Top 14 – Notes from La Rochelle – Toulouse: Antoine Hastoy as savior, Simon Daroque will learn…

The tops

The international number 8 did not succeed in everything but he had the merit of being one of the most consistent players from Rochelle in his commitment and of having been able to be decisive at opportune moments. We think of his three scratches in dangerous situations for his team and his pass on Oscar Jegou's try, which allowed the Maritimes to go in front just before the break.

Ball in hand, he was almost the most dangerous Rochelais, all lines combined. The third line, frequently inserted among the three-quarters, was at the conclusion of one of the rare good local movements before the break. The flanker was also decisive on the first try by blocking a clearance then offering the ball of the try to Tolu Latu on a plate. He was also valuable in touch – despite a volley of lost balls – and active overall.

How not to put Antoine Hastoy in this category? The opener, little used recently, passed the penalty for the win. His entry into play was rather convincing with dynamism and a certain technical accuracy.

The opener reflected his team. He was not afraid and offered real adversity to Stade Rochelais during this meeting that many imagined, wrongly, to be one-sided. Delpy was one of the first to try things with the ball in hand, highlighting his hooks and his speed from his first shots. He was also able to deliver a very good tactical kick (33rd), before standing out with two huge clearances despite opposing pressure (36th and 49th). His diagonal to the foot in the 54th minute was the only slight mistake in his match, while his team were in a favorable position. He was the author of a saving drop a few minutes before the siren, to snatch a draw, even if his team were unable to hold the score at the end of the match. He also converted all of his shots on goal, while some attempts were off-center (5/5).

The flops

It's hard to put the scrum-half in this category because his game overall wasn't bad. However, he made a mistake which really hurt his team at the start of the game, when he was blocked by Jegou in a critical zone. This led directly to Latu's essay. Overall, he rushed and was imprecise on his kicks, even being blocked a second time (28th), fortunately without consequence. On the positive side, his big tackle on Seuteni allowed the precious scrape of Brennan (22nd). The scrum half also showed a lot of willingness on the edge of the rucks. Unfortunately, he was injured.

Read also: La Rochelle escapes at the last second against the young Toulouse

The South African cannot find that little extra something that has made him the best maritime winger in recent years. He offers himself less and has lost technical accuracy. His team misses his flashes.

Currently number 1 opener at Deflandre, Ihaia West had an inconclusive evening. He had few good balls at his disposal and was unable to bring enthusiasm or inspiration to those he had to exploit. Jack Nowell misses a foot pass on an advantage. Replaced at the break by a slightly more lively Antoine Hastoy.

Notes from La Rochelle:

• 15. Brice Dulin: 5/10
• 14. Jack Nowell : 4/10
• 13. Ulupano Sergeant : 5/10
• 12. Jules Favre : 5/10
• 11. Dillyn Leyds : 3/10
• 10. Ihaia West: 4/10 (replaced by Antoine Hastoy 7/10)
• 9. Kerr-Barlow distance : 5/10
• 8. Grégory Alldritt : 6/10
• 7. Oscar Jegou : 6/10
• 6. Paul Boudehent : 5/10
• 5. Ultan Dillane: 4/10
• 4. Judicaël Cancoriet : 4/10
• 3. Winnie Anthony : 5/10
• 2. Third Day : 4/10
• 1. Reda Wardi: 5/10

Toulouse notes:

• 15. Thomas Alary: 5.5/10
• 14. Nelson Sword: 5/10
• 13. Paul Costes: 5/10
• 12. Lucas Vignères : 6/10
• 11. Celian Pouzelgues : 5/10
• 10. Valentin Delpy: 7/10
• 9. Simon Daroque : 4/10
• 8. Théo Ntamack: 5/10, replaced at half-time by Double Sialevailea : 6/10
• 7. Joshua Brennan : 6/10
• 6. Léo Banos: 4.5/10
• 5. Clément Vergé: 5.5/10
• 4. Efrain Elias: 4.5/10
• 3. Malachi Hawkes : 4/10
• 2. Thomas Lacombre : 6/10
• 1. Cyril Baille: 6/10