2023-06-18 09:29:14
The poster promised mountains and wonders between the two teams playing well above the fray this season in the Top 14. Between Stade Toulouse, first in the regular phase of the championship, and Stade Rochelais, second but already crowned with a European title, some gazettes announced a “ideal final” of the Top 14, others “game of the century”. We know, however, when the expectation is immense, that the disappointment is often no less so, the stakes, in the end, stifling the best intentions.
This Saturday, June 17 at the Stade de France, the Rouge et Noir and the Maritimes did indeed play one of the densest finals of the last twenty years. A meeting of a monster intensity, with starved actors, devoured by the desire to overturn the table and eat everything, from start to finish. La Rochelle to clinch their first Brennus Shield, finally, and start really marking their territory. Toulouse to further enrich an unequaled record of 22e title, and take back this trophy that the Haut-Garonne club never likes to see away from the Capitol for too long, even if its last national title dates back only to 2021.
A tough fight
From the outset it was therefore a question of physical challenge and frontal opposition. The spaces where the poets of the game could enjoy themselves were more than limited. The power of the Rochelais responded to the very aggressive defense of Toulouse. Shocking shocks, dantesque tackles, a fierce fight in the regroupings to scrape balloons, no one, ever, leaving their share to the dog. Each in turn snatched his piece, and, at half-time, the score was perfectly shared: 13-13. It was rough but interesting, because rugby is a combat sport, today as yesterday.
But the second half was soon to tip the scales on one side, that of the Rochelais. The Atlantic club is no longer this tender suitor who shudders at the idea of realizing his dreams. For two years, he has imposed his law in European competition, and therefore knows how to win, even punishing his opponents, like the Irish of Leinster, yet experts in the field. Obviously, this year, the Rochelais no longer had any complex against the Toulouse, even though the latter could claim eight victories in their last nine confrontations. “If we play our game, no team can beat us”assured before the match the Rochelais strategist Ronan O’Gara.
The sudden inspiration of Romain Ntamack
And, in fact, by winning in melee and in most phases of conquest, the La Rochelle forwards gradually nibbled away at Toulouse’s enthusiasm. Yes, dominators, the Rochelais were. But without really definitively extinguishing Toulouse. Fatal mistake. Would a four-point advantage, 26-22, be enough? You could believe it when Romain Ntamack, at the 75e minute, unscrewed a kick to find the touch and perhaps offer a match point to Toulouse. “For me, the final was then over”, will later tell the Toulouse opener. Luckily his teammates got him back on track, because two minutes from the end, it was he who, on a sudden inspiration, found the fault and made up for his mistake with a decisive breakthrough from 60 meters. 29-26, the unexpected turnaround completed this high-flying final.
But the result is cruel for the Rochelais. “If it had been them tonight, it would be the same. They should be congratulated.”sportingly underlined Toulouse hooker Julien Marchand at the final whistle. “You can’t be a good champion without a good opponent”, supported Toulouse full-back Thomas Ramos. The Rochelais will obviously not be satisfied with the tribute. They failed again against Toulouse, they did not conquer this Everest which is the double championship of France-European Cup. Part postponed no doubt. The frustration must be immense. The Shield returns to Toulouse. Once again. Since 2008, Toulouse have played six Top 14 finals. They have won them all.
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