2023-12-03 00:48:08
It was almost nothing for Racing to lose this Saturday evening, in addition to a defeat in Clermont (23-18), its position as leader of the Top 14. The Ciel et Blanc, largely in the lead, were finally managed to snatch the defensive bonus point after a try in the 78th minute. In the standings, Racing 92 therefore has 29 points, one more than Toulon and Castres after nine days.
After its two victories against Stade Français (13-9) and against La Rochelle (32-10), the Ile-de-France club stopped its encouraging series. This is probably explained by a deadline: the start of the European Cup, on December 10, for the reception of Harlequins. While the Racingmen have the imperative to start this competition on the ground, the starting XV concocted by Stuart Lancaster left a large part to the preservation of its executives. No Siya Kolisi, nor Gaël Fickou, Henry Arundell, Juan Imhoff or even Nolann Le Garrec.
Waking up too late
The lack of automation was quickly noticeable. After 18 minutes, Racing was already down 14-0 after tries from George Moala and Bautista Delguy. To further darken the picture, despite himself, fly-half Tristan Tedder was guilty of a tackle without the ball on Urdapilleta and received a yellow. The Ciel et Blanc returned to the locker room with a deficit of 11 points (17-6).
The second half saw Racing deliver better opposition. Initially, the Ile-de-France residents were unable to materialize their few highlights, like Klemenczak’s missed pass, intercepted by Bazy at the end of long phases of play in the 22 (55th). Kitione Kamikamica’s try, transformed by Tedder (20-13, 71st), gave new momentum to the match in the last ten minutes.
Benjamin Urdapilleta’s penalty (23-13, 75th) did not dampen Racing’s hopes. In a burst of pride, Donovan Taofifenua flattened him into a corner (23-18, 78th). Clermont was scared, but the Auvergnats narrowly escaped and moved up to 8th place.
#Top #beaten #Clermont #Racing #saves #leadership #position #wire