Did you say shots on goal in rugby? Well, yes, those sessions with unbearable suspense also exist in the world of ovality. The latest was delivered on Saturday May 7, for a quarter-final of the European Cup of anthology between Stade Toulousain and Munster. Tied at the end of 80 minutes of play (24-24), the two teams went into overtime… Without succeeding in tipping the scales one way or the other.
The fate of the match therefore had to be decided on penalties, at the end of a breathtaking game: while Toulouse’s Antoine Dupont, Thomas Ramos and Romain Ntamack achieved a clear round, Ben Healy and Conor Murray Failed against the poles. Result, 4 shots on goal to 2 for the Stadium, and a place in the semi-finals, after a crazy meeting.
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Have you recovered from this breathtaking match? ??
Here are the four shots on goal that sealed the victory of the Red and Black ??
Relive the incredible match on video between the @StadeToulousain and Munster: https://t.co/fovPbWqFz2 pic.twitter.com/AO0mjGc5qx
— Champions Cup France (@ChampionsCup_FR) May 7, 2022
Rare are the rugby games that end like this. But France and Europe have nevertheless experienced some memorable ones.
Back to three of them.
April 16, 1995: Castres – Perpignan in the quarter-finals of the French championship
Since the appearance of the single pool in the French championship, during the 2000s, no meeting has ended in a penalty shootout. You have to go back to the 1994-1995 season, before the advent of professional rugby, to witness this.
During the quarter-final between Castres and Perpignan, in Nîmes, the two teams were tied after 80 minutes of play: 12-12 and four penalties everywhere.
The extensions do not decide between them either, since the two scorers, Cyril Savy for CO, and Eric Tréséné for Usap, each add one to their team ((15-15, ap).
It will not be necessary to wait very long before seeing a failure: under pressure, the Catalan opener Dominique Appy misses his first attempt. A failure that the Perpignanais pay very dearly, since Castres does not miss any of its shots on goal (5-4) and wins this quarter-final.
The CO will continue its good run, until the final, where it will be clearly beaten by Stade Toulousain (31-16).
READ ALSO. Rugby. Stade Toulousain qualified on penalties for the European Cup… But how does it work?
May 3, 2009: Leicester and Cardiff for a place in the European Cup final
On May 3, 2009, for the first time in the history of European competitions, a match ended in penalties. The European Cup semi-final pits Leicester against Cardiff Blues, unbeaten at home that season. At the break, the match was already very tight: 13-12 for Leicester. The English drive the point home after returning from the locker room, with a quick try from Geordan Murphy. They even run 14 points ahead, two converted tries.
But the Blues take advantage of a yellow card against Murphy to drop two balls in the in-goal, by Jamie Roberts and Tom James. At the final whistle, the two teams are tied (26-26).
Ditto after 110 minutes of play. The scorers therefore come forward for the penalty shootout, in front of 44,000 spectators gathered in the stands of the Millenium in Cardiff. At this time, the players all shoot from the same place on the pitch.
Johne Murphy misses Leicester’s fourth kick, giving the Blues the virtual advantage. But Tom James’s kick also misses. “We are dying! »ironically the English commentators.
Martyn Williams, third line in his state, is the seventh shooter to come forward. His ball flies to the left of the frame. Jordan Crane has the match ball between his feet, and does not miss it: Leicester wins 7-6 and goes to the final.
The Tigers will lose there against Leinster (16-19).
June 12, 2021: Biarritz-Bayonne, accession match to the Top 14
This Top 14 accession match between Biarritz and Bayonne probably won’t go down in history. In any case not for the first 80 minutes of play, completed on a pale 3-3. After extra time, the same fight, the two teams parted ways with a lackluster score of 6 everywhere.
The fate of the meeting is therefore taking shape on penalties. And there, a new legendary session awaits oval fans.
The first five shooters from both sides all hit their kicks, despite the bright sun in front of them. At 5-5, it’s the golden shot on goal: the first to miss says goodbye to his Top 14 dreams. The 5,000 spectators at the Parc des Sports d’Aguiléra, in Biarritz, hold their breath.
Aymeric Luc, revelation of the season (10 tries), Bayonne side, takes this sixth penalty… Which misses the posts. The Biarrots are already exulting, while they still have a shot on goal to ensure.
As a symbol, Captain Steffon Armitage comes forward, adjusts his shot… And the ball goes right between the poles (6-5). The lawn is invaded by Biarritz supporters, while Aymeric Luc collapsed, inconsolable on the meadow.
READ ALSO. Top 14. Perpignan and Biarritz, the historic return
Biarritz wins the Access Match, returns to the Top 14, seven years later… And sends its Bayonne rival back to Pro D2.
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