TOPS

The Australian was the lethal weapon of the Maritimes this evening. Author of 15 races with the ball in hand and decisive in particular with his breakthroughs on Jack Nowell’s first try, the second row from La Rochelle showed his power throughout the match. Approved as it should be upon his exit (74th), for several minutes. The Palois had a hard time stopping him and will surely have nightmares. A beast.

Thanks to this painful victory, the Maritimes overtook Racing 92 in the standings and climbed to fifth place. Even if nothing is done yet since there are only six points difference between the Yellow and Black and Castres, tenth in the Top 14, Ronan O’Gara’s men are getting a little closer to the final stages . The double European champions will, however, have no room for error during the last two matches of the championship if they want to save their currently (very) chaotic season.

Very undisciplined and in difficulty this evening at Marcel-Deflandre, the Section still leaves La Rochelle with a point in its pockets. The Béarnais were able to take advantage of La Rochelle’s excitement to inherit a penalty try in the final seconds and grab the defensive bonus. A point which will count for Sébastien Piqueronies’ men at the end of the season, seventh in the standings and only one point from the qualifying places for the final stages.

FLOPS

This match was not a model of discipline and clean rugby, quite the contrary. A rag, at worst a draft. A rain of blunders and mistakes for 80 minutes. The Paloise Section was sanctioned no less than 14 times this evening and posted eight advances. The Rochelais held out for a long time with nine penalties conceded. This is also evidenced by the two penalty tries of the evening – one on each side – including the last in favor of the Béarnais who got the better of the offensive bonus from Stade Rochelais.

Still disappointing this evening, the Maritimes let slip the offensive bonus which was reaching out to them in the final seconds. Despite performing well at home, Stade Rochelais proved incapable of dominating Section Paloise head-to-head in their lair of Marcel-Deflandre this evening. The Yellow and Black won narrowly (25-23) and in pain. A laborious success symptomatic of their more than chaotic season. The double European champions, who have already abandoned their Champions Cup crown, have two more matches to ensure their presence in the six teams which will play the final stages of the Top 14. The last chance to save their gloomy season? Considering this evening’s meeting, it’s hard to believe it…