DECRYPTION – Find out what pleased… and displeased the editorial staff of Le Figaro, following the UBB demonstration on Saturday evening, in Chaban-Delmas, against Racing 92 (62-20), during the 14th day of the Top 14.
TOPS
Jalibert and Woki on another planet
The first was particularly incisive in attack, well beyond his try scored during the first half hour (29th). The Bordeaux opener was once again the most active and quick player with the ball in this Gironde victory (62-20), accumulating impactful runs. In defense, he did not do poorly either, showing great concentration during the first 40 minutes, where his team was often put under pressure. Upon arrival, he displays an excellent 8/9 in tackles.
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The second scored his team’s fifth try (61st), thus ensuring the offensive bonus. The latter rewards his pivotal role in the offensive game this Saturday evening. Four impactful races, but also a real desire to make his teammates shine with six passes, including one after contact. In addition to his try, he stands out as a decisive passer. After a difficult outing during the defeat at Clermont last week, he delivered a (very) high quality performance this evening.
Depoortère and Bielle-Biarrey changed everything
Entering in the 50th minute, the center only played half an hour, but what an impact in such a short time! He scored two tries (64th, 69th), offered a decisive pass, and undermined the defense of Racing 92, which was struggling to see the light of day. At this rate, he is not far from being the best in his position in the championship…
Same story with “LBB”. The Gironde phenomenon also showed his speed and explosiveness to also score a double at the very end of the match (73rd, 78th). Just to crush Racing a bit more…
Hughes did what he could
The only “survivor” on the Ile-de-France side, the powerful 3rd line was the author of the attempted revolt, shortly before the break (36th). The Englishman also scored an impressive 12/12 in tackles… Far too lonely on Saturday evening to hope for anything.
FLOPS
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Escobar buried his team’s hopes
Author of a (useless) clearing a few minutes after the restart, punished with a yellow card (46th) – while his team was then leading the score -, the hooker precipitated the terrible fall of his team. During his exclusion for 10 minutes, his teammates conceded 14 points. But the damage was done, the irresistible Unionists were (finally) launched, and subsequently scored a myriad of 6 tries! A yellow card which completely destroyed the dynamic of its partners and condemned Racing to torture.
The second cataclysmic period of the Racingmen
15-13 at the break for Bordeaux-Bègles… 62-20 at the final whistle, including a scathing 47-0, from the 42nd minute to the final whistle… Not much more to say. A humiliation of rare violence for Ile-de-France residents, which will surely leave its mark.
