Melvyn Jaminet scored 21 points during the game. The Montpellier residents conceded nine tries. AFP / CHRISTOPHE SIMON / AFP / CHRISTOPHE SIMON
In crisis, Toulon strolled to Mayol against Montpellier (54-7) thanks to eight tries scored and a lost visiting defense. The tops and flops of the meeting.
Tops
Jaminet, une justesse remarquable
The Toulon full-back, left out of the French XV during the Six Nations tournament, was impressive during this meeting. Almost perfect at the foot (7/8 conversions scored, including two in the corner), his great performance of the day (90% of successful passes, 8 lines crossed, 2 assists) was rewarded with a try at the end of the match (77th) , after a good movement from Baptiste Serin, also very good for his return after his long injury which had kept him away from the field since December.
Paia’aua scored a double
In good luck this Saturday afternoon, the 29-year-old Samoan, positioned in the center alongside Setariki Tuicuvu, scored ten points, two tries, his first of the season in the Top 14. He beat three defenders but missed half of his tackles during the match (3/6).
Toulon realism
The figures speak for themselves: nine tries, a first for them this season, incredible realism in attack, which reassures the RCT, in turmoil in recent weeks (four defeats in their last five matches before this meeting). This victory does them good and puts them back in the race for the final stages of the Top 14. They are provisionally 3rd, ahead of Stade Rochelais, Bordeaux-Bègles and Castres Olympique.
Read alsoTop 14: Toulon crushes Montpellier by scoring eight tries
Flops
The sinking of the Montpellier defense
Their start to the match was mediocre, both in attack where they narrowly missed and in defense where they almost never prevented a try from the locals. Yet on fire in recent weeks (seven wins in eight Top 14 matches), the Montpellier side are getting their feet back on the ground after this rout and are under pressure from Perpignan, two points behind the MHR and with a game in hand.
Ben Lam without impact and penalized
The Hérault winger was invisible on his right side… Until his temporary expulsion for an elbow on Charles Ollivon (69th). He still gained 69 meters but missed two of his four attempted tackles. He did not score a single point and lacked impact in the few Montpellier attacks.
Montpellier residents do not emerge unscathed
Several Montpellier residents fell in the battle: Lenni Nouchi left with an injury due to suspected concussion after head-to-head contact (28th). Brandon Paenga-Amosa also went out with an injury, hit in the right leg (31st). Pillar Luka Japaridze also left injured after a scrum (34th). On the Toulon side, Ben White was also replaced by Baptiste Serin after having a headache.
