The talent of Capuozzo, the monstrous match of Guitoune but also the fatal error of Finn Russell and a too discreet Paul Leraitre, find our Tops and our Flops after Toulouse-Racing (37-10).
Tops
Ange Capuozzo if devoid
The nugget of Italian rugby showed off his immense talent this Saturday on the lawn of Ernest-Wallon. The transalpine winger signed by far his best performance since his arrival on the banks of the Garonne. Impressive with liveliness and explosiveness on the first supports, he also proved to be very valuable in defense, sealing many breaches on his wing. A high-flying performance crowned by a first try in the Top 14. Capuozzo intercepted Finn Russell’s pass to sign the third achievement of the evening for the Stadistes, that of the almost definitive break less than a quarter of an hour from the end. With more than 150 meters gained, 7 defenders beaten and 3 successful tackles despite his frail size, he amply justified the confidence that Ugo Mola placed in him.
Sofiane Guitoune, the metronome
In the absence of Pita Akhi, usual taulier of the three-quarter line, Sofiane Guitoune took her responsibilities perfectly this Saturday. With 90% of successful tackles out of 9 attempts, he brilliantly performed defensive tasks but did not fail to shine offensively. It was he who concluded the Toulouse festival by infiltrating the interval before hooking his vis-à-vis then flattening between the poles. A test far from being anecdotal since it offers the offensive bonus point to his team and, at the same time, the place of provisional leader.
Thomas Ramos, gentleman clean
Author of a very clean 7/8 in front of the poles, the Toulouse opener did not leave many points on the way this Saturday. He also cracked a marvelous kick pass to Matthis Lebel for the second try of the match. It is also he who intelligently attacks the line before serving Sofiane Guitoune for the last Toulouse achievement, synonymous with an offensive bonus. With 90% of successful passes, he did not fail technically and perfectly compensated in this register for Romain Ntamack, on the flank due to an ankle injury.
FLOPS
Finn Russell, the costly mistake
While Racing could still get back into the game, the Scottish opener took a risk and paid a high price. His jump pass to the outside was sorely lacking in power and immediately ended up in the arms of Ange Capuozzo who went to flatten. A test that puts an almost definitive end to the suspense in this part. Otherwise, he appeared in difficulty in his kicking game, especially in the first period before raising the bar after returning from the locker room.
Paul Leraitre, too discreet
The young Racing winger (21) failed to stand out on Ernest-Wallon’s lawn. Too tender, especially defensively, he only attempted five tackles. Offensively, he made too few differences ball in hand to hope to falter a very solid Toulouse rearguard. More comfortable in a full-back role and largely inexperienced (3 Top 14 games only), he benefits from extenuating circumstances but the top level rarely shows leniency.
Teddy Iribaren, a very unwelcome yellow card
After only a quarter of an hour spent on the meadow, the Racing scrum-half, in trouble with the speed of Ange Capuozzo, commits an anti-game foul by changing the direction of his race to prevent the progression of the transalpine winger. The sanction is not long in coming: penalty + yellow card against the former Brive player. The opening of the Toulouse score will take place precisely during these 10 minutes in numerical inferiority. Apart from this blunder, he did not really weigh on the debates and sometimes lacked liveliness in his transmissions.
