There was only one team on the field of Paris La Défense Arena in Nanterre. Bayonne who had decided for this trip not to align its frames left at rest (its striker Germain, Muscarditz, Rouet) did not exist. In the standings, Racing, which has one match less than the leader La Rochelle, pocketed the offensive bonus point and moved to 4th place. Note that the match began with a minute of applause in memory of Christophe Dominici.
What you must remember
Led (26-10) at the break, the Basques did nothing but defend, overtaken in speed and power by Chavancy and his men. The Ile-de-France captain, author of the first try from the 2nd minute, set the tone for an offensive recital with four tries in total in the first period by Chavancy therefore, then imitated by the new called up in the French team Donovan Taofifenua (14th), Dorian Laborde (19th) and Simon Szebo (26th). Bayonne with a try at the siren of Duhau allows himself to lighten his suitcase until then well filled (26-10).
But the Ile-de-France residents are back on their feet after the break. Especially the winger Donovan Taofifenua, author of a solitary breakthrough well served at the end of the line by the Irishman Szebo (42nd, 31-10), then at the foot by Antoine Gibert for a hat-trick (36-17, 68th). Manager Laurent Travers, who feared a release of his players by recovering his internationals, can be reassured.
Man of the Match: Donovan Taofifenua
Remember this first name because the name Taofifenua already has a solid reputation in the Top 14 packs. The young Donovan, 21, recruited this summer from Clermont scored a hat-trick on Sunday. The under-20 world champion in 2019 felt himself growing wings, no doubt galvanized by his first summons with the XV of France. Unlike his sire and his Toulon cousins Sébastien and Romain, he chose the three-quarter line to express himself. Sign of a strong character.
The number: 46
The number of minutes played Sunday evening by Teddy Iribaren, absent from the field since October 17 and his nightmarish European final against Exeter. Injured, he missed out on the match. Facing Bayonne, he showed himself to be applied without shining. At the foot, he was the author of a 3 out of 5.
