Top 14 – Bayonne notes – French stadium: Sireli Maqala very hot, Louis Carbonel gets cold

The tops:

Cereal Rating : 7.5/10

The Fijian took the keys to the sky and white truck this Sunday evening. On Jean Dauger's pitch, in a very strategic match, every time he grabbed the ball, something interesting was going to happen. Nobody discovers it obviously but he confirmed that he is indeed the X factor of this Basque team. He broke five tackles and made a crossing, the one which would later lead to the first Bayonne try. Negative side: a clearly stupid yellow card, where he responded to Ezeala's provocation with a scramble, and his two dead passes somewhat darkened his superb performance. Errors yes but not enough to tarnish his good game.

Rare Megdoud: 7/10

The Bayonne rearguard was rather concerned in a (too?) tactical match. Tiberghien was called upon during the occupation, Carreras offered himself a ready-made try and in all that, Megdoud tried. It was he who, through his hooks and his ball catches, constantly brought danger into the Parisian defense. He completed ten races, making him the most prolific player in the sector.

Pierre Huguet: 7/10

The third row had undoubtedly ticked off this meeting since the start of the season. The least we can say is that Poitevin has successfully returned to Jean-Dauger, the home of his former club which he left in the off-season. Although he had not played since the third day, the lack of rhythm was not felt. Note for example his interception in the first half which made it possible to cut off a Bayonne attack. Very active in defense from the start of the match where he made several tackles during the same playing time, he then never gave up. He finished the match with 18 tackles for zero misses, no less!

The flops:

Romain Briatte : 3.5/10

The new French international did not live up to his status on Jean-Dauger's pitch. A habitual man in the shadows ready to put his head where others would not dare put their hands, he was missed in his preferred sectors. Absent from the attacking debates (only five meters covered), he suffered on his own charges. In the first half, he committed a forward attack on a big tackle from Manu Tuilagi. Above all, he is also lacking in defense (two missed tackles). He finds himself completely holed in Baptiste Chouzenoux's attempt where his rise to the point opens up space for the second line to break through. He is also caught by a race from Cheikh Tiberghien where he still leaves a large space in the Parisian defense. To make matters worse for his already delicate performance, he commits a largely avoidable forward attack on a Bayonne candle.

Louis Carbonel : 4/10

The Varois has alternated between the good and the much less good since his arrival in the capital. In Bayonne, the coin fell on the wrong side. Yet it is he who distills a magnificent foot pass, of which he keeps the secret, for Joe Marchant's attempt in the first act. But behind, he did not know how to liven up his back lines. He tried other kicks, especially for his wingers, without finding the same success. At the back of the field either, his kicking game was not up to par against the Basque gunners. While the Parisians could hope to get back into the match, they missed a penalty that was well within their reach.

Animal Visitor : 4/10

From a player of this class, let us expect more tonight. He went through the meeting with a rather worrying discretion, and unfortunately he contrasted with the offensive copy of his friend Maqala. The former Tigers tank needs to show off more. Only two tackles made, too little initiative and damage in the Parisian defense. His tackle on Briatte at the start of the match is to his credit but it is not enough.