TOPS/FLOPS – Openers at an exceptional level and a breathtaking match but also defensive errors and a missed return… find out what caught our attention during this clash between Racing 92 and Stade Rochelais (36-39).
TOPS
Finn Russell, the artificer of Ile-de-France success
What a performance from Finn Russell. Facing the European champions, the whimsical Scottish opener took out his gala costume to get his partners out of a very bad situation. Author of 24 points at the foot (8/9), the artificer of Racing 92 also spoke about his science of occupation, as evidenced by his 493 meters gained thanks to his game at the foot. Defensively, the Ile-de-France number 10 distinguished himself by bringing the yellow card of Levani Botia (59th) who, guilty of having lifted his leg in a ruck zone, left his partners in numerical inferiority for 10 minutes. By passing the winning penalty after the siren, Finn Russell allows Racing 92 to join their evening opponent in the standings at 42 points (4th). A crucial match in the race for the final stages which could well count when it comes to doing the accounts at the end of the season.
A masterpiece and a rugby orgy
It is undoubtedly the most beautiful match of this Top 14 season. With seven tries and a Dantesque scenario, Racing 92 and Stade Rochelais dazzled the fans of Paris La Défense Arena. In an electric match, where each of the two teams dominated a period, the Maritimes were able to take the lead quickly by scoring three tries in the first half hour through Jules Favre (9th), Rémi Picquette in force (13th ) and Antoine Hastoy, author of a backlash (26th). Despite the banderilla planted in the corner by Donovan Taofifenua (22nd), the Ile-de-France residents are well behind at the break (16-28). Before offering a fantastic and capital comeback in the race for the final stages. Returning from the locker room with completely different intentions, the Ciel et Blancs scored a try in the 41st minute thanks to Olivier Klemenczak, who concluded a long collective movement initiated by a well-maneuvered movement in touch. More impactful offensively, the Ile-de-France residents feed on La Rochelle’s indiscipline to chain penalties with their artificer Finn Russell. If Olivier Klemenczak manages to give air to his partners by offering himself a double (71st), it is indeed the Racing 92 striker who sealed the victory for his team by passing a new penalty after the siren. A few moments earlier, Antoine Hastoy had managed to bring his people up (36-36), after a personal feat where he defended Racing 92 single-handedly. 80 dream minutes for rugby lovers.
Antoine Hastoy has nevertheless tried everything
A double, 26 points on the clock (Thomas Ramos’ season record equaled) and yet the bitter taste of defeat for Antoine Hastoy. Contrasting evening for the La Rochelle opener who, after a week spent with the Blues to prepare for the Tournament, made misery for the Ile-de-France defense. By recovering a ball lost by his opponents on a turnover, he first scored a first try after a crazy ride of 50 meters (26th), before doing even better at the end of the match. Well launched by an excellent Brice Dulin on the restart, the Maritime opener offered himself a double all alone where, after a fuss, a feint of pass and a masterful crossing of the race, he allowed his people to pick up at 5 minutes of the term (75th). Before missing his transformation and seeing his opponents win in the last moments. Despite the defensive bonus, the Rochelais probably hoped for much better tonight.
FLOPS
The La Rochelle defense has crumbled
After a smooth first act and 12 points ahead on the clock at the break, Ronan O’Gara’s men probably thought they had done the hardest part. Before falling back into their faults linked to indiscipline. The most penalized team in the championship since the start of the season, Stade Rochelais has gradually died out over the minutes and its defensive largesse and repeated faults have offered Racing 92 too many easy points. Offensively, the observation is similar since the Rochelais took 25 minutes to score their first points with a penalty from Antoine Hastoy (65th). A two-sided match for which the Maritimes can harbor deep regrets.
Teddy Thomas, a failed return home
Having left for La Rochelle last summer after eight seasons in the Hauts-de-Seine, Teddy Thomas missed his meeting when he returned to the Paris La Défense Arena. In the shadow of Pierre Popelin, Jules Favre or even Raymond Rhule, much sharper, the winger was very little called upon by his partners and went through the match like a shadow. Author of a bad defensive climb, his clumsiness brought the second try of Olivier Klemenczak (71st).
