Montpellier cannot do it: even with its French internationals, the MHR lost to Bordeaux-Bègles (23-22) and remains stuck at the bottom of the table during a 10th day of the Top 14 marked by the tribute to Christophe Dominici, who died suddenly on Tuesday. The UBB has imposed itself on the wire (23-22) in the Hérault thanks to the New Zealander Ben Lam, author of a decisive test (77th) after a framing-overflow on Arthur Vincent.
Montpellier however presented itself seriously reinforced with its Blues – Vincent Rattez, Arthur Vincent, Paul Willemse, Mohamed Haouas – back, as well as the South Africans Jacques du Plessis and Johan Goosen. In the absence of Handré Pollard, still injured, the staff certainly took a risk by offering a first tenure to the very young (18 years) opener Louis Foursans-Bourdette. But the rest of the workforce has considerable experience.
Penalized by injuries, duplicates but also postponements (3), the club of Mohed Altrad does not take off (11th). Unlike UBB, which gleans a 4th victory over the last 5 matches, the second away from Castres where it already won at the finish (30-29). The team of Christophe Urios, 7th, glued to the top 6.
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La Rochelle wins but could have hoped for better
The La Rochelle leader, failing to have completely secured his offensive bonus, came out frustrated with his victory at home against a catchy Brive (36-22), on Saturday, on the occasion of the 10th day of the Top 14 which he dominates always. Serious for an hour, the men of Jono Gibbes sped towards a quiet victory after their 5th try signed by their back Leyds – against only one then for the CABCL registered on interception by Buliruarua (38).
But the Brivists have values and finished stronger and fairer in the finish with two late tries from Douglas (71st) and Delarue (76th) leaving a taste of unfinished business in the leader. This end should not make us forget the maritime success, the eighth in ten days for the return of the international Alldritt, captain for a day who participated in the recital with a test (49th). Coujoux side, we did not have too many illusions during this trip on the coast. Without a solution in the first period, Jeremy Davidson’s players waited for the last ten minutes to break the local lock, which had hardly let anything go until the hour mark (36-10).
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Even diminished, Toulouse crushes Agen
Nine trials for two: the full number of points made at Ernest-Wallon allows Ugo Mola’s team to regain the 2nd place snatched on Friday by Clermont, also a winner at Castres. To the detriment of the training of his former co-trainer Régis Sonnes, who came to the rescue of Agen who still has not won a match after 10 days. After its success in Pau (22-16), Stade Toulousain confirms that its slump in the fall – three unsuccessful matches – was linked to the absence of its French internationals – up to 8 representatives in Marcoussis – and a busy infirmary.
This is his first enhanced victory since the success obtained in mid-October in Brive (36-16). Even without Romain Ntamack (injured), or Antoine Dupont and Julien Marchand (at rest), and with still a whole first line mobilized by the XV of France, in addition to Matthis Lebel, reservist against Italy, it has not had to force his talent to outclass Agenais weakened by injuries. The fight was already not level at the grassroots. Agen, cornered in defense, was logically pushed to the fault and suffered the double penalty of the penalty tests (35th and 51st) and concomitant yellow cards (Gauthier Maravat and Romain Briatte).
Unsurprisingly, it was therefore a festival of essays to which Yoann Huget contributed, author of an interception on the first test signed Pierre Fouyssac (8th), Guitoune, as a soloist on the second (19th) like Ramos (39th) on the fourth after having ascended all the ground. A winning crossing to celebrate his return to the club. Also back after a month and a half without playing, Cheslin Kolbe, who succeeded him at the hour mark, was first noticed by a bad rebound which allowed the Agenais to register a second try by Noel Reid (66th). Before paravacher the demonstration by registering the 9th and last attempt (80th).
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