TOPS
The young Racing opener does not have the flashiest name in the Racing back line but he was decisive during Racing’s improved victory against La Rochelle (32-10). Good manager throughout the meeting with his partner Nolann Le Garrec, he shone with his kicking game and his presence in the hand game. Author of several crosses aimed at his wingers, he made perfect use of the free space left by the Rochelais behind their defense. He also proved decisive by scoring a try inspired by Le Garrec (31′) and by supporting Spring before serving Arundell for the bonus try (78′).
What a joy for the Ciel et Blanc to have two players like that in their ranks. This Sunday, Woki and Lauret left nothing to their opponents on the sidelines. It’s simple: Racing did not lose a single touch during the entire meeting while the Rochelais suffered counterattacks from the two masters of the air six times. A domination in touch which simplified the Racing match unlike the scrum, which was more difficult. Aside from the touchline, the two players showed themselves to be true to themselves with a lot of activity, particularly on the defensive level (100% successful tackles).
FLOPS
A gesture that is expensive. Teddy Thomas put an end to Rochelais’ hopes very early in the game. With a bad move, apparently involuntary, on Nolann le Garrec, the Rochelais winger left his partners at 14 against 15 for almost an hour. Too difficult to hope for anything after that for a Rochelle team already in difficulty. Before his red card, the international winger had especially stood out defensively with large free spaces behind his back and poor placement on Racing’s first try (4th). He could miss several weeks after his action.
The Ciel et Blanc can be happy to come away with five points from this match. With 17 penalties conceded, having conceded only 10 points is a feat… Or a lack of efficiency from Rochelais. Numerous avoidable errors, particularly in the rucks, and a struggling scrum in the second half gave the Rochelais opportunities to come back. It could have been worse if certain refereeing decisions had gone the other way. Particularly during the action of Judicaël Cancoriet (40′) where Juan Imhoff does not release his opponent to the ground and prevents the third row from La Rochelle from giving continuity to the game very close to the Racing line. A point to work on for Stuart Lancaster.