In Paris La Défense Arena
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A failed entry… Racing 92 launched its Champions Cup campaign this Sunday with a setback against London Harlequins. Trailing at the break (14-17), Stuart Lancaster’s players – who knows the competition well having been in the Leinster staff for a long time – were able to raise the bar after returning from the locker room, notably by showing off their power. To finally suffocate the English thanks to tries from Le Garrec (42nd) and Diallo (58th). But the leader of the Top 14 once again gave up in the face of the English assaults. A London team which put a lot of intensity into this meeting, chaining attacks together. Bonus on the offensive, as is often the case in the Champions Cup. Racing still has a lot to resolve, whether in its offensive efficiency or in its management of opposing highlights. Next Saturday (9 p.m.), the context will be more hostile against Ulster in Belfast. Where the weather will be much wilder than in the protected setting of the Nanterre Arena.
The England opener was one of the attractions of this match. And Marcus Smith did not disappoint on the synthetic turf at Paris La Défense Arena. Perfectly alternating the game, placing some formidable flashes, the Harlequins international fly-half guided his team perfectly this Sunday. On a perfect so-called “postman” pass, he shattered the Ile-de-France defense (22nd). Before, a few moments later, serving in an interval his central golgoth, André Esterhuizen (26th). And to slam a superb drop just before the break (38th). Flawless. Logically elected man of the match. Last year, Marcus Smith was courted by Racing 92, before extending to Quins. The best way to remain eligible for the XV de la Rose, which will be deprived, for the next Six Nations Tournament, of its usual playing master and captain Owen Farrell.
Last year, Siya Kolisi played in the Champions Cup for the first time. It was with the Durban Sharks and they reached the quarter-finals, where they were swept away by Stade Toulousain (54-20). This Sunday, the captain of the world champion Springboks returned to the now intercontinental competition under his new colors of Racing 92. A successful debut where the broad-banded flanker brought all his aggressiveness to the defense and his leadership to his teammates. He is even at the origin of the first Ile-de-France try, scored by Nolann Le Garrec (16th), by recovering a kick from Antoine Gibert and perfectly fixing the English defense. On several occasions, he then provided good relays in attack, which did not materialize subsequently. A solid match from the flagship recruit of Ciel et Blanc. But not enough…
Claw slashes
The Ile-de-France residents had a lot of difficulty entering their first match in the Champions Cup. In the first half, they were regularly overwhelmed by the pace imposed by the English. In Nanterre, the London club showed great dynamism – whether it was the forwards or the three-quarters – on the Arena pitch. Racing regularly had to plug the gaps and was only trailing 14-17 at the break, which seemed like a small miracle as the teammates of Marcus Smith and Joe Marler set their pace in this first act. In the second half, even if they managed to come back and take the lead, the Racingmen ended up giving up. Too fickle and plugged into alternating current.
After a notable debut in the Top 14, including a hat-trick against Toulon, the Englishman Henry Arundell was expected this Sunday against his compatriots Harlequins. Several British players had also made the trip to Nanterre to see (among other things) the new gem of English rugby. But the former London Irish player was rather disappointing this Sunday, never managing to make a difference thanks to his speed and the quality of his support. We rather saw the London three-quarters… Arriving this season at Ciel et Blanc, the versatile 21-year-old full-back or winger (10 caps) will extend his exile in France rather than going to Bath, revealed The Independent. He will therefore deprive himself of an international career with the XV de la Rose. But the Altosequan club is not going to complain…
They were announced to be moribund, internally, hit hard by serious financial worries. In the end, the English clubs hit hard for this first Champions Cup weekend. Only one defeat to deplore: that of Saracens who fell against the Pretoria Bulls (27-16). The South African provinces therefore remain undefeated on their lands since their integration into the major competition last year. For the rest, it’s almost flawless with the victories of Leicester, Bristol, Sale, Bath, Northampton, Exeter and therefore Harlequins. A nice grouped shot at 7/8 when the French only made a 2/8 with Bayonne still having a nice draw in Munster. Certainly the improvement in England remains to be confirmed, but it is a notable departure.