Bordeaux-Bègles, diminished by the absences of several internationals, was slowed down in Clermont on Saturday at the opening of the 9th day of the Top 14, marked by the victory in Pau of Racing 92, in renewed form.
. UBB snatches bonus
The reinforcements of Maxime Lucu, Romain Buros, Maxime Lamothe and Marko Gazzotti, all released during the week by the management of the XV of France, were not enough for the UBB.
Deprived of their playing master Matthieu Jalibert and their two arrows Damian Penaud and Louis Bielle-Biarrey, who remained in Marcoussis, last season's finalists fell to Clermont (32-27).
The defensive bonus point snatched thanks to a try from young third row Temo Matiu still allows them to take control of the standings, tied on points with Toulouse, who will travel to Bayonne on Sunday evening.
After a tense week, the Auvergnats of former Gironde manager Christophe Urios confirmed their good disposition at home with this fifth home success in five matches.
. Racing is exported
The center of Racing 92 Josua Tuisova (G) during the meeting against the Paloise Section, November 2, 2024 in Pau / Gaizka IROZ / AFP
It still lacks a little consistency for 80 minutes, but Racing is slowly putting its complicated start to the season behind it.
The Hauts-de-Seine club recorded a fourth victory in five matches on the pitch of the Section Paloise (33-23), which allows it to return to the big wagon of candidates for the final phase.
Jostled in the first half, Stuart Lancaster's players showed a better face after the break thanks in particular to the inspirations of their fly-half Antoine Gibert, who returned at the half-hour mark in place of the injured English star Owen Farrell.
Another false note: the red card at the very end of the match for second row Cameron Woki, who will therefore miss the Blues' first test against Japan next week.
. New feat from Wainiqolo
The revenge duel between two teams who had fallen from a height the previous week was won by Toulon, in front of their home crowd at Mayol, against Lyon (21-10).
With their third line Charles Ollivon, released by the French staff, and their scrum half Baptiste Serin, back from injury, the Varois relied on a strong defense and a new individual exploit from Fijian winger Jiuta Wainiqolo.
They temporarily climb onto the podium before La Rochelle-Stade français in the evening (9:05 p.m.) while the LOU will have to start looking behind them.
. Castres at the end of the suspense
Castres Julien Dumora scores a try against Montpellier, in Castres, November 2, 2024 / Valentine CHAPUIS / AFP
The very last action of the match did not please the Castres last week in Vannes. This time it allowed them to beat Montpellier (30-26) thanks to a try from their captain Mathieu Babillot four minutes after the siren.
Led the entire game after a great start from the Héraultais, the CO painfully retained its invincibility at home.
At the bottom of the table, the match between the last two turned to the advantage of Perpignan, winner of Vannes (32-13) with offensive bonus in front of its audience at the Aimé-Giral stadium.
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