This Racing – Toulon will not go down in history for its intensity and beauty. The stakes took precedence over the offensive intentions of the two teams, and in this little game, the Racingmen had the last word. However, a try refused to Gabin Villière in the first period could have made this poster take off.
Usually the closing match of the Top 14 allowed rugby lovers not to succumb to the famous Sunday evening blues, especially when it was played at the Paris la Défense Arena. This was not the case between Racing and Toulon, two teams which have not yet found their cruising speed in this championship. This famous synthetic pitch where all madness is usually permitted, seemed very greasy this time.
However, before the half hour mark, the Toulonnais had finally found speed and Gabin Villière, well shifted at the end of the line, celebrated his return in the RCT jersey with dignity after a knee injury which had kept him away from the field since mid-January. With this achievement, Pierre Mignoni’s men returned to the height before the transformation, and with two tries, the meeting could finally get carried away and have something in store for us other than a long-distance goalscoring duel between Jaminet and Tedder.
Ribbans’ obstruction
At first glance, this launch of play after touch from the Varois seemed sublime and perfectly negotiated by Enzo Hervé, but a call for video changed the situation. Indeed, the images clearly showed David Ribbans guilty of obstructing Fabien Sanconnie, preventing the latter from defending against Toulon number 10.
Mathieu Raynal did not hesitate for a second and the Varois were penalized for this obstruction. Racing could then break free and Tristan Tedder penalized a few minutes later the Toulonnais who were far too undisciplined to hope for anything. From possibly 8 to 10, the huge screen at the Paris la Défense Arena showed 11 to 3 for Stuart Lancaster’s men.
Toulon imprecise, Racing courageous
Too often at fault, Teddy Baubigny’s teammates also faltered in the last gesture to restart the match and stay in contact with Racingmen, courageous in defense and opportunistic thanks to Tedder’s boot. “As soon as we try to play, after three phases of play, we go forwardcursed the Var hooker at the Canal + microphone at half-time. This made for a choppy, very mixed first period. You have to get started with very simple things. And it will work.”
Unfortunately for Baubigny and the RCT, the scenario of the match has not changed. Without being extraordinary, Racing put an end to five consecutive defeats and returned to sixth place in the ranking. On the other hand, it will be necessary to do a lot more for the Toulonnais if they want to enter the 6 and apply for a place in the final phase at the end of the season.
2024-03-11 22:18:09
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