TOPS
The right winger of the XV of France no longer surprises, but his performance this Saturday evening against La Rochelle left no one indifferent. While his team seemed to be struggling to find the gap in the La Rochelle defense, he was able to create gaps in the middle of the first period. He hooked three times to offer his team’s second try to Moefana (26th), made an exceptional run to offer a try on the other wing to his friend Bielle-Biarrey (38th), and took advantage of a wandering from his teammate in the selection, Grégory Alldritt to score the last Bordeaux try. Man of the match.
If three-quarters of Bordeaux ended up freeing themselves throughout the first period, it is also thanks to the work of the forwards. We initially thought that their work was not rewarded enough at the start of the first act, but ultimately the work paid off. Notably for Ugo Boniface, who scored the first try of the match (22nd), then at the start of the second period where hooker Maxime Lamothe (50th) widened the gap. The UBB forwards were omnipresent in attack, but also in defense, where they left only crumbs for the Rochelais.
FLOPS
It’s hard for the UBB players, but the action of the evening didn’t come from them. On a kick from Matthieu Jalibert, who stopped in the in-goal, Grégory Alldritt finally thought to release the pressure to flatten and give his team the opportunity to free themselves. It was ultimately a moment of confusion, a moment symbolizing a meeting totally missed by the Rochelais weakened, certainly, but above all without revolt.
A defense not to be shown in rugby schools. Although renowned in the Top 14 for their defensive know-how, the Rochelais were unable to do anything against the Bordeaux enthusiasm coming from everywhere. The Bordeaux forwards were superior, as were the three-quarters and the hinge. The Rochelais were not recognized in defense for around thirty minutes, straddling the first and second half, where they suffered each tackle and were no longer able to stop the locals.
Also read: Top 14: Jalibert apologizes to Alldritt for his provocative gesture (video)
If La Rochelle did not play its Atlantic derby as hoped, it is also because of its opener for one evening, Antoine Hastoy. The former member of the Paloise section, who played his 50th match in the Yellow and Black colors, was not there, despite his try at the very end of the match (75th). He missed almost all of his kicks and was not more inspired with his hand. Difficult evening for the French international.
