La Rochelle had to fight until the end to achieve another victory at Marcel-Deflandre. Ronan O’Gara’s players took 4 points at the end of a complicated match against Toulon who believed until the end to leave with the defensive bonus. Building on this success, the Rochelais return to fifth in the Top 14, ahead of their evening opponent.
The RCT put pressure on the Maritimes from the start. Aggressive in defense, the Toulonnais took advantage of a loss of La Rochelle ball to play quickly on the counter-attack and score the first try of the match thanks to their three -quarterbacks center Mathieu Smaili (0-7, 2nd). While a penalty on each side swelled the scoreboard, Uini Atonio managed to cross the goal line to pick up the score (10-10, 21st).
After a penalty from Hugo Reus and a rejected try from Teddy Thomas, the Charentais finally took a more comfortable lead on a try from Levani Botia – who was celebrating his 200th appearance in the yellow and black jersey – just before half-time (20 -10, 40th). Note that just before this test, international third row Paul Boudehent left with an injury.
No bonus for Toulon
Author of an interception, Jiuta Wainiqolo allowed the Rouge et Noir to reduce by going alone to score his team’s second try (20-17, 51st). And as in the first period, the Rochelais saw a try refused to them, this time for an elbow from Jonathan Danty. Just before the final whistle, Oscar Jegou confirmed his team’s victory (27-17, 80th), at the same time depriving the RCT of the defensive bonus.
This victory came well for La Rochelle which still has to face Toulouse, Bordeaux-Bègles and Racing 92, three members of the top 4, over the last four days of Top 14. For its part, Toulon has a less difficult schedule on paper , with only one member of the top 8: Stade Français.
