Rugby can be cruel sometimes! Long in contact with RC Toulon, even ahead at the start of the second half, RC Vannes returned to Brittany with their suitcases full. A sham score (54-19) given the performance of this inexperienced team but which also proves the demands of the Top 14 which does not allow any relaxation or drop in form.
Because the Vannes responded for more than 60 minutes before sinking into the last 20, conceding five of their eight tries in this time.
“We have to play down the drama in relation to the score,” confided Mathieu Cidre after the match. We don’t remember that. We must distinguish the content from the final result. It is rather the duration of the match which causes this score. It also shows us what high level is. This end of the match is linked to the density of the opponent. »
Four tries conceded after the red of Toulon
The RCV forwards coach was not wrong. Who would have thought that this reshuffled team, without its executives, with ten players on the match sheet discovering the Top 14 would be able to look this RCT in the eyes, at Mayol?
The RCV had taken full advantage of the wind at their backs in the first period and the errors of their opponents (two forwards in their 22 m, a direct touch on a counter ball…) to get back to the score at the break (14-14 ) and even went ahead at the start of the second half thanks to tries from Thomas Moukoro (32′), Romaric Camou (38′) and Francis Saili (46′, 14-19).
The Morbihannais were still in the match when Jean-Baptiste Gros was sent off following a charge to the head on Tani Vili, who never returned from his concussion protocol (66′, 28-19). A defensive bonus point, or even more, then seemed possible.
“We said to ourselves before the match that we wanted to try to create the “why not?” », explained Karl Chateau. We had it in our hands at that moment, we were in the match. So these last 20 minutes leave us with a bitter taste compared to all the work we have done. »
“We have to involve everyone”
But with numerical superiority, and against the wind, the RCV conceded four tries in the last twelve minutes. “We missed a lot of tackles. We knew that Toulon finished its matches strong, added the captain of the day. And we had a little lack of energy and cohesion because a lot of players had a lack of playing time.”
Opposite, Toulon was very efficient in the game and on the feet, like Enzo Hervé, author of a 7/8 against the poles.
But that’s how Robin Taccola, Jean Cotarmanac’h, Timothé Mézou or Simon Bourgeois will gain experience for the future.
“We have to involve everyone to create competition and dynamics,” commented Mathieu Cidre. We will need players all season, we know that it is a very long championship. I am convinced that we did not waste our time. »
