2023-06-09 23:21:51
17 minutes. This is the time during which Racing 92 will have been able to compete with Stade Toulouse. It’s too little, of course, in this high level rugby which does not support the slightest hand fault, the slightest drop in intensity for 80 minutes. This inconstant Racing is not at the level of the Toulouse Stadium. We suspected it before the match, we had the severe confirmation on the lawn of Anoeta, in San Sebastián, the scene of a Basque coup by the Rouge et Noir.
The partners of Antoine Dupont qualified for the final of the Top 14, next week at the Stade de France, by crushing the Sky and White (41-14). The observation is relentless: Racing 92, regular in the final stages for 13 seasons, has never tasted the Stade de France for a Top 14 final (its 2016 title had been obtained in Barcelona). It still won’t be for this year.
During this first American quarter of an hour, we will have seen the Rouge et Noir and the Ciel et Blanc turn around, attack each other, respond to each other, in their ferocity as in their imperfections. The balls scratched on the ground followed the touches pilfered in the air, Woki rivaled Cros and Chat with Marchand. Pointed out for the weakness of its pack and its intermittent commitment throughout the year, Racing seemed stung at the start of the match.
The revival of Ntamack, the chistera of Dupont
And then, wham, Toulouse talent made the difference. Where we expected the flashes of Antoine Dupont, it was first Matthis Lebel, relegated to the hierarchy of the XV of France, who remembered the good memories of Fabien Galthié, 12 days from the announcement. of his first list of 42 players for the World Cup in France.
The winger trained in Lombez Samatan in the Gers plants the first Toulouse test in the middle of a forest of Racingmen. Imitated a few moments later by another X factor that we haven’t finished hearing about, Emmanuel Meafou, an overpowering second line who scored his 12th try of the season… more than any other Toulousain.
Returning to the locker room with their suitcases full at the break (20-0, after two penalties from Ramos, impeccable), Racing changed half of their pack. But the result is the same. And when the players of Laurent Travers, who would have dreamed of another performance for his last match as manager, have the bad idea to return the ball to the Toulouse geniuses, it is the punishment. Ramos and Ntamack offer themselves an 80m raise, Antoine Dupont delivers a brilliant chistera pass to Arthur Retière, and the defeat turns into a historic correction.
“Rugby is a very fair sport, you get what you deserve, analyzed the hot Racing winger Juan Imhoff, at the microphone of Canal +. They beat us everywhere. “Supreme humiliation, the Toulouse stars Dupont and Ntamack are replaced from the hour of play. A relaxation which allows the Ile-de-France residents to save honor twice, too late.
After the “Tou-lou-sains, Tou-lou-sains” that resounded under the noisy roof of Anoeta, a “Penia Baiona”, to the glory of the Bleus et Blancs de l’Aviron Bayonnais, nearby, also goes up stands. But the Sky and White of Racing, they sank without really revolting. And that’s probably the most worrying thing.
Dots
TOULOUSE – RACING 92 : 41-14
Half-time: 20-0.
Toulouse. 5 tries (Lebel 18th, Meafou 23rd, Roumat 50th, Retière 58th, Cros 80th). 5 transformations (Ramos 19th, 24th, 51st, 59th, 80th + 1). 2 penalties (Ramos 33rd, 40th + 2).
Racing 92. 2 tries (Fickou 71st, Diallo 76th). 2 conversions (Russell 71st, 76th).
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