympic Midday . And there is plenty to prepare for.
A plethora of staff, young people who rise each season alongside experienced managers and a constant level of play. All this led by a staff who knows how to wonderfully nurture the ambition of their group to play on both levels (national and European). Strong, the one who manages to find a suitor to put an end to the Red and Black domination in 2025.
But the people of Toulouse keep their feet on the ground, have acquired experience, know better than anyone that a season is long and that we must not rush things. Preparing for the future means taking match after match and first putting in a solid performance at home to end 2024 on a good note. Facing the Stade Français, the Stadium will dress up to host the last Top 14 match of the year. In the Pink City this Sunday, we are especially likely to witness a red and black festival.
