Oscar Jegou on his return, Will Skelton becoming a winger and the very slow pace of the match… The tops and flops of Stade Rochelais’ victory over Stade Français
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Applauded and positive return for Oscar Jegou
It was one of the attractions of this meeting between Stade Rochelais and Stade Français (35-18). Four months after the Mendoza affair began, Oscar Jegou returned to the Top 14 with La Rochelle. Applauded by his fans when the teams were announced, he delivered a good copy. Although some physical difficulties were to be expected with truncated preparation, he responded from the first to the last minute. As well as his 100% tackles (12/12), he was decisive in Teddy Thomas’s try by slipping the ball to Leyds for the penultimate pass and most importantly he scored the bonus try on the hour mark before seeing his name spelled out as Marcel Deflandre. The 21-year-old responded with his fingers…
«It’s very nice for everyone, especially the fans, to see Oscar perform like that. They are Vincent Merling and Pierre Venayre (president and general director of Stade Rochelais, ed.) who decided that it was his time to play. I had no opinion because these were things dictated above me. Afterwards it was obvious to let him go because he is a classy player», commented Ronan O’Gara after the meeting on Canal +.
Skelton can do it all
We already knew him for his power, his disconcerting technique with the ball in hand in certain actions or even his ability to destroy opposing mauls… We discovered a new talent in him this Saturday evening: that of finishing actions like a wing. Served by a pass at the feet of Dulin on the sideline, the gigantic Australian second row accelerated before finishing like a bulldozer on two totally defenseless Parisian defenders. Despite the minor scare to his knee, he held out until the 73rd minute and also achieved 100% in his tackles (10/10).
Carbonel limited the damage
If Stade Français was ahead at half-time, it was above all thanks to their opener, impassive in front of the posts with a 6/6. Although he did not shine with the animation of his defensive lines, Louis Carbonel perfectly applied the game plan desired by his staff with an occupation largely in favor of the Stade Français in the first period before the situation changed completely for the French stadium.
Stade Français failed to adapt
The game plan was right. With the support of the wind, Stade Français dominated the match in the first period with a false rhythm that suited them perfectly until the start of the match in La Rochelle. Forced to try to carry out the occupation even against the wind, the Parisians were quickly asphyxiated in their camp under the pressure of La Rochelle. At half-time everything changed and Sekou Macalou’s teammates never managed to reverse the trend, except in the last five minutes, when the score was already made. Too late.
A slow pace, very slow
This is also what follows from the Stade Français game plan; but this Saturday evening this meeting bored us for a long time. An initial period of extreme poverty where the intersections of the two teams could be counted on the fingers of one hand. Teddy Thomas’ try aside, the minutes were long as demonstrated by this Marcel Deflandre stadium which was too dim due to lack of play. If there was better in the second act with some sparks lit by Rochelais, we were still hoping for another show.
Interview: An Insight into the Match between Stade Rochelais and Stade Français
Editor: Welcome back to Time.news! Today, we’re diving into the recent Top 14 match between Stade Rochelais and Stade Français, which ended in a 35-18 victory for La Rochelle. Joining us is rugby expert, Dr. Emily Carter, who specializes in sports analysis and performance. Welcome, Dr. Carter!
Dr. Carter: Thank you! I’m excited to discuss this match and delve into the performances of both teams.
Editor: Let’s start with Oscar Jegou’s much-anticipated return after the Mendoza affair. How significant was his performance in this match, particularly considering his four-month absence?
Dr. Carter: Jegou’s return is monumental not just for him but for Stade Rochelais as a whole. He delivered an impressive performance: 12 successful tackles and a crucial bonus try! Given his time away from the game, his ability to maintain high standards speaks to his mental and physical resilience. The fans’ reaction—applauding him upon his name being called—shows just how valued he is. Ronan O’Gara’s comments about trusting in Jegou’s capabilities underscore that he is seen as a “classy player,” and that was evident throughout the match.
Editor: Absolutely! The emotional aspect of his return cannot be understated. Moving on to Will Skelton, we witnessed him finishing plays much like a winger. What does this versatility bring to his position?
Dr. Carter: Skelton’s ability to take on different roles on the field is impressive. Standing at 2 meters tall and weighing around 140 kilograms, he usually dominates in the second row, but to see him finish plays like a winger showcases his surprising agility and skills. This versatility adds an extra layer of unpredictability to the team’s playstyle. It forces defensive players to adapt rapidly, which can create openings elsewhere on the field.
Editor: That’s an interesting point. It also proves how important adaptability is in modern rugby. Let’s touch on Stade Français for a moment. Despite the defeat, Louis Carbonel stood out with his kicking accuracy, keeping the team in contention at halftime. What impact does a strong kicker have on a team’s morale?
Dr. Carter: A reliable kicker like Carbonel can be the backbone during tough matches. His perfect record from the posts—6 out of 6—ensures that even if tries aren’t being scored, the scoreboard still reflects competitiveness. This can have a twofold effect: it keeps the team’s morale buoyed and pressures the opposing team. Carbonel’s steady performance likely gave Stade Français belief that they could turn the tide at some point.
Editor: That’s a vital perspective! Lastly, the match itself was described as having a ”very slow pace.” What do you think were the reasons behind this, and how can it affect the outcome of a game?
Dr. Carter: A slow pace can often stem from various factors: the teams’ tactical approaches, weather conditions, or player fatigue. In this case, we saw a couple of players, like Skelton, who had minor injuries that could lead to more conservative play. A slow pace can hinder the attacking side’s momentum. If one team is unable to shift gears or break through the opposing defense, it often leads to frustrating standoffs, which can eventually tip the scales in favor of the more adaptable team—like Stade Rochelais in this instance.
Editor: Thank you for your expert insights, Dr. Carter! It’s always fascinating to explore the intricacies of the game. Looking ahead, what should we keep an eye on as the season progresses?
Dr. Carter: Definitely watch for how teams adapt their strategies mid-game. The versatility of players, like Jegou and Skelton, could become a defining feature in their future matches. Also, how easily teams can shift from defensive to attacking modes will be key in the closely contested Top 14.
Editor: Great points! Thank you again for joining us, Dr. Carter. That wraps up our discussion for today, and we look forward to more thrilling matches ahead!
Dr. Carter: Thank you for having me! I’m looking forward to the rest of the season as well!