Moefana scored the first try of the match, Lucu was clumsy on the foot. AFP / ROMAIN PERROCHEAU
The return of the French internationals weighed heavily in the victory of Union Bordeaux-Bègles against Stade Toulousain (31-28) at the end of the 19th day of Top 14. The tops and flops of the match.
Tops
Moefana can pop the champagne
Back after his good Six Nations Tournament with the XV of France, Yoram Moefana was excellent, both offensively and defensively, during UBB’s victory on Sunday against Toulouse (31-28). At the conclusion of Toulouse’s first try in the second minute of play after a good initiative on the right side, he did not lose any balls and succeeded in most of his tackles (74%, 6/9). He weighed in on his team’s attacks and did not make any major mistakes. A return with great fanfare from the young 3/4.
The excellent work in the shadow of Marchand
At the origin of two scrapes in the first period, the Toulouse hooker also made 7 tackles out of 8 attempted. He played a leading role in the try concluded by Ahki (53rd), gaining precious meters after a penalty played quickly. The 28-year-old Toulouse captain would have deserved a much better fate given his performance. Replaced by Guillaume Cramont (63rd).
The spectacular scenario
A prestigious poster, an intense level of play, the return of the French internationals in front of an excited audience, nine tries, suspense, twists and turns… Needless to say, this meeting is one of the best of the season in the Top 14 Difficult to hope for better… Besides a victory for the XV on the wire during a Crunch at home?
Delicious holes
Thanks to an excellent kicking game, he was very close to making it 50-22 a few minutes after his try which put a blow on the heads of Toulouse before half-time. The UBB back, who still has no selection with the French XV, must multiply performances of this type to hope to catch the eye of Fabien Galthié. Replaced by Yann Lesgourgues (66th).
Read alsoTop 14: UBB takes on Toulouse after a crazy match
Flops
Lucu’s mistakes could have been costly
The scrum half from Union Bordeaux-Bègles was particularly clumsy on his feet this Sunday evening. In the first half, he missed two conversions and a penalty, before letting Matthieu Jalibert shine in the same exercise (3/3). These seven points scored would have consolidated UBB’s lead, and the scenario would undoubtedly have been different at the end of the match. However, he was at the origin of a good kick in the middle of the first period, at the origin of Damien Penaud’s try, valuable on his wing. Like always.
Video referee Philippe Bonhoure felt himself growing wings
What do we think of his intervention in the 35th minute? Displaced? Clumsy? In any case, it surprised many viewers. After a voluntary forward from Paul Costes (35th), the video referee of the match ordered Adrien Marbot not to whistle a penalty attempt after an aborted breakthrough by Damien Penaud on the left side, who seemed to be going to the test without this anti-play fault… The Marbot-Bonhoure relationship left something to be desired.
The tile for Ramos
The hero of the Blues at the end of the 2024 Six Nations tournament was injured in the 4th minute of play due to rib pain. Replaced by Antoine Dupont who, once again, was essential in the Toulouse midfield. The exit of the fly-half – positioned at the back with the Blues – undoubtedly disrupted Ugo Mola’s coaching.
