Tops
26 points out of 30 possible pocketed at home: at Ernest-Wallon, or at the Stadium, the French champion reigns supreme when he plays at home. This Saturday evening’s game was no exception to the rule, and explains why the Haut-Garonne team is first in the Top 14 in the ranking of the most successful teams at home. It remains to apply this success on the road to move up from 4th place to the first two places directly qualifying for the semi-finals of the championship (Racing 92, 1st, is eight points behind).
33-0. The Toulouse residents did not do anything by half measures during the last 40 minutes. Returning motivated after an average first act, they gave five tests to the Lyonnais who quickly gave up. Meafou (44th), Lebel (57th), Ramos (64th), Mauvaka (68th), and Dupont (80th) each in turn brought the crowds to their feet. The latter was even able to make happy a young supporter who came from far away to see her idol.
A week after the heavy setback in La Rochelle (29-8), the Stade internationals made their return. Dupont, Ramos, Jelonch, Cros, Arnold… They all started the game purring, without managing to put any binder into their actions. Like their teammates, they stepped up their game during the second act and proved their good form.
In the heart of a match where his slaughter was equal to his standards, Anthony Jelonch stood out, and not via a devastating tackle. No, the international third row achieved a classy 50-22. At the entrance to his own 22 meters, and after a turnover, the former Castres kicked like a professional opener. The ball deceived the Lyon defenders, and went into touch to obtain a throw. Splendid.
Flops
The Sunday morning hangover promises to be particularly violent for the Lyonnais. Throughout the meeting, they presented a face of surprising weakness. While they were in the lead of the Top 14 last season, under the leadership of Xavier Garbajosa, here they are in a sad place in the roadblock. The zero on the scoreboard is the terrible symbol of this lack of ambition.
Worse than their 13th and penultimate place in the ranking, the Rhone residents have the worst record outside the championship. They have still not won a single match, and have only brought home one defensive bonus (to Racing 92: 22 to 20). Niniashvili and co even have a difference of -167 away. And the full infirmary is not enough to justify the latest services. The pressure on Fabien Gengenbacher is likely to increase in the weeks to come…
