Bayonne, thanks to a brace from the ever-present Sireli Maqala, confirmed its excellent dynamism and its new seasonal status in front of its fans with a prestigious victory over Toulouse (12-8), on Sunday at the end of the ninth day of the Top 14 rugby .
Fresh from Pro D2, Aviron Bayonnais created a surprise in 2023 by finishing in eighth place after having been in the running for qualification to the final stage for a long time. The Basque club, accustomed for years to being the elevator between the elite and the lower division, is now fourth in the table and its presence among the big teams is no longer entirely an inconsistency.
On Sunday, in prime time, he claimed the scalp of the reigning French and European champions, and a fourth consecutive victory that begins to make him an increasingly credible candidate for the top 6 in June.
Stade Toulouse has been deprived of eight of its French internationals, led by Antoine Dupont, who was retained with the French XV in Marcoussis for the autumn tests.
But he had enough good players on the scoresheet, including Juan Cruz Mallia, Jack Willis and Anthony Jelonch, released from the Blues staff, to be able to compete.
We must therefore not take anything away from the merit of the Bayonnese, who found the necessary ingredients, as often at home, to upset Toulouse, still leaders thanks to the bonus point won on Basque soil.
We have two weeks of rest ahead of us
Initially they showed a lot of intensity and commitment, like their opponent, who earned Jelonch a yellow card, bordering on red, for a high tackle on his counterpart Giovanni Habek-Küffner. They were also more realistic than Toulouse, whose territorial dominance remained sterile until Fijian winger Setareki Bituniyata’s try in the 10th minute.
Bayonne, for its part, had scored on its first foray into the opponents’ 22 metres, from another Fijian, Maqala (15th), who scored again two minutes from the end, thanks to a beautiful dive, while the Rouge et Noir had taken the lead a penalty from Blair Kinghorn.
With this brace, the Bayonne center is now the only top scorer in the league with eight tries in as many games.
Despite the eighth minute loss of their captain and second rower Arthur Iturria, hit in the left shoulder, the Basques were rewarded for their defensive solidarity and combativeness.
The next two weeks of rest during the international window will definitely not be enough to recover from this fight.
Time.news Editor: Welcome to our interview today! We’re joined by rugby expert Dr. Emily Fournier, who has been following the Top 14 closely and has a great understanding of its dynamics. Emily, thank you for being here.
Dr. Emily Fournier: Thank you for having me! It’s always a pleasure to discuss rugby, especially during such an exciting season.
Time.news Editor: Let’s dive right in. Aviron Bayonnais made headlines last Sunday with a surprising win over Toulouse. What do you think contributed to their performance in that match?
Dr. Emily Fournier: Bayonne’s success was largely due to their revitalized team spirit and strategic gameplay. Sireli Maqala’s brace was crucial, showcasing not just individual talent but also a well-executed game plan that took advantage of their home ground energy.
Time.news Editor: Absolutely, it was a significant victory. This win also positions Bayonne fourth in the table, a remarkable leap given their recent history. How do you see their transition from Pro D2 to being a top contender?
Dr. Emily Fournier: It’s impressive, indeed. Bayonne’s journey from being seen as an “elevator” club—oscillating between divisions—to now contending with the elites speaks volumes about their development. They’ve not only improved their recruitment but also their training methodologies, which have fostered a more competitive edge.
Time.news Editor: Speaking of competition, Stade Toulouse has been missing key players like Antoine Dupont due to international commitments. How much do you think this impacted their performance?
Dr. Emily Fournier: Missing eight internationals is substantial for any team, especially for one as strong as Toulouse. While they fielded quality players like Juan Cruz Mallia and Jack Willis, the absence of experienced leaders can disrupt team cohesion and strategy, which Bayonne exploited effectively.
Time.news Editor: That makes sense. Bayonne seems to have found a winning formula at home. What do you attribute this trend to?
Dr. Emily Fournier: Playing at home provides a significant advantage—familiarity with the pitch and the support from local fans can dramatically boost players’ performances. Additionally, Bayonne has often proven to be a formidable opponent at home, often drawing energy from the crowd, which can psychologically affect their rivals.
Time.news Editor: With Bayonne currently in a strong position, what do you predict for their season moving forward?
Dr. Emily Fournier: If they maintain this momentum and continue to capitalize on their strengths, I believe they can secure a spot in the top six—meaning qualification for the playoffs could very much be within reach. Their recent victories show they’re not just a flash in the pan; this team is building credibility.
Time.news Editor: It’s exciting to think about the potential for Bayonne in the leagues! any advice for fans looking to understand what to watch for as the season progresses?
Dr. Emily Fournier: Absolutely. Keep an eye on player performances and how teams adapt to injuries and international commitments. Also, watch the upcoming fixtures that could be pivotal for playoff positions. Teams like Bayonne thrive under pressure, and it will be fascinating to see how they handle the challenges ahead.
Time.news Editor: Thank you, Emily! Your insights are invaluable as we navigate through this thrilling season. We look forward to watching how the rest of the Top 14 unfolds.
Dr. Emily Fournier: Thank you for having me! Let’s hope for some more exciting matches ahead.
