So, when will balance come into play for the Varois, or even continuity of performance without the notion of pitch? “We’ve already spent half of the season and in terms of standings we’re in very bad shape, it must be said, Jérémy Sinzelle jumped a little earlier in the week. So, going up, there will be great performances at home, but we will need to know how to do them away too to claim the top 6″.
“Bayonne, the team of the moment”
And that’s fine: if they then corrected the situation at home (29-7 against Bath then 21-3 against Lyon), the flock of the Mignoni-Azéma duo will want to prove they haven’t lost. . So, what better performance than that of Jean-Dauger, impregnable since the beginning of the season (6 victories in 6 games)? What more beautiful terrain than the one where Rochelais, Bordelais, Racingmen and other Tolosains have already fallen to validate this recovery of form?
“Bayonne are the team at the start of the season, they have taken over the center of the Var. They are fluid, they play rugby well, they are fun to watch and it is up to us to go there with intentions. And especially with the state of mind we showed for three meetings. »
Paia’aua and Kolbe return
To do so, and try to grab the third consecutive success in all competitions, the Varois will be able to count on two first-choice returns: the midfield regulator, Duncan Paia’aua (disqualified after the autumn tour then touched the calf) but above all electric Cheslin Kolbe (shot in the thigh in mid-November with the Springboks).
Returns all the more eagerly awaited as the two internationals were gaining momentum ahead of the international break. “We are waiting for them to come back as soon as possible and reunite for the squad,” explained manager Franck Azéma. What interests me is not their business card or their curriculum vitae, but the game they will play, the attitude they will have and the commitment they will put on the pitch and at the service of the team. »
Concluding with an away success would allow the Toulonnais to confirm their good form, to overtake their Bayonne opponent in the standings, to return to the top of the group and above all to end the year on a high note. Otherwise, one defeat and they would fall back into the classic pattern, strong at home, fragile away. For the RCT, this last game of the year is nearly double or nothing.
