La Rochelle, the cold shower
Diminished by the absences of their internationals, including Grégory Alldritt or Antoine Hastoy, resting after the World Cup, the Rochelais are not making it at the start of the season.
Beaten at home by Castres (27-24) last weekend, this time they gave in to the promoted Oyonnaxien (19-17), who better managed the difficult weather conditions.
The reigning double European champions, weighed down by their failing conquest, will have to quickly pull themselves together to avoid falling too far behind in the race to the final phase.
“We need to revolt quickly. Something has to change quickly and I hope it’s not the coach,” declared Ronan O’Gara, the manager of the Maritimes, who fell to 12th place despite the defensive bonus point snatched at the end of the match. Small consolation.
Stade Français restarts
The Parisians raise their heads and take it back. Beaten for the first time this season in Bayonne last week (16-3), they moved forward on their home field against Castres (39-16).
This improved and authoritarian success allows them to regain first place in the ranking while waiting for the evening match (9:05 p.m.) between their neighbors Racing 92 and Lyon.
A successful first for the new coaching duo Laurent Labit and Karim Ghezal, who return to the championship after four years in the staff of the XV of France.
They undoubtedly appreciated the offensive festival of their team (six tries), including two doubles for the young hooker Lucas Peyresblanques and the South African center Jeremy Ward, and the try of the “revenant” Sekou Macalou.
Perpignan finally launches
The returns of internationals Maxime Lucu, Silipi Falatea and Louis Bielle-Biarrey, author of an essay, also did good for the Union Bordeaux-Bègles, victorious in Montpellier (26-13) under the eyes of Damian Penaud, acclaimed by the public of Chaban-Delmas.
His Blues, however, were not enough for Toulon, beaten in Perpignan (26-22) despite a try at the start of the match from Charles Ollivon on a pass to the foot of the Welsh opener Dan Biggar, injured in the back on the attempt to transformation.
>> The ranking of the top 14 by clicking here
A huge relief for Usap from former RCT coach Franck Azéma, who were the last team not to have won yet.
Clermont was able to tame the elements to pass seven tries in Bayonne (46-14). A third success in three matches in its Marcel-Michelin stadium to be confirmed on the road from now on.
Stade Toulouse, reinforced by its “Globalists” Melvyn Jaminet, holder, and Peato Mauvaka, captain, will travel on Sunday (9:05 p.m.) to Pau, leader of the ranking before the start of the day.
The results of the 5th day of top 14
Oyonnax 19-17 La Rochelle
Stade Français 39-16 Castres
Bordeaux Bègles 26-13 Montpellier
Perpignan 26-22 Toulon
Clermont 46-14 Bayonne
Racing 92 – Lyon (21h05)
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