The life-saving returns of the internationals Woki and Lucu, an impressive Waisea but also the umpteenth yellow card from Latu and a Top 6 which moves away to Paris: find our Tops/Flops after Stade Français-Bordeaux (18-31).
Tops :
Cameron Woki: the return that feels good
After the Grand Slam won with the Blues last weekend, it’s a successful return to business for the Bordelais. Lined up at the post of 2e line, as in the France team, the young colossus shone on the lawn of Jean-Bouin. Defensively first. Through his power in the counter-rucks, he helped to annihilate a good number of Parisian offensives, especially at the end of the match. He also stood out offensively thanks to a test worthy of a whipping back for the one who measures 1.96m for 103kg. His devastating run after good work from Cordero demonstrated the full physicality of a player, undulled by the Six Nations Tournament. A capital benefit for a saving return.
Maxime Lucu like a fish in water
He too returned to the banks of the Garonne crowned with the title in the Six Nations Tournament. Confined to the role of lining Antoine Dupont in blue, the scrum half found the UBB in an indisputable starting role this Saturday. The 29-year-old has perfectly returned the trust placed in him to Christophe Urios. Very effective in managing the highlights and weak times of his team, he only trembled a little against the poles (6/9). Originally the test of Cameron Woki, it is he who transmits to Cordero after good defensive coverage. A boss this Saturday night.
Waisea not rewarded
Despite the defeat of his family, it is impossible not to mention the XXL performance of the 3/4 Parisian center. Impressive in the first act, he managed to falter the Girondins almost single-handedly. First on Etien’s test where he transmits wonderfully after contact with Hamdaoui, then on the 2e stadium achievement signed by this same Hamdaoui where he gets rid of, with disconcerting ease, the tackle of Gatien Massé. A high-flying match that deserved a better outcome for the Fijian.
End of series for the UBB!
It was urgent to extinguish the fire. Handicapped by numerous absences, that of Jalibert in the lead, the Bordelais remained on a series of 5 consecutive defeats in the Top 14. Undisputed leader before this spiral, they had to cede the throne of leader to Montpellier. “ We are not playing well, we are not physically ready in our rugby “, railed manager Christophe Urios in early March after a defeat against Pau (16-23). This Saturday, the Bordelais held up well physically in the face of repeated but imprecise assaults from the Parisians. Above all, they have returned to the success they had not known since January 29! And took the opportunity to return to two points behind the Montpellier leader. A nice breath of fresh air.
Flops :
Latu, yellow card profession
Excluded 10 minutes in the first period, the Australian hooker from Stade Français had an experience far from unprecedented this season. With this new yellow card, he brought his total to 5 warnings this season. No player does worse in the French championship. Back on the field, he tried to initiate the Parisian revolt by resisting several tackles (67e). But overall, he suffered against the dominating Bordeaux pack this Saturday. Sanctioned for loss of downforce (79e), he wasted the last ammunition of the Stadistes.
Stadistes way too messy
Put in difficulty by the Bordeaux awakening in the second half and quickly left behind in the score, Gonzalo Quesada’s men did try to get back into the game but in a way that was far too imprecise and disorderly. Too often penalized in the last 20 minutes, the players in pink took risks to try to get closer to their opponents. In vain. Despite faster and more rhythmic attacks in the finish, they sometimes gave the feeling of being too rushed.
The Top 6 moves away for Stade Français
The equation was simple for the Parisians this Saturday: above all not to lose to avoid dropping out in the race for the final stages. And Gonzalo Quesada’s players lost. 11e 8 points from Toulouse 6ethey arguably said goodbye to their last Top 6 hopefuls.” It compromises everything “, recognized at the microphone of Canal + the captain Paul Gabrillagues, shot. While there are only 5 days left before the end of the regular season, the Stadistes must now achieve a faultless and hope for missteps from their opponents. And it starts next weekend during the derby against Racing.