Cat has released his claws, the Ile-de-France defense is (too) permeable… The tops and the flops

Racing 92 largely won this Saturday at La Défense Arena against Cardiff (48-26) and qualified for the round of 16 of the Champions Cup. Find the tops and flops of this meeting.

TOPS

Camille Chat took out her claws

The Ile-de-France hooker led his team to victory this Saturday. The Racingmen made 5 of their 6 tackles against Cardiff and showed their physical power until his exit in the 63rd minute of play. The Ciel et Blanc forward was also decisive in the victory. A boss match.

First for Siya Kolisi

Siya Kolisi waited for the right moment to score his first try in the colors of Racing. In the 25th minute of play, the South African world champion flattened the ball in the Welsh goal after an effective maul from Ciel et Blanc. Like a steamroller, the Springbok’s power made all the difference. The Ile-de-France flanker achieved 100% success in his tackles (8/8). Kolisi showed his decisive leadership and impact during this meeting. Everything the Racingmen needed.

Qualified Racing

The Ile-de-France residents are miraculous in this Champions Cup. It is the least we can say. Ulster’s heavy defeat this Saturday in London against Harlequins (47-19) offered a final chance to the Lancaster men to qualify for the round of 16. The Sky and Whites seized the opportunity perfectly but can consider themselves happy with this combination of circumstances in their favor. The Colombes club is therefore the 4th French club to join the rest of the competition, after Stade Toulousain, Lyon and Union Bordeaux-Bègles.

FLOPS

The Ile-de-France defense is (too) permeable…

Beyond the river score in favor of Racing (48-26), the Ile-de-France defense once again showed its generosity this Saturday. Faced with a very weak Welsh team, last in the group and eliminated, Racing conceded four tries and was apathetic several times defensively. It’s too much against a team like Cardiff and it certainly won’t work against a bigger team in the quarter-final.

…like that of Cardiff

What can we say about the Blues’ defense… The Welsh once again conceded more than 5 tries this Saturday (7 in total) and almost suffered another defeat by more than 50 points. Matt Sherratt’s players had already been swept aside at home 15-54 against Harlequins and 52-7 in Toulouse a few weeks ago. Cardiff do not display the level and solidity necessary to go further in the competition.