TOP 14 2024-2025 – The multirugby of this fourteenth day kept all its promises. With the highlight, the heavy defeat of Stade Français at home against UBB (19-46), the end of a bad series for Castres against Pau (24-19) and the improved success of Montpellier against Bayonne (42-10). Lyon resisted USAP (17-12).
The lone rider of Montpellier against Bayonne
Often criticized in 2024 for their lack of effectiveness in attack, the Cistes decided to correct the situation in 2025. From the 17th minute, the MHR already led 15-0 thanks to two attempts at Moorby (3′) et Reinach (15′), as well as a penalty of Stuart Hogg (8′). Ultra dominating in the first act, Montpellier then quickly widened the gap thanks to a strong attempt by Wales (22′). Despite some concerns about indiscipline, the players of Joan Caudullo delivered an almost perfect first half, and removed some doubts about their attack.
Despite an attempt quickly conceded by Chapel (41′), the Montpellier residents retained the advantage until the end. And they even recovered the offensive bonus at the end of the suspense thanks to three tries in quick succession. Gabriel Ngandebe (71′), Stuart Hogg (73′) et Christopher Tolofua (78′). This improved victory against a direct competitor (42-10) allows the MHR to move closer to the Top 4 and to start 2025 under the best auspices.
Castres relies on its captains
Opposed to Pauthe Castres did the work on their lawn. Without being super spectacular, the Tarnais were able to rely on their elements of experience to swing the match in their favor. The captain Matthew Babillot (32 years old) and the veteran Julien Dumora (37 years old) each tried their best to help Castres make the difference. Efficiency at the bottom of the hinge Jeremy Fernandez (one conversion, two penalties) – Pierre Popelin (1 drop) also weighed heavily in the balance. Uninspired offensively, the Palois waited until the 70th minute to finally cross the line thanks to Aaron Grandidier (24-17, 70′). But despite a stifling end to the match, Castres held on (24-19), and broke its series of three defeats in a row.
With its good defense, and the contribution of the veterans, the CO consolidates its place in the Top 8. We will undoubtedly have to reckon with the Castres in the second part of the season.
Stade Français sinks against UBB
For a long time, this match was the closest in multirugby. At the break, the score was only 13-12 in favor ofUBB and despite the big gap in the ranking (2nd vs 11th), the Parisians seemed able to worry their rival. But in the second period, the French Stadium was scuttled. An error of appreciation of Louis Carbonel (53′) and a risky defensive climb from Samuel Ezeala (56′) offered two tries in quick succession to UBB. Subsequently, the Bordelo-Béglais, not bothered by the attempt to Ward (59′), played their rugby. Uberti corner (64′), Boniface in strength (74′) and Bielle-Biarrey a superb individual exploit (80′) offered a logical victory to UBB (19-46). Provisional leaders, the Girondins will only be dislodged from the top of the Top 14 in the event of an improved success for Stade Toulousain this evening against La Rochelle.
For its part, Stade Français hits rock bottom at home. The Parisian club will undoubtedly have to fight to the end to maintain their position.
The LOU gives itself some air
Capital match between LOU and USAP. Indeed, the winner could relegate the loser several points behind and move away from the red zone. And despite a stifling end to the match, it was LOU who emerged victorious. Authors of two essays in the first period by Shvangiradze et Marchandthe Lyonnais still scared each other until the end.
Undisciplined, the players Karim Ghezal offered 12 gift points for the boot Tommy Allan. An indiscipline which did not prevent them from achieving their first success in the Top 14 since October, and also from offering a nice farewell gift to Xavier Mignotwho will fly to the United States. Despite its lack of testing, theSAY was able to count on Lyon’s mistakes to return to Perpignan with a defensive bonus point.
