The Toulousains started 2023 with an improved success on the lawn of ASM (13-32), at the end of the 14th day of the Top 14.
Toulouse has defeated the Indian sign. Unable to win a single match on Clermont soil for 20 years, the Rouge et Noir put an end to this incredible negative series by winning with the offensive bonus (13-32) against the too approximate Jaunards who remain stuck in the depths of this Top 14.
The Toulousains quickly took control of this first match of the year in the Top 14. Ugo Mola’s men held the ball and left only crumbs to the locals who had all the trouble in the world to be truly dangerous. And it only takes seven minutes for visitors to throw a chill in the spans of the Michelin. Richie Arnold managed a very nice pass after contact for Alexandre Roumat who then picked up full axis speed before serving Dupont.
The number 10 of the Red and Black is tackled but is not kept on the ground and can therefore get up and continue the action. In a fraction of a second, the one-night opener (he replaced Romain Ntamack left to rest) managed to shift Juan Cruz Mallia on the left wing. The Argentinian only has to flatten in the in-goal.
Clermont cracks for good after the locker room
Despite some slight problems with indiscipline, Toulouse maintained their dominance with the ball in hand and managed the break after a superb movement initiated and concluded by Sofiane Guitoune. The three-quarter Toulouse center combines with Pierre-Louis Barrassi then plays brilliantly with the Auvergne defense to score the second try of the game. There followed a succession of faults on the part of impotent Jaunards, who were too approximate and who were quite late when it came time to return to the locker room (6-18).
In the second half, the Michelin public will not attend the slightest burst of Clermont. On the contrary, Jono Gibbes’ men continue to suffer the red and black assaults and crack twice in just over five minutes. Melvyn Jaminet first takes advantage of a nice movement on the left side initiated by Mallia who manages to find a nice space off the sidelines. The ball is then released on the other side by Dupont and lands in the arms of Jaminet who only has to drop the leather in the in-goal. Five minutes later, the Clermont defense collapsed again and Pierre-Louis Barassi broke several tackles before serving Paul Graou who in turn obliterated several opponents.
Lavanini closes the gap
The Clermontois have their heads under water but still manage to avoid correctional thanks to a slight wind of revolt blown by Damian Penaud. The Jaunards end up crossing the in-goal thanks to Tomas Lavanini, who had to wait long minutes before seeing the referee validate his try after consulting the video. The locals then worked to deprive Toulouse of the offensive bonus but the leader held on and left Auvergne with 5 points in his suitcases.
With this improved success, Toulouse consolidates its leading position (7 points ahead of Stade Français Paris) Clermont, 11th, confirms its (big) current difficulties and is impatiently waiting for the infirmary to finally empty.
