DECRYPTION – After Harlequins’ victory against Stade Rochelais (17-27), synonymous with elimination for the Jaune et Noir in the Champions Cup, discover what caught the attention of the editorial staff of the Figaro.
TOPS
An unbridled English third line
Alex Dombrandt and Chandler Cunningham-South were terribly hungry. And the Harlequins can thank their two bulldozers, the great architects of this prestigious victory for Marcel-Deflandre (17-27). The first, captain, finished this match with the record for races (15) and turnovers (2), symbols of his overflowing activity both offensively and defensively. His sharp shots did considerable damage against Levani Botia and company, who were completely overwhelmed. The second, who we presented to you last year in our columns as the player to watch in the 2025 Six Nations Tournament, also stood out in a very good way. Constantly advancing and author of two dominant tackles, he offers a try to his rear, Tyrone Green, on a bright pass to open the interval in the La Rochelle defense (54th).
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Marcus Smith as boss
Certainly, everything was not perfect for the English international fly-half (a yellow card for a head-to-head tackle on Jules Favre in the second act). But the Quins number 10 proved that he was still capable of imposing his style and playing the leading roles in a high-level European match. Precious in his way of dictating the pace during most of the match, it was he who created the gap on winger Cadan Murley’s try just before the break. Very solid in the kicking game to relieve his teammates and author of a 100% against the poles, Marcus Smith held his position. In the 80th minute, he was quick to pass a final penalty and crucify his evening opponent.
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Davit Niniashvili struggled
He would have deserved better, given his performance in front of his supporters. Author of the first try of the day, in support of West, Niniashvili tried to wrap up the match. Like this penalty quickly played a few minutes later by taking all the defense at speed, in an action which ultimately resulted in nothing. The Georgian winger finishes with a statistics line which testifies to his impact: 3 defenders beaten, 2 crossings or even 9 races. Special mention to Thomas Berjon, who had the heavy responsibility of replacing Nolann Le Garrec, injured for several weeks, and who performed perfectly, even scoring the equalizer in the 66th minute.
FLOPS
Ridiculous Maritimes
The double European champions – if there is still a little of these two prestigious titles left in the current group – are eliminated. At the end of a performance which in no way did honor to the club that is Stade Rochelais. The pale faces and the deafening silence of the Stade Marcel-Deflandre at the final whistle are enough to take the measure of the disillusionment encountered this afternoon by the Yellow and Black. “I can’t say where we lost”explained Paul Boudehent to our colleagues at beIN SPORTS. The international third row (repositioned in the cage since the start of the season) will certainly understand the reasons for this failure by rewatching the match. Beaten in collisions, in closed scrums and authors of far too many inaccuracies, Grégory Alldritt’s teammates did not deserve to qualify for the final phase. Highlight of the show? The last penalty stupidly conceded in the 80th minute, while they were still qualified. Ronan O’Gara’s protégés will play in the Challenge Cup, with the hope of winning a title at the end of the season.
Uini Atonio (very) worrying
The Six Nations Tournament is fast approaching, and with it a question for the staff of the XV of France: who will hold the boat in the position – so crucial – of right pillar? If Clermontois Régis Montagne was solid during the last autumn tour, followers of French rugby are impatiently awaiting the big return of Uini Atonio, not seen in the blue jersey since the coronation against Scotland in March 2025. Problem, the performances of the veteran tricolor have not been reassuring since his return a little over a month ago. This afternoon at home, the 35-year-old was very busy. Never scoring in the game, dominated in the closed scrum (a penalty conceded in this sector notably led to Green’s try in the second act), Atonio also conceded a yellow card just before the break for having collapsed a carried ball.
